Coton de Tuléar Breeders

With An Eye On The Breed

Rebecca Brown

Sunnybrooks Coton de Tulears

Adapted from Barbara "BJ" Andrews' ShowSight Magazine Simple Seven Breed Interviews

1.  What is the biggest misconception about the Coton?

The biggest misconception about the Coton de Tulear is that they are a fragile toy breed. The Coton has a very sturdy bone structure, not a fragile build like most small and toy breeds. The Coton de Tulear adapts very well to different life styles ranging from inactive to very active.

2.  What is the Coton’s most defining characteristic?

I believe I would have to say the coat. The Coton de Tulears coat is a dry, soft cottony coat. Many other breeds are soft silky coats. The name Coton de Tulear is partly named after their coat. Coton in French, with one T.

3. Which behavioral characteristic most typifies the breed.

The Coton de Tulears attitude and temperament for sure. The Coton is often quoted as being a happy little clown. A properly bred Coton will be, happy, easy going, and love everyone they meet. Socialization is very important when the pups are young as with any breed.

4. What is the most common judging mistake in Cotons.

I would say tail set and top line. The Coton de Tulears tail is down at rest and is not a tight tail when moving as many other breeds. The Coton De Tulear has a convex topline. It should never be a level topline.

5. Would you prefer the Coton be judged standing or moving?

I would prefer the breed be judged moving. When on the move the judge can see the tail set, movement, stride and lively personality.

6. What cosmetic alterations should judges know about.

I would say trimming, the Coton is not suppose to be cut except for slight trimming.

7. What 3 words best describe the Coton?

Happy, unconditional love, and a clown.

Rebecca, there's a few more questions I'd like to add to the Simple 7.  Are you agreeable?

Of course, I'm happy to talk about Cotons.

8. Texture is very important but what about the Coton Coat Length?

Yes, length is very important. Care must be taken to not damage or break the Coton de Tulear coat. If this happens it takes a long time to grow back as the Cotons coat grows very slow.

9. Could current emphasis on “reach & drive” be problematic for Coton?

The Coton De Tulear should have free flowing movement. It should we well balanced front and rear to achieve this type of flowing (not bouncy) movement.

10. Has rear angulation changed and if so, why?

No.

11. Do ring tails or short tails affect the Coton structure?

No.

12. Which is more important: Coton soundness or appearance?

Soundness of course. When breeding we want to start with a proper foundation and correct breed standard. Appearance can be corrected with proper coat care etc, but soundness cannot be changed once produced incorrectly.

13. How important is Coton character and personality?

This is a very important factor in the Coton de Tulear. The breed is well know for its outgoing, happy clown like personality. The Cotons character is as loyal and steadfast as you can get. I often call them my Velcro dogs because that's how close they want to be to their owners.

14. What is the most important contribution you feel your breeding program has made to the Coton?

Sunnybrooks Cotons was established in 1992 and we owned one of the first 500 Coton de Tulear in the United States. We have learned an enormous amount about the Coton de Tulear in these 21 years. We have taken part in the teaching and mentoring new breeders and pet owners about our breed. Proper breeding practices and health testing are imperative to protecting and improving the breed. We have followed strict guidelines in our breeding, selection of dogs and placement. We show our dogs throughout the united states and the world to ensure we are breeding top quality dogs.

On behalf of all students of the Coton breed, we thank Rebecca Brown for taking the time to provide this information.