There are many stories describing how the Coton de Tulear originated, including stories of shipwrecks and small intelligent dogs swimming to shore and mingling with the local dogs of Madagascar.

No matter how the Coton came to be, the Rare Breed Coton de Tulear is an amazing, pure-breed companion class dog.  These white dogs are part of the “Barbichon” family of dogs which include the Bichon Maltais, Bichon Havanais and Bichon Bolognese.  At one time the Coton de Tulear became known as the “Royal Dog of Madagascar”.  During the time the French maintained control of Madagascar they established the breed standard for the Coton de Tulear and imported many of them into France where they quickly gained popularity.

I describe them as a big dog in a small dogs body.  We were drawn to this rare breed because of their health, sturdiness. Loyalty to their owners and fierce intelligence.

Read more about the history of the Coton de Tulear here 

Cotons are suitable as a companion for house or condo and apartment dwellers, as they do not require a lot of space.  They are the perfect family pet for people who suffer from allergies as they produce no dander.  Cotons are frequently selected as Therapy or Emotional Support Dog and are good companions for both young and old alike.   They thrive in both warm and cold climates.  Cotons have “hair” not fur and therefor shed minimally.  They will lose hair when brushing or when their coat is “blooming” from a puppy to adult coat.

We are proud to be Code of Ethic Breeders in the Malagasy Coton Preservation Club.  As Code of Ethics and Preservation breeders, we are committed to preserving the health, integrity and well-being of the Coton de Tulear.

Signature traits of the Coton de Tulear are their large, round, expressive eyes and a signature soft “cottony” coat.

They are long-lived, (over 15 years on average) and have amazing personalities.

There is a great deal of diversity in the Rare Breed Coton de Tulear- a factor that contributes to the health of the gene pool!  Cotons can be all or mostly white or have varying degrees of coloring, with either champagne, fawn, or black trim around the ears and occasionally some pale champagne, tobacco, or black on the face and torso. As a Rare Breed Coton de Tulear pup grows older the color often fades, sometimes all the way to white. By the age of two, there may be only a hint of coloring left, or none at all.  No matter what color your Adult Coton becomes, you will love them.