The history of the Coton de Tulear is a little confusing. There is a report that states their ancestors were brought to port Tulear in Madagascar by pirates, who stayed and built their own empire. Another account suggests that they were the only survivors of a shipwreck during a violent storm. The story goes that the ship was sailing from France to the West Indies and close to the port of Tulear came upon a storm and wrecked. It is thought that these Coton de Reunions, ancestors to the Coton de Tulear Dog Breed, swam ashore. Staying here they bred with the local terriers and became the Coton de Tulear Dog of today.

This dog caught the eye of the ruling tribal monarchy, the Marina. They ‘adopted’ the Coton de Tulear Dog breed as the “Royal Dog of Madagascar”, and forbid the non-nobel or local tribesmen from owning one. Later, when the French colonists took over the area, their society leaders were the only people allowed to own the Coton de Tulear. Due to the fact that only the royalty of the area were allowed to posses one of these dogs, during their economic and political crisis the breed was close to extinction. But in 1974 a Dr Robert Jay Russell sent breeding stock of the Coton de Tulear to America, where they were quickly accepted and are now on their way to being the swiftest growing rare breeds in America and Europe.

The name given to the Coton de Tulear Dog breed is self explanatory after given the history and seeing a picture of this dog. Tulear, of course, being the port they entered into Madagascar through and a picture of this adorable dog looks like a fluff of cotton. The long coat, that resembles hair more than fur, requires brushing daily, but bathing once a month. Because their coats are more like a Poodles, they are considered hypoallergenic.

As with any relationship, if nourished and cared for it will flourish. This is the same for the owner and its Coton. The Coton de Tulear dog breed wants little more than to please its owner. It is an affectionate and playful companion dog and with plenty of love and care in return will be a completely non- aggressive animal. They love to show off and have fun while walking around on their hind legs. They respond very well to praise, and are easily trained using this technique.