Cotons On The Cumberland

    The Malagasy Coton de Tulear originated in Madagascar and was brought to the United States by Dr. Jay Russell in 1974.  There is a European variety of the Coton but they are small, all or mostly white dogs that look very much like the Maltese.  The CTCA registered Malagasy Coton de Tulear are the ONLY Cotons that embrace the color varieties that distinguish the Cotons and are descendents from the Original Cotons in Madagascar.  The CTCA Cotons are also distinguished by their hardiness, they are very playful and enjoy playing rough.  They get along well with other dogs and are generally known for being calm.  They love to run and do well in a fenced yard where they have the freedom to do so.  CTCA Cotons have a lifespan of around 16 years due to the careful breeding practices of the club (the oldest coton lived to be 19 years old)!

    They are happy little dogs who love to please their owners.  They are known as the "anit-depressant dog" and for good reason!  They will go out of their way to make you laugh.  You cannot look at a Coton without smiling!  Their personalities are different, most definately, but all Cotons are just naturally sweet natured.  I cannot stress enough how devoted these little dogs are to their owners.  I have had dogs all of my life of several different breeds and I have loved them all but I have yet to see the pure love in their eyes for me like I see in my Cotons.  It is most humbling.  They also become very devoted to each other, they are just generally full of love.  The way they look at you with their big, dark eyes will melt your heart.  I love to sleep with my Cotons but finally had to limit their access to my bed to naptime with my son and when my husband is not at home.  The reason for this is that Z would come up and snuggle with us at night and give us kisses and my husband has to get up early for work.  It was very hard to get use to them not sleeping in my bed.  I loved waking up being loved on by my Z.  Chris does have to get up early so I finally conceded.  Bella on the other hand was content to be loved on and then would lie down beside me or at the foot of the bed and never bother either of us until we woke up when she will then come to show us her love.

     There are three color varieties of Cotons:  Tri-Color, Black & White, and White (sometimes with a little champagne accents).  Tri-colors are born white, brown, and some black.  The color on tri-colors usually fade as they get older (18 months to 2 years) and become white with a little color around their ears or even all white.  Some, like our own Bella, keep a lot of their color.  We love the beautiful colors Bella sports!  Her Color has faded some but she has kept a lot of the rich beautiful brown and black from her puppy days!  Black & White Cotons will always keep their color but it may look like silver or gray as more white hairs grow in.  Black & White Cotons are the most rare.  Regardless of the color of the Coton they are always Beautiful!

 To learn more about the truly wonderful Malagasy Coton de Tulear, please check out the CTCA (Coton de Tulear Club of America) website: www.cotonclub.com .