Height: 8 - 12 inches.

Weight:8 - 15 Ibs.

Colors:Either all white, tri-colored in white with grayish-black and yellow patches, or simply black and white. Slight lemon or gray color on ears acceptable; dark pigmentation.

Coat: Single coated. Approximately 3-3 1/2 inches long, fine, slightly wavy, texture of cotton, shown in natural state.

Temperament:Coton De Tulears are very devoted to its master, the Coton always wants to be in their presence and tries its best to please. They are joyful, playful and sometimes clownish. They have been known to walk on their back legs. They are lively, gentle, and affectionate. They are very alert, cheerful and agreeable. They are friendly to all but are especially attached to their family. They are friendly with children and other pets as well. They are also intelligent and can adapt to almost any environment.

with Children:Very Good, Cotons love to play.

with Pets: Very Good.

Care and Exercise: Its long coat requires relatively little care, but still needs periodic grooming. Daily brushing and average exercise are all this pup needs.

Training: Cotons love top please, making training easy. They are more than willing to do as you say and go where you go. Positive reinforcement is probably best with this breed.

Living Environment: Cotons are very adaptable and can live in most environments. They are well suited to an apartment if needed, and are very versatile. The best owner for this breed would be a family who can give it attention in a city, rural or suburban environment.

Life Span: 12 - 16 years

History: The Coton de Tulear is a relative to the Bichon-type dogs that originated in France as well as the Italian Bolognese. There are a couple of theories about its arrival in Madagascar: arriving with French troops, or from a shipwreck off of the island. Regardless of its mode of arrival, the Coton was brought from France to Madagascar and the island of Reunion before the 17th century. On the island of Reunion the dog became know as the Coton de Reunion, but  is now extinct. The dog brought to Madagascar survived, however, and this is how we currently have Cotons. The Coton de Tulear was named after the French word cotton, coton, as well as the main city Madagascar, Tulear. The breed was popular in Madagascar and rose the aristocracy, as it was a criminal offence to own a Coton unless one was of royal distinction. The breed became Madagascar's official island dog, named the Royal Dog of Madagascar. It was used mainly as a companion dog in the Tulear region of Madagascar. It dates back to the 1600s, but it wasn't until the 1970s and 80s that it really became known in Europe and North America. Today the breed is slowly populating Britain and America, but is still quite rare, especially on its home island.