| Height | 10-11 inches (male), 9-10 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9-15 pounds (male), 8-13 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 15β19+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Charming / Bright / Happy-Go-Lucky [1] |
| AKC group | Non-Sporting Group [1] |
| Origin | Madagascar [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 79 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1β5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
The Coton is a fairly active dog who requires a moderate amount of exercise. Daily walks with his human at a slow speed will keep him in good weight and condition. Chasing a tennis ball around his backyard can keep his mind active as well as his body. [1]
Grooming
Grooming the Coton puppy is a breeze. During that time you should groom him regularly and ensure that he learns to see grooming sessions as positive times of bonding with his person. Unless you are going to keep your Coton in a short 'puppy clip,'Β your dog will require a great deal of brushing. [1]
Health issues to budget for
The Coton de Tulear has remained fairly free of genetic health issues. That is not to say that they do not exist, but that any incidences are of an extremely low percentage. In the Coton, known incidences are usually in the one- to five-percent range. Coton breeders are working diligently to keep the breed as problem free as possible by doing genetic screening of all breeding stock. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a small dog (median $508) | $273 β $1,110 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, small dog | $352 β $1,258 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, small dog | $435 β $1,484 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
| Full professional grooming, per visit | $40β$150 | [6] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Coton de Tulear in 2014. [1]
- It ranked No. 79 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 85 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the βCoton, Royal Dog of Madagascar.β [1]
- The AKC lists Madagascar as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 4 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- β Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- β First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
- β People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 2/5)
- β Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 5/5)
- β οΈ Think twice: Low-maintenance seekers: AKC rates grooming needs 4/5
Common questions
How long do Coton de Tulears live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 15-19 years.
How big does a Coton de Tulear get?
AKC breed information lists height 10-11 inches (male), 9-10 inches (female) and weight 9-15 pounds (male), 8-13 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Coton de Tulear?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For small dogs like the Coton de Tulear, a typical vet bill runs $273 β $1,110 (median $508). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.