One of the Bichon breeds, it's said the Coton descended from a little white dog that was shipwrecked, possibly by pirates, and swam to the Madagascar shore. The Tulear region faces the Mozambique Channel, a busy trading route for Europe and Africa, and it's more likely that the fashionable white dogs from Europe reached the island by traders, though the shipwreck tale adds a good bit of drama.
FACT SHEET
Dog-loving pirates. Or most people, in fact.
Those who want a low-maintenance coat. The magnificent, cotton-like coat needs daily brushing even if a professional groom is sought every few months.
Coton, Cotie
None
Madagascar
Tiny-Small
Similar size and weight to your average cat.
Low (Under 30 minutes)
A walk and a good sniff can be like reading a novel while doing a marathon for a little dog.
Professional
Professional help needed. Curly, keeps growing and needs cutting.
Doesn't moult much
But all dogs shed dander so if you're allergic, make sure you'll be ok
12 years
Yes
Tailwise is consistently rated as Excellent
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