Coton de Tulear Grooming

The Coton de Tulear, with it's Cotton-like coat, is a relatively easy breed to keep well groomed and beautiful. Because the Coton sheds minimally with no "dander", he is a good choice for people with asthma and allergies. Coton de Tulear hair is soft and fluffy, with a wind-tousled appearance. Brushing your Coton a couple of times a week will help to prevent mats as well as become a time of quiet communion with your furry little friend. However, sometime during the "teenage" months the Coton "Blows their Coat". It is during this time that you will experience the most difficulty in maintaining the coat in proper condition. (Blowing coat refers to loss of puppy hair while adult hair is emerging). The hairs do not "fall out" all over your home, rather they stay in the coat; waiting for you to remove them through brushing. After this time period, most adult spayed or neutered Cotons shed very little. As a rule, the only other time that care of the "blowing coat" becomes an issue is when the female experiences changes in hormones due to �heat cycles or pregnancies.

Other than the occasional bath, (every 6 weeks) a thorough weekly brushing, trimming of the toenails, cleaning of the ears, and brushing of the teeth is all that is required to keep your Coton in tip top shape. Those Cotons destined for the show ring are not allowed to be trimmed in any fashion. Many companion Cotons sport a " puppy cut" as their owners enjoy being able to "See" the dogs expressive eyes. Contrary to many beliefs, the Coton really can NOT see clearly through its "veil" of hair. We commonly "pull up" the dogs bangs allowing them to see where they are going. Additionally many Cotons are trained to voice commands as this will allow them to rely on their owners when walking on or off lead with their "bangs down". If your Coton gets wet in the rain or snow (they love both!) it is a simple task to "Blot" them dry and brush out any remaining debris.

We use a quality tearless shampoo and conditioner that is especially formulated for long, soft coated breeds of dogs. "Human" shampoos/conditioner are avoided because they are not pH balanced for the skin and hair of a Coton. We have found that the Chris Christensen Pin Brush and Butter Combs, and a Safari Face comb are the very best tools to keep your Coton looking beautiful!