Longevity
Life expectancy
With an appropriate lifestyle, a balanced diet, regular exercise and preventive veterinary follow-up, this small dog can live a long time and remain active for many years.
Build
A robust breed?
Despite its small size and delicate appearance, the Coton de Tuléar is a robust and well-built dog. Its distinctive coat provides adequate protection, but its maintenance must not be neglected in order to prevent knots and skin problems.
Watch points
What to watch for
The breed is generally robust, but certain hereditary, joint, ocular, neurological, dermatological and ear predispositions justify regular monitoring and the choice of a breeder carrying out the recommended screenings.
Progressive retinal atrophy : Hereditary eye condition that can lead to a progressive deterioration of vision up to blindness.
Neonatal ataxia : Hereditary neurological disorder affecting coordination of movements from a very young age.
Hip dysplasia : Abnormal development of the hip joint likely to cause pain and osteoarthritis.
Elbow dysplasia : Abnormality of the elbow joint that can cause lameness, pain and osteoarthritis.
Patellar luxation : Abnormal displacement of the kneecap that can cause an irregular gait or lameness.
von Willebrand disease : Hereditary clotting disorder likely to cause prolonged bleeding.
Degenerative myelopathy : Progressive neurological condition affecting the spinal cord and mobility of the hind limbs.
Allergies : Reactions that can cause skin itching and promote secondary bacterial infections.
Otitis : Inflammation of the ear promoted by drooping ears and requiring regular monitoring.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Thanks to its distinctive coat, the Coton de Tuléar tolerates cold as well as heat quite well. Nevertheless, it is advisable to adapt outings during extreme temperatures and to provide it with a temperate shelter, shade and fresh water.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Its tendency to gain weight is moderate. The ration must be adapted to its age, its weight, its size and its activity level, while maintaining daily walks and games.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Have the eyes, knees and hips checked regularly.
- Inspect the ears each week and keep them clean and dry.
- Brush the coat almost every day to prevent knots.
- Brush the teeth regularly to limit tartar.
- Have the nails trimmed when they do not wear down naturally.
Vaccination
Coton de Tulear vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Coton de Tulear? Like all cats, the Coton de Tulear receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Coton de Tulear is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Coton de Tulear vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Coton de Tulear?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Coton de Tulear
Monitoring of the knees, hips and eyes is recommended. In breeding dogs, screening for hereditary conditions known in the breed helps to limit their transmission.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
