History of the Coton de Tulear . . .
The Royal Dog of Madagascar
The history of the Coton de Tulear can be described as mysterious, intriguing, exotic and romantic. Their adventuresome past certainly has led them around the world charming all those they meet. Although they are new to the modern dog world they're considered an ancient breed with origins possibly in Central Asia. This little white dog possibly made it's way from central Asia on trade caravans ending up in the Mediterranean Sea area. There is mention of small white dogs in the time of Aristotle who graced the elegant courts.
Some time during the 17th century these cute wild dogs with the cotton-like coats attracted the attention of the native Merina tribe whereby they became the favorite pets of the tribal monarchy. The little Cotons were often given as gifts to please and impress the Merina nobility. They became known as the "Royal Dog of Madagascar".
For centuries, the Coton de Tulear breed was the prized companion dog of royal Malagasy and foreign visitors on the exotic Indian Ocean island of Madagascar. During the 20th century, French colonials on Madagascar began raising these wonderful, bright companions. These cute little feral dogs became domesticated more and more as their popularity rose.
In the 1970's, the Coton de Tulear was exported to Europe and the United States, where it was recognized as a pure-breed of dog by the French International Dog Club (the Federation Cynologique Internationale, and the Coton de Tulear Club of America (CTCA), respectively. A proud name they retain today and were honored in 1974 by having a stamp made proclaiming them the "Royal Dog of Madagascar". The breed quickly gained new admirers and devoted owners.
Today, the Coton de Tulear is one of the world's least common, and most rare, desirable companion dog breeds. The name is French and means "Cotton of Tulear," a reference to the breeds characteristic, long cotton-like hair and its 17th Century origins in the Malagasy port of Tulear. The breeds remarkable combination of regal appearance, ease of maintenance, excellent health, and intelligent, calm, loyal, and loving behavior sets the Coton de Tulear apart from other breeds.
The history of the Coton de Tulear can be described as mysterious, intriguing, exotic and romantic. Their adventuresome past certainly has led them around the world charming all those they meet. Although they are new to the modern dog world they're considered an ancient breed with origins possibly in Central Asia. This little white dog possibly made it's way from central Asia on trade caravans ending up in the Mediterranean Sea area. There is mention of small white dogs in the time of Aristotle who graced the elegant courts.
Some time during the 17th century these cute wild dogs with the cotton-like coats attracted the attention of the native Merina tribe whereby they became the favorite pets of the tribal monarchy. The little Cotons were often given as gifts to please and impress the Merina nobility. They became known as the "Royal Dog of Madagascar".
For centuries, the Coton de Tulear breed was the prized companion dog of royal Malagasy and foreign visitors on the exotic Indian Ocean island of Madagascar. During the 20th century, French colonials on Madagascar began raising these wonderful, bright companions. These cute little feral dogs became domesticated more and more as their popularity rose.
In the 1970's, the Coton de Tulear was exported to Europe and the United States, where it was recognized as a pure-breed of dog by the French International Dog Club (the Federation Cynologique Internationale, and the Coton de Tulear Club of America (CTCA), respectively. A proud name they retain today and were honored in 1974 by having a stamp made proclaiming them the "Royal Dog of Madagascar". The breed quickly gained new admirers and devoted owners.
Today, the Coton de Tulear is one of the world's least common, and most rare, desirable companion dog breeds. The name is French and means "Cotton of Tulear," a reference to the breeds characteristic, long cotton-like hair and its 17th Century origins in the Malagasy port of Tulear. The breeds remarkable combination of regal appearance, ease of maintenance, excellent health, and intelligent, calm, loyal, and loving behavior sets the Coton de Tulear apart from other breeds.