Often referred to as The Royal Dog of Madagascar, the Coton de Tulear captures the hearts of everyone lucky enough to have one as a pet. This beloved breed is so cherished that it even has its own special day: Coton de Tulear Day!
When is This Holiday Celebrated?
This annual celebration of these fluffy white dogs takes place on November 26 each year.
Fun Facts
- The breed’s name comes from the French word for cotton, reflecting their soft white coat, and Toliara, a port city in Madagascar where the breed originated.
- The history of the Coton de Tulear is a bit of a mystery. Some believe they are descendants of small white dogs that survived a shipwreck and swam to the shores of Madagascar. Others think the breed comes from the Cotons de Réunion, a now-extinct breed from Madagascar.
- Once living alongside Malagasy royalty, the Coton de Tulear earned the title of “The Royal Dog of Madagascar.”
- The breed is often affectionately called “Coton” or “Coties.”
- Coton de Tulear enthusiasts who are also stamp collectors can find their favorite breed featured on postage stamps from various countries:
- Madagascar issued stamps honoring their native dog in 1974 and 1991.
- The Republic of Saharwi celebrated the breed in 1998.
- In 1999, the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, along with the Central African Republic, featured the Coton on stamps.
- Mauritania joined the list in 2000 with a stamp showcasing African animals, including the Coton de Tulear.
- Touva and Tatarstan also featured the breed on stamps in 2005 and 2006, respectively.
- Did you know that a Coton de Tulear’s double-layered coat is considered hair rather than fur? This breed does not shed and is hypoallergenic.
- Although the Cotie is number one in the hearts of their owners, the breed ranked 84th on the American Kennel Club’s 2022 list of the most popular dog breeds.
- The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2014.
- The Coton de Tulear is related to the Bichon Tenerife and the Tenerife Terrier.
- The correct plural form of Coton de Tulear is Cotons de Tulear, not Coton de Tulears.
- Long live the Coton de Tulear! This small yet sturdy breed has a life expectancy of 15 to 19 years.
Interested in Adding One to Your Family?
The Coton de Tulear is a pretty rare breed so most families obtain one through a reputable breeder.
However, rescues and mixes of the breed can also be found through small dog rescues, or by contacting the American Cotton Club.
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