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Poo-Ton (Poodle & Coton de Tulear Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

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By Nicole Cosgrove

pooton dog yawning outside

Height: 8–11 inches tall
Weight: 7–14 pounds
Lifespan: 12–16 years
Colors: White, black, brown, cream, gray
Suitable for: First-time owners; apartment living; hypoallergenic needs
Temperament: Energetic, alert, affectionate, friendly

The Poo-Ton is a bundle of love and energy! They love to belong to a family, wherever they might be. Due to their small size, this dog can adapt to living in an apartment setting. They are an excellent choice for first-time dog owners looking to ease into training and co-living with a puppy.

This breed is a mix between specific Poodles and the Coton de Tulear. The mixture of these two breeds means that although it’s a small dog, it is also quite energetic. It bounds from playtime to cuddles and back again, always looking to be the center stage. For the most part, any person who encounters this adorable pup won’t be able to stop themselves from showering it with attention.

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Poo-Ton Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

This designer dog breed might not be the most common, but it is certainly an adorable mix. The pedigree of this puppy’s parents factors into the rather steep price that you will pay for this designer dog. The better the lineage of one or both of the parents, the more expensive it will be.

Finding a Poo-Ton at a dog shelter might not be an easy task, but you can always ask around and you never know when you might find one, or at least a mixed dog that resembles the Poo-Ton. You’ll be changing a dog’s life for the best and saving lots of money by adopting.

When you bring a Poo-Ton into your home, be ready to have a friendly an affectionate dog by your side. They’re very loving and will create strong bonds with their human companions. Early socialization and training are essential for them to get along with other dogs and to remain calm around strangers.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Poo-Ton

1.  Poo-Ton dogs are hypoallergenic.

No dog is 100% hypoallergenic. Yet dogs are given these labels if they have a higher tendency not to affect allergies. Regarding mixed dog breeds, if the parents have the genes to be hypoallergenic, then this can impact the puppies. If only one breed does and not the other, the puppies end up with a varying degree of effect on the allergies of people. In the case of the Poo-Ton, both of the parents, Poodle and Coton de Tulear, are hypoallergenic, meaning Poo-Ton puppies are as well.

2.  The Poo-Ton are long-lived pups compared to other small breeds.

Poo-Ton dogs not only inherit the desired hypoallergenic traits from their parents, but they also inherit a long life. The Coton de Tulear typically lives 14-16 years, and Miniature Poodles live for an average of 15 years. This combination can live anywhere from 12 to 16 years and sometimes even beyond. Taking excellent care of the dogs can help extend their lives for as long as possible.

3.  Only specific poodles can be used to breed a true Poo-Ton.

Not just any Poodle can be used to breed a Poo-Ton. This is partially to maintain its size, as a standard poodle can stand 18 to 24 inches tall, dwarfing the small Poo-Ton. Breeders can only call their puppies Poo-Tons if they are bred with a Coton de Tulear and a Toy Poodle or a Miniature Poodle.

Parent Breeds of the Poo-Ton
Image By: (L) Jumpstory | (R) pablo11, Shutterstock

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Temperament and Intelligence of the Poo-Ton 🧠

The Poo-Ton is a highly intelligent dog, inheriting positive traits from its impressive parents. The most noticeable characteristics of these dogs are the affection and love that they shower their people with, along with their energy. They are vigilant dogs and can be trained to function in multiple different capacities, such as a watchdog, albeit their small size. This breed is also called Doodle-Ton, Cotondoodle, or Cotonpoo because of the fluffy coat. Because of how intelligent this dog is and their desire to please their masters, they easily pick up new tricks and commands. They love to have fun and are quite responsive.

Incorporating training games into their sessions helps keep them engaged and satisfies their playful nature. They are not known to be excessive barkers but may bark at strangers if they come close. If your puppy tends to bark more than most, this may be something to work on in training.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

These dogs are great fits for families. They are rarely aggressive and love to play. These traits, combined with their small size, make them perfect pets to have around if there are small children in the home. However, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on small children and dogs during playtime, no matter the breed.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

This breed tends to be sociable and friendly. If the pups are socialized, especially if done early, they will be happy to have other dogs and even cats as new playmates.

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Things to Know When Owning a Poo-Ton

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Since Poo-Ton pups are quite active, they need food that caters to their energy needs. They are small enough to only consume about one cup of food a day. This should not be set out for them to free-feed, though. Instead, have scheduled meal times two to three times a day to control how much they eat at a time. This schedule also helps keep the pup from bloating or suffering from digestive problems. Feed them food made for pups of a smaller size, medium energy, and appropriate age.

Exercise 🐕

Even though these adorable dogs have a relatively high amount of energy, their small stature means that they don’t have to go far to get tired out. On average, they should be walked 9 miles in a week, equaling out to about 30 minutes of consistent activity per day.

Since Poo-Ton dogs are so intelligent, they don’t only want physical exercise but also mental stimulation. Give them small puzzles to figure out with treats as rewards, or hold energetic training sessions with games and fun new commands. Activities like these help prevent boredom and keep them active and healthy.

pooton dog inside
Image By: LindaPom, Pixabay

Training

This breed is a diamond in the rough when it comes to training. Due to their sweet nature, they have a deep desire to please their trainers. Be sure to set your relationship up as the leader of the two, as this pup may suffer from small dog syndrome. During training, they pick commands up quickly with a firm consistency and plenty of positive reinforcement.

Grooming ✂️

Poo-Tons do not shed that much but still need to be groomed regularly because their coats are prone to tangling. Avoid mats by using a pin brush and a comb and brushing them out daily. Depending on the type of coat they have inherited from their parents, they may need regular trimming, especially around their eyes. Regular doggie maintenance, such as brushing the teeth daily and trimming the nails regularly, are essential to the care of your Poo-Ton. Also, remember to check their ears and keep them clean.

Health Conditions ❤️

When getting a Poo-ton, or any puppy from a breeder, you should always ask about the parents and if they have been checked thoroughly for any underlying health conditions. A breeder should never have any problem showing you evidence of vet check-ups, since many health conditions can pass down through their lineage. Take your puppy to their regular veterinary appointments to catch any disease before it develops.

Minor Conditions
  • Allergies
  • Entropion
  • Patellar luxation
  • Corneal dystrophy
  • Bloat
Serious Conditions
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Addison’s disease
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Sebaceous adenitis
  • Mitral valve disease

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Male vs Female

There are no significant differences between male and female Poo-Ton pups. The male Poo-Ton tends to be slightly larger, both in height and weight. However, it is generally barely noticeable between the genders. The male Poo-Ton can be anywhere from 9 to 12 inches, while the female Poo-Ton tends to grow 8 to 11 inches.

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Final Thoughts

Owning a Poo-Ton is as close as you might get to owning a fluffy angel. This breed is cuddly, loving, and smart. They are loyal dogs to those they care for and are attentive to everything going on around them. Training is as easy as it can be with a dog. They are also highly adaptable, easily adjusting to apartment life with the right amount of exercise and mental stimulation.

For singles, those in need of a companion, or those who want an adorable bundle of energy for the kids, making a Poo-Ton a part of your life may be just the right fit.


Featured Image: Pxhere

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