Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Overview
The Coton de Tuléar is a decorative breed originating from Madagascar, where it has become a national treasure. The breed takes its name from the city of Tuléar and its distinctive cotton-like coat. Its history dates back to the 16th–17th centuries, when the ancestors of these dogs were likely brought by European sailors and crossed with local small breeds. The result was a compact yet sturdy little dog with a long white coat and a friendly disposition. The Coton quickly won the hearts of both nobility and townspeople, becoming a symbol of refinement and loyalty. By the 20th century, the breed gained international recognition and spread worldwide. Today, the Coton de Tuléar is valued as a devoted companion and cheerful family member, combining exotic origins with the universal traits of an ideal companion dog.
General Appearance
The Coton de Tuléar is a small decorative dog with a sturdy and well-proportioned body, conveying harmony and elegance. The frame is slightly rectangular, with a strong body, deep chest, and level topline. The head is proportionate to the body, with soft contours, expressive dark eyes, and high-set triangular ears that hang slightly downward. The tail is of medium length, hanging down at rest and curling gracefully over the back in motion. The breed’s main hallmark is its unique long, soft, cottony coat, which gives the dog a charming and ornamental appearance. The gait is light and springy, with free, energetic movements. Overall, the Coton de Tuléar combines grace, vitality, and sturdiness, making it an appealing show and companion breed.
Important Proportions
The Coton de Tuléar has a compact yet slightly elongated body; the length slightly exceeds the height at the withers. Height at the withers for both males and females ranges from 23 to 28 cm. The head is proportionate to the body, its length about two-fifths of the height at the withers. The muzzle is shorter than the skull but well-balanced. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows, with rounded ribs. The neck is of medium length, elegant yet strong. The limbs are straight, with firm bone and proper angulation, providing free movement. The tail is medium length, dropped at rest and gracefully curved over the back in motion. The coat covers the body evenly, accentuating the balanced outline and refined appearance of the breed.
Temperament and Character
The Coton de Tuléar is cheerful, affectionate, and sociable, with a balanced temperament. Deeply devoted to its owner, it loves to stay close and easily adapts to family life. Exceptionally friendly, it enjoys attention and gets along well with children and other pets. Playful and lively yet not overactive, the breed combines intelligence and quick learning, making it responsive to training and eager to perform tricks. The Coton is not aggressive or overly wary but can serve as a small watchdog, alerting its family with a clear bark. Overall, its temperament blends friendliness, loyalty, and enthusiasm, making it an ideal family pet.
Head
The head of the Coton de Tuléar is in proportion to the body, with soft and flowing lines creating a harmonious appearance. The skull is slightly rounded and of medium width, the forehead narrow. The stop is noticeable but not abrupt. The muzzle is shorter than the skull, straight, and well-defined. The jaws are strong, with a scissor bite. The overall expression reflects alertness, kindness, and emotional balance.
Muzzle
The muzzle is neat and proportionate, straight and dry, of moderate width, gradually tapering toward the nose. The nose is always black, of medium size, with open nostrils. Lips are thin, dry, and tight, without folds. The jaws are strong, with white, even teeth and a scissor bite. The chin is fine and not prominent, giving a friendly and open expression.
Eyes
The eyes are expressive, intelligent, and friendly — round to slightly almond-shaped, medium-sized, and set wide apart, contributing to a gentle look. The iris is dark brown, the gaze bright and attentive. Eyelid rims are black, emphasizing the eye shape. Light, protruding, or overly large eyes are considered faults.
Ears
The ears are of medium length, triangular, high-set, and lie close to the cheeks. Their tips are slightly rounded. Covered with long, fine, and soft hair, they add to the breed’s ornamental appearance. At rest, the ears are still; when alert, they move expressively, enhancing the dog’s lively character. Ears that are too long, heavy, or low-set are undesirable.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, dry, elegant, and smoothly connected to the body. A gentle arch gives the dog a proud and graceful bearing. The skin fits tightly, without wrinkles or dewlap. Well-muscled and strong, the neck ensures stability and balance in movement, contributing to the breed’s refined overall appearance.
Body
The body of the Coton de Tuléar is slightly rectangular, with a strong frame and well-developed muscles. The back is straight and firm; the loin short and powerful. The chest is deep and broad, with rounded ribs. The abdomen is slightly tucked up, maintaining balance and elegance. The croup is broad and gently rounded, blending smoothly into the base of the tail. The overall structure conveys harmony and proportion.
