Coton de Tulear is a pretty interesting name. Coton is
the French word for cotton, which describes the
texture of their fur, and Tulear is a port town in
Madagascar, where they originated.
Madagascar was a popular center of trade for many
sea farers. These travelers brought small bichon type
dogs on their ships in order to eliminate rats and
mice. There they mated with some local terriers, and
the Coton de Tulear evolved.
France claimed Madagascar in the 17 century, and
the island became home to French aristocracy. It
became fashionable to surround themselves with rare
treasures, so it became unlawful for commoners to
keep a Coton de Tulear. That is why they are called
the Royal Dog of Madagascar. Although from
Madagascar they are patronages of France.
It is presumed many Cotons lived on their own in
Madagascar. They became very resourceful at
avoiding crocodiles. It is said, if a Coton needed to
cross the river, the dog would bark loudly a ways
away, attract all the crocodiles, and then race 100
meters back, swim across the river without harm. This
decoy instinct is alive today, you can see it when they
play, especially when they are playing with other
Cotons!
the French word for cotton, which describes the
texture of their fur, and Tulear is a port town in
Madagascar, where they originated.
Madagascar was a popular center of trade for many
sea farers. These travelers brought small bichon type
dogs on their ships in order to eliminate rats and
mice. There they mated with some local terriers, and
the Coton de Tulear evolved.
France claimed Madagascar in the 17 century, and
the island became home to French aristocracy. It
became fashionable to surround themselves with rare
treasures, so it became unlawful for commoners to
keep a Coton de Tulear. That is why they are called
the Royal Dog of Madagascar. Although from
Madagascar they are patronages of France.
It is presumed many Cotons lived on their own in
Madagascar. They became very resourceful at
avoiding crocodiles. It is said, if a Coton needed to
cross the river, the dog would bark loudly a ways
away, attract all the crocodiles, and then race 100
meters back, swim across the river without harm. This
decoy instinct is alive today, you can see it when they
play, especially when they are playing with other
Cotons!
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