
🐶 Dog · size Small
Coton de Tuléar
Small dog breed with unique character.
Photo · Petar Milošević (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Weight
4–6 kg
Size
Small
Lifespan
12–15 ans
Energy
Moyen
Origin
Madagascar
Coat
| tête =
Maintenance
Faible
Training
Moyen
Le Coton de Tuléar is a breed of dog size small, weighing 4–6 kg et vivant en moyenne 12–15 ans, originaire de Madagascar. Réputé hypoallergenic, il s'adapte well to apartment livingand accompanies children peacefully.
Profile
At a glance
Energy
Modéré
Trainability
Modéré
Maintenance
Faible
Indicative profile — every animal is an individual.
⚡ Key facts in 30 seconds
L'essentiel
- 1Small size (4–6 kg), adapts to most housing.
- 2Average lifespan: 12 to 15 years, depending on maintenance and diet.
- 3Moderate activity level — 30 to 60 minutes of activity per day are sufficient.
- 4Minimal maintenance — minimal shedding, occasional brushing.
Chapter 1
Getting to know the Coton de Tuléar
Origins & history
A story told
The Coton de Tuléar is a dog originating from Madagascar. Nevertheless, it resembles the Bichon. The closest Bichon is notably the Bichon Frisé. The breed was recognized in 1970. Today there are not many Cottons in Madagascar, following the huge trafficking in the 1980s (a puppy bought for 500 FRF on the island was resold for up to 5,000 FRF in France and 100,000 CHF in Switzerland). France is the custodian of the breed standard and possesses most (90%) of the finest specimens worldwide, having a major influence on its economy and animal export rights throughout the world, particularly in Thailand and the Netherlands.
Physical
Breed standard
The Standard of a dog, or FCI Standard, corresponds to the description of this dog according to an almost "perfect" model. Each dog breed has a numbered standard, that of the Coton de Tuléar being no. 283. This standard is determined by the French Kennel Club.
What if you adopted your future companion?
The Coton de Tuléar of your dreams may already be waiting in a shelter. Hundreds of coton de tuléar (and equally wonderful crossbreeds) are looking for a family in France — every adoption starts a new story.
Editorial recommendation — no affiliate links.
Âge
What human age for a coton de tuléar ?
The calculator is already set to the breed's adult size (espérance de vie 12–15 ans). Drag the slider to see the equivalence and corresponding life stage.
5 à 9 kg — a giant dog ages significantly faster than a small dog after maturity.
Equivalent human age
28years
Adulte
Most stable period. Monthly weigh-in, annual vet visit, dental care — this determines quality of life in later years.
Method: AVMA table: 15 human years in year one, +9 in year two, then +4 per year for a petit dog.
These equivalences are statistical benchmarks drawn from published veterinary tables. Every animal ages at its own pace, depending on genetics, diet and care. This calculator is neither a diagnosis nor veterinary advice.
Alert
To avoid for dog
Our database lists toxic ingredients and problematic additives by species.
- low-fat cocoa powderModerate
- maltitolModerate
- cocoa pasteModerate
- onion piecesModerate
Calculator · daily ration
How much to give a coton de tuléar ?
Estimate based on the veterinary formula RER × DER, adjusted for dog. Adjust according to package recommendations.
Result
86 g
per day · 328 kcal
43 g / repas (2 par jour)
Calculation for food of 380 kcal/100g.
Appears in
Coton de Tuléar in our rankings
The best small dog breeds
Compact companions for city, apartment, or family.
See the rankingDog breeds that don't shed
Minimal shedding breeds — ideal if you fear hair on the couch.
See the rankingBest hypoallergenic dogs
When allergic but dreaming of a dog.
See the rankingSmall dog breeds
16 breeds ranked by size
See the rankingDogs with the longest lifespans
Maximum documented lifespan — 15 years for the Yorkshire Terrier
See the rankingHypoallergenic dogs
8 breeds that produce few allergens
See the rankingBest dogs for apartment living
17 compact breeds suited to urban life
See the rankingFAQ
Frequently asked questions about Coton de Tuléar
Is the Coton de Tuléar suitable for apartment living?+
How much exercise per day does a Coton de Tuléar need?+
What is the lifespan of a Coton de Tuléar?+
Is the Coton de Tuléar good with children?+
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For more information
Sources & official links
Supplementary documentation on reference sites — breed clubs, encyclopedias, veterinarians.
The right score for your Coton de Tuléar.
SokoScan calculates a personalized PawScore based on breed, age, weight and your pet's sensitivities. Free, instant.