Tail
The tail is of medium length, set low. At rest, it hangs naturally with a slight curve; in motion, it lifts gracefully and curves over the back without touching the body. Covered with long, soft hair, it complements the dog’s elegant silhouette. The tail adds to the breed’s cheerful and graceful appearance.
Forequarters
The forelegs are straight and parallel, with a solid bone structure. The shoulders are long, well-sloped, and close-fitting, allowing free movement. The upper arms are muscular and well-angulated. Elbows are directed backward and fit close to the body. Pasterns are short and strong. The feet are small, oval, compact, with firm pads and strong black nails, ensuring stability and balance.
Hindquarters
The hind legs are strong and muscular, with correct angulation. The thighs are broad and firm, the lower legs of medium length and dry. Hocks are strong, low-set, and directed straight back. The metatarsi are short and vertical. The feet are compact, oval, with firm pads and strong nails. The hindquarters provide a powerful push, ensuring lively, balanced movement.
Movement
The gait is light, springy, and free. Movements are straight, rhythmic, and harmonious, with good reach in the forequarters and energetic drive from the hindquarters. The topline remains level and stable. The gait reflects liveliness, confidence, and balance, emphasizing elegance and activity.
Coat
The Coton de Tuléar’s coat is long, soft, light, and fluffy, with a unique cotton-like texture. It stands slightly away from the body, creating volume, and is dense and uniform throughout. The undercoat is fine and soft. The coat must not be silky, curly, or flat; its texture is a defining breed feature, giving the dog its distinctive appearance.
Acceptable Colors
The ideal color is pure white. Slight shades of light gray, cream, or pale fawn may appear, mainly on the ears or at the root of the hair, without spoiling the overall white impression. Absolute whiteness is preferred, though minor tonal variations are acceptable. Large spots or strong coloration are disqualifying.
Size
The Coton de Tuléar is a small, balanced dog. Males stand 26–28 cm at the withers; females, 23–25 cm. Weight ranges from 4 to 6 kg. Proportion and harmony are more important than exact measurements. Compactness and balance are essential, and miniaturization must not compromise strength or health.
Faults
Faults include any deviation reducing conformity to the standard: overly long or short body, weak loin, shallow chest, flat ribs, disproportionate head, muzzle too long or short, light or brown nose, incomplete pigmentation, light or bulging eyes, long or low-set ears, thin or short tail, soft or silky coat, lack of cotton texture, or spotted/uneven coloration. Behavioral faults include shyness, excessive excitability, or aggression.
Disqualifying Faults
Disqualifying faults include absence of breed type, incorrect size or weight, depigmented, liver, or pink nose, blue, yellow, or mismatched eyes, incorrect bite (overbite, underbite, asymmetry, missing multiple teeth), excessively large or low-set ears, cropped tail or congenital taillessness, short or silky coat, lack of cotton texture, and strong coloration or large patches. Behavioral defects such as aggression, panic, or extreme fear, as well as congenital or hereditary diseases, also lead to disqualification.
Important Notes
The Coton de Tuléar is a unique breed distinguished by its cotton-textured coat — light, fluffy, and voluminous. The coat’s texture and pure white color define its type. Emphasis must be placed on maintaining good health, balanced structure, and a stable, cheerful temperament. Cropping of ears or tail is prohibited under ICCF regulations. Aggression or fearfulness are unacceptable. Breeding must exclude dogs with congenital defects, hereditary diseases, or improper coat texture. Participation in shows and breeding requires official ICCF documents confirming lineage and breed conformity. This ensures preservation of the breed’s unique traits, beauty, and international recognition.
Conclusion
The Coton de Tuléar is an elegant, exotic companion breed and the national symbol of Madagascar. Distinguished by its compact build, expressive eyes, and unique cotton coat, it embodies cheerfulness, balance, and devotion. In the ICCF system, evaluation strictly follows the standard, considering proportions, coat, color, and temperament. Participation in exhibitions and breeding requires ICCF certification verifying pedigree and breed type. Shyness, aggression, or major deviations from standard are not permitted. Breeding should aim to preserve purity, health, and the traditional type of the breed. The Coton de Tuléar remains a charming, loyal, and graceful companion — a worthy representative of the ICCF international standards.
