The Coton de Tulear, also known as the Royal Dog of Madagascar, is part of the UKC Companion Group. The Coton used to survive in packs in the wilderness and later became a companion dog to the Malagasy and Merina tribal nobles. In 1974, a US doctor brought the first Cotons to the US.
This is a hypoallergenic, non-shedding small dog breed that is well muscled. The Coton has a medium-length, soft, dense, cotton-like coat, after which it was named cotton, which means cotton. There are three color varieties: white, tricolor, and black and white, with white being the most common. Coton females usually weigh between 8-13 pounds, with males weighing 9-15 pounds. The average lifespan for this breed is 14-16 years.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) adds that “The Coton de Tulear is naturally clownish and lighthearted, as well as calm and easygoing. The breed possesses a remarkable gentle, sympathetic awareness to those around and is known for expressing unique vocalizations.”
In a rush? Here are the top shampoo picks:
Best shampoo for the Coton de Tulear
Since this breed has a different hair type, you want to make sure you choose a shampoo made for this dog’s coat type. The best shampoo for Coton de Tulears is a hypoallergenic or oatmeal-based shampoo. These will help to keep the coat clean and free of allergens. You also want to make sure the shampoo is pH balanced, so it doesn’t dry out the skin.
Some things to consider are the following:
Moisturizer
Shampoo with a moisturizer will leave your dog’s coat soft and shiny. If your dog has sensitive skin, you might want to consider a shampoo made for dogs with sensitive skin. Diluting the shampoo with water will help make it go further and make it less concentrated so it won’t irritate your dog’s skin.
Nutrients
Shampoo with vitamins and minerals will help nourish the coat and skin. This is especially important if your dog has dry, itchy skin.
pH balance
You want to make sure the shampoo you choose is pH balanced. This will help prevent the shampoo from drying out your dog’s skin.
Scent
The scent of the shampoo is not as important as the other factors, but it is something to consider. You might want to choose a shampoo with a light, fresh scent.
Oils
Some shampoos have oils in them that can help to moisturize the coat. This is especially important if your dog has dry, itchy skin. Dog shampoos with coconut oil are a good option for this dog. The coconut oil will add proteins and make your dog’s hair more elastic. It will also make your dog’s coat softer and shinier.
Aloe vera
Shampoo that has aloe vera in it can help to soothe dry, itchy skin. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce swelling and redness.
Silk proteins
If you can find a shampoo with silk proteins, this help add shine and softness to the coat.
Vitamins
vitamins are important for a healthy coat. Shampoo with vitamins A, B, and E can help nourish the coat and skin.
Now that you know what to look for in a shampoo, here are some excellent Coton de Tulear shampoo choices. In this buying guide, we’re going to go over the pros and cons of 5 popular dog shampoos. We’ll also give our top recommendation for the best shampoo for Coton de Tulears.
- Pros
- Suitable for sensitive and dry skin
- Safe, non-irritating, and natural ingredients
- Tested for quality and safety in the best facilities
- No parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde, alcohol, or synthetic dyes.
- Effectively cleans, conditions, detangles, and moisturizes
- Suitable for pups 12 weeks and older
- Lavender chamomile scent that's soothing
- Cons
- More formulas needed
We Love Doodles Shampoo is a high-quality 4-in-1, all-natural dog shampoo, conditioner, detangler, and moisturizer that has been specifically formulated for low shedding dogs like the Coton. Don’t be confused by the name because this shampoo was created for all types of dogs, especially the ones like the Coton de Tulear that do not shed.
This shampoo is made with organic ingredients and is gentle enough for puppies and dogs with sensitive skin. It will leave your dog’s coat clean, soft, and healthy. This shampoo is also a great detangler. It will help reduce shedding and make brushing your dog’s coat easier.
The We Love Doodles works well on the Coton’s coat because it is a low-shedding dog shampoo. The organic ingredients in this shampoo will also help to keep your dog’s coat healthy and free of any harmful chemicals. It is made in the USA and is eco-friendly and biodegradable.
Features
- Affordable
- 4-in-1 Dog Shampoo:
- 100% certified organic
- Vet approved
- Used by professional groomers in the US
- It helps detangle for easier grooming.
- Pros
- Brighten and whiten coats
- Sulfate-free and paraben-free
- No animal testing
- Cruelty-free
- Made in the US
- Recommended for white, light coats
- Lathers well and rinses off easily.
