The Coton de Tuléar is a small, bright-eyed companion with a big personality and an even bigger heart. Known for their soft, “cottony” coat and cheerful expression, Cotons often look like they’re smiling right up at their people—and honestly, they usually are. With their playful, clown-like nature, they have a way of becoming the center of attention wherever they go. If you’re looking for a constant companion, this is your breed—a Coton will happily follow you from room to room, always close by and ready to be part of whatever you’re doing. Want a shadow? A Coton is more than happy to volunteer!

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The breed standard for the Coton De Tulear, calls for small but sturdy dogs, typically standing about 9–11 inches tall and carrying themselves with a light, effortless gait that almost looks like they’re floating. Their bodies are slightly longer than they are tall, giving them that charming, balanced look, and a weight that is between 8-15lbs. (Our lines tend to be lighter, averaging between 10-13lbs at adult weight)Their eyes are dark, round, and full of expression—always alert, always engaged—and their ears are gently dropped, blending into that signature soft coat.

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And oh, that coat! It’s what truly sets the Coton apart. The breed standard calls for a soft, dry, cotton-like texture—never silky or heavy—giving them that fluffy, cloud-like appearance everyone falls in love with. While they are primarily white, you may see gentle touches of color, especially on the ears, adding just a bit of personality to their look. At Catawba Cotons, we are especially passionate about preserving and producing those beautiful, show-quality coats—full of that lush, airy softness that defines the breed.

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Simply put, the Coton de Tuléar is a delightful mix of beauty, charm, and devotion—a little dog with a whole lot of personality wrapped up in a soft, cottony coat.