The Coat

The Coton de Tulear has a plush single coat that lacks the fall and direction of lay of the typical drop coats. Their rustic origin lends them a slight wire texture which creates volume of the coat, making them ideal for carrying various hairstyles, and competing in grooming competitions.

Keeping a Coton’s coat for show requires a natural length, with only maintenance trimming of the pads and groin, and care to keep it mat and debris free. The supple texture can break easily with overbrushing, and frequent blow drying helps to preserve the strength of the coat without overworking it.

A Coton de Tulear kept in a pet trim requires maintenance about equal to other long-coated breeds (such as poodles and shih-tzus) in pet trims. Pets are best seen by a groomer every 4-6 weeks, dependent on the lifestyle, coat style, and quality & frequency of regular at-home maintenance.