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Coton Tzu |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Madagascar <> Tibet -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Coton Tzu |
| The Coton Tzu is a small dog weighing up to 7.5 kilos. Common colors include white, black, cream, brindle, brown and gold, and they can have a combination of these colors. Their coat is normally medium to long, which can be silky and downy. Coton Tzu don't need much maintenance when it comes to grooming, although they will need to be brushed fairly regularly and occasionally trimmed. They make excellent pets and are very good with children. They are not the most cooperative dogs when it comes to training, so an owner will need to be patient. They are playful, active dogs who will need regular exercise to maintain their fitness. |
History of the Coton Tzu |
| Not much is known about the origins of the Coton Tzu, a cross between the Coton de Tulear and a Shih Tzu. |
A little of the Coton de Tuléar |
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| The history of the Coton de Tuléar tells us that they were the lucky survivors of a shipwreck off Madagascar. We don't know how they reached shore, but perhaps pirates who frequented the island brought them ashore. This port is also known today as Tolaria in Malagasy, and this spirited survivor is now the nation's national dog. A member of the Bichon family, this dog boasts a cottony coat and sparkling eyes. In the 1970s, they were brought to France and North America and were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2014 and is also registered with the United Kennel Club and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale d'Europe. | ||
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| Standard of the Coton de Tuléar | ||
A little of the Shih Tzu |
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| A Shih Tzu, meaning little lion dog, is a toy breed that dates back to ancient Tibet and China. Their ancestors have a close genetic relationship with wolves, according to DNA analysis. But despite its name, the breed has never been ferocious and has always been considered a companion and lap dog. They are also known as the Chrysanthemum Dog and were prized by the Chinese royal family. They were bred in England in 1930 and the Shih Tzu Club of England was formed in 1935. During the Second World War, American soldiers brought Shih Tzu dogs home, and in 1969 the breed was recognized in the American Kennel Club's stud book. The breed is now recognized by all the major Kennel Clubs. They are very popular companion dogs and considered loving companions. | ||
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| Standard of the Shih Tzu |
Appearance of the Coton Tzu |
| The Coton Tzu is a mix of a Coton de Tulear and a Shih Tzu, and will take on the appearance and characteristics of both parent breeds. They are small dogs weighing up to 7.5 kilos, and are usually white, black, cream, brindle, brown and gold, or a combination of these colors. Their coat is normally medium to long, which can be silky and downy. A Shih Tzu has a short muzzle and large, dark eyes, similar to the Coton de Tuléar whose large, expressive eyes are usually hidden by bangs. The Coton de Tulear's ears are triangular and set high, while the Shih Tzu has floppy ears covered with long fur. The tails of both breeds curl over their backs. |
Temperament of the Coton Tzu |
| Coton Tzu are excellent pets, playful and happy, and always eager to please. They love attention and are very good with children and are very affectionate with them. They are quite wary of strangers, so early socialization and training is a good idea. They can be stubborn dogs, so training will take time, but they will become much more enthusiastic if they get rewards. Both parent breeds get on well with other dogs, so the Coton Tzu is also likely to do so. A Coton de Tuléar doesn't like to be left alone for long and can become destructive to show his displeasure. Shih Tzu are easy dogs that adapt well to any environment and make very good guard dogs as they are extremely alert and bark if strangers arrive. Coton Tzu are active dogs who will need regular exercise to stay fit and happy. |
Needs and activities of the Coton Tzu |
| A Coton Tzu will need moderate exercise to keep fit. This could include walks in the park or at the beach, but they'll also enjoy playing with their owners. They are likely to be similar to parent breeds whose exercise requirements are not excessive. A Coton de Tuléar likes to go for walks, but is happy to play fetch or engage in agility-type exercise. A Shih Tzu will settle for a short amount of exercise, but needs to get some, as it can develop behavioral problems such as barking or destructive chewing. They tolerate cold more than heat, so don't exercise them when it's very hot outside. |
Maintenance of the Coton Tzu |
| A Coton Tzu is probably hypoallergenic, as are both parent breeds, making them good for allergy sufferers. Coton Tzu needs fairly regular brushing to avoid matting and may need trimming, but this is not the case if they don't shed too much. Both parent breeds need a little grooming to stay in good shape, and both need trimming. A Shih Tzu needs daily brushing and a weekly bath, just like the Coton de Tuléar. Try to brush your dog's teeth every day to avoid any dental problems, and check his ears for dirt. If necessary, wipe them gently with damp absorbent cotton. Nails should also be checked to see if they need trimming. |
English (United Kingdom) 
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