- Cons
- Fragrance does not last long.
This is a whitening and brightening shampoo to remove tear stains and brighten your dog or cat’s coat. This shampoo will hydrate dry, itchy skin, add shine and luster to coats, and is made in the USA. This all-natural blueberry face and body wash is perfect for dogs and cats who need a little extra brightness in their coat. Made with real blueberries, this formula is ideal for the Coton de Tulear.
Features
- Blueberry scent
- Vegan
- Crafted with natural blueberry extract
- Formulated for all coat types
- Facial shampoo
- Balanced for pups and adult dogs
- Tear-free and gluten-free
- An extensive array of formulas to choose from
- Pros
- Coat colors of all types benefit from added highlights
- pH-balanced
- Aloe enriched formula
- Allows for superior softness and smoothness
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Cons
- Must dilute this product correctly
This product is designed to help keep your dog’s coat clean and healthy-looking. It is made with a 15:1 concentrate formula, which means it is 15 times more concentrated than regular shampoo.
This non-bleaching formula turns white coats brilliant with its blue pearlescent formula. It’s enriched with protein for optimal coat health and shine. The vanilla scent helps to keep your dog smelling fresh and clean and lasts for weeks. This shampoo is made in the USA and is safe for dogs of all ages.
Features
- Vanilla fragrance
- Concentrated formula that makes 16 gallons of shampoo
- Whitening shampoo
- Enriched with proteins
- Non-bleaching
- Pros
- Formulated for professional groomers
- Texturizing shampoo with silk proteins, conditioners, and deodorizers.
- Cleans and re-moisturizes
- Adds highlights and body
- Made in the US
- Pet-friendly formula for cats and dogs
- Cons
- Must dilute this product correctly
Nature’s Specialties Plum Silky Dog Shampoo Conditioner is an all-natural, salon-quality product that dilutes up to 24:1 and is made in the USA. This conditioner is for all dog breeds and leaves your pet’s coat looking and feeling silky smooth.
Nature’s Specialties Plum Silky Dog Shampoo Conditioner contains no artificial colors or fragrances and is safe to use on puppies and kittens over six weeks old. This is a shampoo that’s best used when diluted.
How to use?
Directions: Wet coat thoroughly. Apply shampoo liberally and work into a rich lather massaging from head to tail. Rinse completely and repeat if necessary. For best results, follow with Plum Silk Conditioner.
Features
- Mild concentrated conditioning shampoo
- Non-toxic
- Biodegradable blend
- Cleans and conditions
- Includes silk proteins that add texture and body
- Long-lasting fragrance
- Pros
- Allows for a thick, manageable, and smooth coat
- Safe to use with topical and flea products
- Free of parabens and dyes
- Cleaners derived from coconut oil
- pH balanced for pets
- Soap-free
- Cons
- Some may not like the scent.
Bio-Groom Super White Shampoo is a gentle, pH-balanced shampoo that brightens and enhances all colors, especially white coats. It contains optical brighteners which reflect light to intensify coat colors. This protein-enriched formula fortifies the coat and imparts body and shine.
Bio-Groom Super White Shampoo rinses easily, leaving the coat lustrous, manageable, and soft with a fresh fragrance. This is safe with topical flea and tick treatments and dilutes 4:1. This product is also made in the US and has a fresh, clean scent.
Features
- Formulated to enhance white and light-colored coats
- Rich formula
- Natural, human-grade ingredients
- Fortified with protein
- Numerous sizes available
- Smooths coats
- Dilutes 4:1
- Affordable
- Cruelty-free
Coat
When describing the Coton’s coat, the AKC says that “The Coton de Tulear is characterized by a natural long, white, dry, profuse, cotton-like coat, rounded lively dark eyes, black on white “joie de vivre” expressive smile and witty personality.” The coat is soft and supple, with a cotton texture. They are also considered hypoallergenic.
The Coton’s coat is never hard or rough but should be dense, profuse, and slightly wavy, with the puppy coat much softer in texture than the adult coat. The AKC adds that a “Severe Fault is atypical hair or hair tightly curled, wooly or silky, and “any trimming, sculpting or grooming of the coat alters the natural appearance.”
