Cotonese (Coton de Tulear & Maltese Mix): Info, Pictures, Traits

The Cotonese is the canine concoction of the Maltese and the lesser-known Coton de Tulear. The Maltese have long been favored by aristocrats dating back to 3,500 B.C. The Coton de Tulear’s history is shrouded in mystery because they were a closely guarded secret of the Madagascan people.

One theory about the Coton de Tulear’s origins suggests that they are related to the Maltese. But whatever his history, the Maltese and the Coton de Tulear are very similar in their appearance and personality. Together they have created an equally similar pooch, the Cotonese. Being the best of both worlds, the Cotonese is an excellent option for those owners who cannot decide between their two parents.

They are energetic balls of white fluff that are eager to please their master. They are a friendly little pooch who is full of love, adoration, and fun entertainment. Always wanting to be by your side, if you are seeking a funny little ground-cloud doggo, the Cotonese fits the bill.

Join us on our Cotonese discovery to see if you are a match made in doggy heaven.

Cotonese Puppies

Before you buy the Cotonese puppy, you must remember that they are a Maltese Coton de Tulear mixed breed that could inherit the personality and appearance of either parent. Thankfully, because their parents are so similar, you won’t be left wondering too much about what they might turn out like.

Their Maltese parent is described as gentle, playful, and charming, and the Coton de Tulear is described as charming, bright, and happy-go-lucky. So the Cotonese will be a mixture of these delightful characteristics.

The Cotonese is a small-sized pup, but don’t let their small stature fool you. They are very energetic for a little pooch and will keep you on your toes for sure. Don’t expect a sedentary lap dog, because you won’t find one in the Cotonese. You will need to match their energy and keep them entertained.

Otherwise, they will become naughty and mischievous, looking for other ways to catch your attention. Although they small, they can get into a lot of mischief and get themselves, and you, into trouble. You have been warned!

But, if you can keep up with them, they are a happy-go-lucky pooch who will bring sunshine to the dullest of days. They crave human company and will need to be placed with a family who can spend most, if not all, of their time with them.

They are happy to travel with you, to work, to the stores, or on vacation, and they are adaptable pooches. They could also fit in your handbag or rucksack, so there really is no excuse not to take them everywhere that you go.

If you cannot guarantee the Cotonese company, they are not the breed for you. This is their most significant demand, and if you leave him for more than a few hours, they will become super anxious. If you are sure that you can guarantee them this, you are in for a fantastic doggy partnership.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Cotonese

1. The Cotonese is a canine clown.

The Cotonese is a comical hybrid because both of their parents are known to be funny little dogs. They will provide hours and hours of entertainment, and they get real enjoyment from making everyone laugh. When everyone is tired from their hard days’ work, they are still raring to go jesting around. Their Coton de Tulear parent is famous for performing and standing on their back legs too.

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2. The Cotonese is a top-notch agility courser.

If you are seeking an agile performing pooch, the Cotonese is your guy. Their love for fun, bundles of energy, and quick-moving body make them the perfect candidate for doggy agility classes or competitions.

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3. The Cotonese’s coat feels like cotton.

They are not called the Cotonese for nothing; their coat is as soft as cotton candy. It needs daily grooming to ensure that it doesn’t matt, but they are a pleasure to stroke and groom. Grooming will also strengthen your bond with them.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Cotonese 🧠

This pooch is an easy-going dog who loves everyone, and everything that life has to offer. They will greet you with the widest grin in the morning, and set you up for a good day ahead. They love to snuggle on the sofa or your lap at the end of a full day of playtime. Everything that you do, they will want to do with you. This guy is going to be your partner in crime for the next 14 to 17 years.

They are also very sociable with other humans outside of the family unit. Eager to be everyone’s best friend, your extended family and guests will love coming to visit you.

They can be a little bit yappy if you allow them to be, but nipping this in the bud when they are puppies should prevent them from developing ‘little dog syndrome’. Generally, they are well-mannered dogs if trained correctly, unlike many other small breeds. They are less demanding and diva-like compared to his Maltese parent, and this is one of the Cotonese’s appeals.

They are very intelligent dogs, and because they are always on the go, they will be happiest when their mind is stimulated. On top of their daily exercise, they need a lot of playtime during the day. It would be wise for you to invest in a basket full of toys for them to entertain themselves with.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Yes, the Cotonese is an excellent dog for most families. They are tolerant of younger children who can get a little overzealous with their handling of them. But, you should be mindful that smaller children have been known to mishandle smaller dogs who they treat like teddy bears. This is a personal choice dependent on your own circumstances and children, but one to think about seriously.

They are suited to apartment living, large country homes, and anything in between. Just as long as they are allowed to go wherever you go, he is happy. They will not appreciate the ‘no dogs on the sofa’ rules. They would enjoy access to an outdoor space. But as long as you exercise them and stimulate their mind throughout the day with training and playtime, they could survive in a home without it.

