Hello!
When contacted by an individual, or family member I always ask how they learned of the breed and what they are seeking.
From that point of the inquiry, the next question is gender. With any breed of dog, males are cheaper than females because males are more common in the ratio of births than females in almost all breeds— subsequently, fewer females are born vs. male puppies. For some reason, I have never understood after many years of involvement with animals why the demand for females is extremely, extremely high.
Normally, we have deposits and puppy agreements signed and deposits on hand for females before conception and birth. If you want a female be sure to contact us ASAP.
The biggest shock that people are stunned to learn—female dogs do mark their territory —- they are not as bold about their actions as males are. If the male is outside that should not present an issue, but relieving themselves in a house is a sign of poor housebreaking methods. Females create the most unbelievable body positions and movements that to this day I find bizarre and at times funny the positions they develop.
Sadly, many exquisite males are passed by. But still end up in grand new homes.
We have several families with two of our male Cotons.
I dearly love my Coton’s, but the male dogs — don’t have the traits of a female dog. Females tend to be self-reliant, aloof, and more determined than male dogs — that is any breed, plus their actions are more like cats. I have never lived with a cat as I am extremely allergic to them, but I have visited many homes and saw for myself many cats, quickly see the grand comparison. Again, my girls are trained well and are perfect — it is a different owner-dog relationship. Love them all the same, simply my life experience and opinion.
Between the show ring, obedience training, and puppyhood training male dogs are more receptive to commands and training. Again, this applies to any breed of dog.
Cotons are always willing to please and be a true companion breed there is no denying that.
Below you will find an outline of the true Coton de Tulear from our life experience with the breed since 1999.
Over the years, we have had people complain, and some customers want to return a retiree because the Coton would follow them in the house, rest next to their feet while sitting, or want to snuggle on the sofa with the owners. I explain clearly to each inquiry that the Coton de Tulear is a COMPANION DOG, not a trophy dog for show.
Recently we encountered feedback regarding a retiree, and the comments nearly knocked me off my dining room chair — the dog was bothering the new owner [ a five-year-old retiree from our breeding program] The Coton wanted to sit next to the new owner and follow her in the house. The woman said she is in and out of her home all day and evening —- doesn’t want to sit with the dog. There was a sense of despair, so we rescued the Coton with the help of a puppy nanny.
Our Coton retirees know the word/command of “down” to lay down. “Come” to come to you in any situation. They are wire caged and trained to sleep at night and if we are gone for an extended period. They live with us full-time. We never train the command of “sit,” as we work with our dogs and take them to hospitals and nursing homes as therapy dogs. You want them to respond down; they will drop to the floor.
The life of a breeding companion dog is routine to a point, but they are taught to behave exceptionally well and highly socialized with other animals and humans. They are also household/family pets; they are not in our situation in a secured area or building away from us or a kennel setting. They are our companions first, well-behaved, loved, and cared for 24/7.
Going to a new home, surroundings, new climate, new smells, new people, and new atmosphere will take time to adjust for any dog at any age.
If you are seeking a retiree, our veterinarian told us to give any dog an adjustment period of at least 90 days, where some people think, a dog will respond to them just as they did with us after living in our home for five years or more, well you need to pass our Coton’s.
Our Coton’s have not done the following/or these items do not apply to our retirees.
- Our Cotons are not trained to walk on a leash with a harness or collar or choke collar [we live in the country and have bobcats, mountain lions, javelinas, snakes, and volumes of coyotes] walking a dog on the street or sidewalk here is dangerous.
- We keep our Coton’s hair at a minimum cut of 3 inches in length unless our veterinarian recommends a shorter hair due to the Coton being spayed or neutered.
- If the hair on a Coton is cut less than 2 inches, their skin will sunburn. Their skin is pink and freckled; it is an invitation to a disaster, making a dog ill and outrageous medical bills. That is why they naturally have “long hair,” even as a very young puppy. The hair insulates the body from the sun and humidity.
- We feed a holistic, all-natural food and recommend the same. Most top-shelf foods in pet stores have been recalled many times.
From the FCI in Europe
“BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY: Introduced to France long before its official recognition in 1970, this newcomer from Madagascar quickly acquired a prominent position amongst the companion dogs of this country; today it is widespread all over the world.
GENERAL APPEARANCE: Small, long-haired, companion dog with a white cotton textured coat, with round, dark eyes and a lively, intelligent expression.”
“BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT: Of a happy temperament, stable, very sociable with humans and with other dogs; it adapts perfectly to all ways of life. The temperament of the Coton de Tulear is one of the main characteristics of the breed”.
There is no such thing as too much love with a Coton. First and foremost, they are a companion dog, thriving on human attention and affection.
UKC
CHARACTERISTICS
Happy, stable, and sociable with people and with other dogs, the Coton de Tulear’s only purpose is to be a charming companion. This excellent temperament is a hallmark of the breed.”
Outdoor
Sun, rain, snow—it doesn’t matter to the Coton de Tuléar. While this hardy breed enjoys a romp outside in any weather conditions, they are not a breed that can live outdoors. They should always be supervised while outside.
Exercise
The majority of the exercise a Coton needs can be acquired through indoor play or a few laps in the yard, but a daily walk is not necessary. The breed does not have terrier or spaniel instincts to roam and want to take off from your side. Small amounts of training do wonders when they are young. They know who their master is and where their food and care come from, needless to say the breed is very intelligent.
Though the Coton de Tulear have a mild stubborn streak, the Coton de Tulear is normally a “soft” dog and responds well to non-forceful training. Prefers learning tricks to formal obedience. Harshness only makes the breed wilt.