Grooming
Coton de Tulear is non-shedding and has low dander. Regular grooming helps to keep the skin and coat healthy. Brushing helps to distribute skin oils and removes dead hairs.
This means that the Coton is a good choice for those with allergies. The downside is that the coat does require regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles. When bathing, the most important thing to do is remove all shampoo traces until the water runs clear off your dog. If you need to spend extra time rinsing your Coton, it’s worth doing so as you’ll avoid a dull coat and skin issues.
Supplements for a healthy coat
What your dog eats is going to determine the appearance of his coat. A high-quality diet and supplementation will allow for a thick healthy coat with good pigment.
Vitamins and minerals
The most essential vitamins and minerals for a healthy coat are:
Vitamin A is found in a water-soluble form (beta carotene) in veggies like carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes. Vitamin A is essential for growth, repair, and cell turnover and helps with sebum production, which keeps the skin and coat healthy.
It’s another coat-building nutrient for coat health. Dogs can assimilate this vitamin. Vitamin A also lubricates the hair follicles and helps with hair growth.
B vitamins – are essential for energy production, cell growth, and metabolism. B vitamins are essential for coat health, with biotin being very important. Look for foods like kelp, liver, peas, and green veggies high in the B complex family.
Vitamin E– is an antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage. It is also important for cell regeneration and circulation. Vitamin E can be found in foods such as leafy green vegetables, nuts, and seeds. It is also available in supplement form.
Omega-3 fatty acids – these help to keep the coat shiny and soft. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with skin conditions such as allergies and hot spots.
There are two types of omega-3 fatty acids – EPA and DHA. EPA is important for skin and coat health, joint health, and cognitive function. DHA is important for brain and eye development in puppies and cognitive function in adults. The best source of omega-3 fatty acids is fish oil. It is important to choose a high-quality fish oil that has been tested for contaminants such as mercury.
Zinc– is essential for skin health, tissue repair, and sebum production. Foods high in zinc include beef, pork, lamb, dark chicken meat, and pumpkin seeds.
You can also give your dog a zinc supplement. Zinc supplements come in different forms, such as tablets, chews, or powders.
A healthy diet will provide most of the vitamins and minerals your dog needs, but adding a supplement can help to ensure he is getting everything he needs for a healthy coat.
The bottom line
The Coton de Tulear is a hypoallergenic breed with a cottony coat that requires regular grooming. A healthy diet and supplements can help keep the coat healthy and prevent skin problems.
Coton de Tulear
FAQ’S Coton de Tulear
What is a Coton de Tulear?
The Coton de Tulear is a small companion dog that originates from the island of Madagascar. They are related to the Bichon Frise and the Maltese and are known for their cottony-soft coat. Cotons are playful and affectionate, making them great pets for families with children.
How do I groom my Coton de Tulear?
Because of their long, white coats, Cotons require regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles. Brushing your Coton a few times a week will help to keep their coat healthy and looking its best. In addition, Cotons should be bathed once a month to keep their skin and coat clean and free of dirt and debris.
What are some common health problems associated with Cotons de Tulear?
Some common health problems that can affect Cotons include patellar luxation (dislocated kneecap), Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (a hip joint condition and von Willebrand disease (a bleeding disorder). However, Cotons are generally a healthy breed and can enjoy a long lifespan if they are well-cared for.
Do Cotons make good family pets?
Absolutely! Cotons are known for their affectionate and playful personalities, making them great companions for families with children.
How much exercise does a Coton de Tulear need?
Cotons are relatively active dogs, and they will need at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Daily walks or play sessions in the yard will help to keep your Coton happy and healthy. In addition, Cotons enjoy playing fetch and going for swims, so feel free to get creative with your dog’s exercise routine!
What is an excellent all-around shampoo and conditioner for my Coton de Tulear?
A high-quality shampoo like the 4-in-1 We Love Doodles shampoo conditioner detangler and moisturizer will do the trick, but you may want to look for products specifically formulated for white coats. These products can help to brighten and protect your Coton’s coat.
Claudia Bensimoun is a writer who specializes in dog content and veterinary topics! Aside from writing for We Love Doodles, Claudia also writes for other major dog blogs like Fido Friendly, Animal Wellness Magazine, and the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA). She has a ghostwritten over 50 different dog e-books. Her passions include animal welfare, veterinary research, and wildlife conservation.
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