• Also See: How Much Does a Coton de Tulear Cost? (2021 Price Guide)

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

The Cotonese is a well-mannered dog who wants to be everyone’s friend. They will get along with other household pets, be that dogs, cats, and any other pet that you might have. They will also probably try to play with the local cats that enter their yard, entertaining them with their tricks.

This is, of course, all dependant on whether they are socialized well as a puppy, and not allowed to get away with unruly ‘little dog’ behaviors.

Things to Know When Owning a Cotonese

Despite being an easy-going pooch, the Cotonese has a few day-to-day requirements that you need to take note of. Without these, they will not be the happy dog that everyone knows and loves.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

The Cotonese will eat around 2 cups of kibble every day. This might sound like a lot for a little pooch, but they need a lot of energy to fuel their day. They will do well on a high-quality kibble that provides a well-balanced diet.

They will also need a kibble that is specifically designed for small-breed dogs. Simply because their mouth is smaller and they’ll struggle to eat normal-sized kibble. Dried kibble will also help to break down the build-up of plaque because smaller breeds are known to suffer from periodontal diseases.

The MSD Veterinary Manual suggests that all puppies should eat a minimum protein content of 22%, and adults should eat 18%. Looking for kibbles that are rich in omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, such as salmon and flaxseed, will keep their skin nourished and cotton coat looking healthy.

Small-breed dogs are also at risk of suffering from hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar. Therefore the Cotonese should eat little and often, and three meals a day will keep his blood sugar levels topped up.

Exercise 🐕

The Cotonese will need around 45 minutes of exercise every day to keep healthy and stimulated. Ideally, this needs to be outside of the home environment to invigorate their mind. As a very intelligent dog, their exercise routine should be mixed up to keep them interested. Taking them to the local doggy park to make new buddies will be a big hit.

The extra playtime that they will enjoy should be on top of their 45 minutes of daily exercise. They will also enjoy challenging training sessions or brain games that will keep their little mind ticking. Treat-filled puzzle toys are a fantastic way to test their mind, and they will happily entertain themselves for hours with one of these.

They are much more energetic than their Maltese parent. This is one of the many reasons why some more active families opt for the Cotonese over the Maltese.

Training 🦮

The Cotonese needs early socialization so that they grow into the easy-going and well-mannered pooch that they should be. Remember, never allow him to get away with naughty behaviors just because he is small.

Being so intelligent and eager to please, they are a doggy dream to train. As a result, first-time dog owners will find them an uncomplicated introduction to the world of dog training. Positive reinforcement training is the way to go. With a treat or two and plenty of verbal praise, they will come on leaps and bounds in no time.

Crate training is advised with this guy, simply because of how anxious they can become when left alone for too long. Make sure it is the right size for their small body. Otherwise, they will be able to slip out of it with no effort at all. They will come to love their small safe haven, and you will be grateful for it too knowing that he cannot get up to mischief when you are out of the house.

Grooming ✂️

The Cotonese has a long and luscious coat that is usually wispy, rather than silky, like their Maltese parent. This makes it prone to matting, so you will need to groom them every day. It takes a lot of grooming to get it to a glorious shiny state, but they are likely to love the attention.

Both of their parents are listed as hypoallergenic dog breeds, so this makes the Cotonese pup one too. This is excellent news if you are a family who has slight dog allergies but loves dogs because they are much easier to tolerate. This is another one of their appeal for those dog lovers who aren’t a fan of excess dog hair.

Be sure to brush their teeth regularly with specially designed doggy toothpaste. This is another way to keep their compact mouth healthy and delay nasty periodontal diseases. Bathing them more frequently compared to other dogs is essential with their coat; look to do so once every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on how dirty they get.

Health Conditions ❤️

The Cotonese is a healthy dog who enjoys a very long lifespan of 14 to 17 years. Being a mixed breed, they can inherit the health concerns that affect both of their parents, so be sure to take a note of the following:

Male vs Female

A dog’s personality is shaped more by training rather than sex. However, many Cotonese owners suggest that male Cotonese are likely to be more energetic and boisterous. If you are looking for an extra bouncy Cotonese, be sure to see the pups with their littermates. This can often tell you what their personality is likely to be like when they are older.

The only real difference is that male Cotonese’s are typically larger compared to females. But being such a small breed anyway, this isn’t likely to be a significant deal-breaker for most families.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, the Cotonese in all his fluffy cotton candy splendor. He is more energetic than his Maltese parent, which is great for those families who like small dogs but want a bit more enthusiasm and fun. He will entertain you and your whole family for hours on end, and he is a happy canine to have around.

Unlike many other dog breeds, there isn’t a lot of must-haves when it comes to the Cotonese. As long as you can give them company, energy, and love, they are an adaptable pooch who can slot into most family homes.

See Also:

• Pin-Tzu (Shih-Tzu & Miniature Pinscher Mix)
• Pyrenees Husky (Great Pyrenees & Husky Mix)
• Golden Cavalier (Golden Retriever & Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Mix)

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Featured Image: Gusztav Bartfai, Shutterstock