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.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Coton de Tulear need? Like all dogs, Coton de Tulears should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Coton de Tulear vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Coton de Tulear booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Coton de Tulear need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
