Poo-Ton -- Poodle X Coton de Tuléar

		Poo-Ton
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			France <> Madagascar -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen
This breed is also known as			Doodle-Ton Cotondoodle Cotonpoo

A brief presentation of the Poo-Ton

The Poo-Ton is a cross between a pure-bred Coton de Tuléar and a miniature Poodle or pure-bred toy. They are small but full of energy and make excellent pets. Your pet will be very affectionate with its family and love being the center of attention. They are perfect with children and other pets, and despite their size, they make good watchdogs. Common colors are apricot, lemon, white, black, gray, brown and sand, while the coat is medium to long and can be wavy or curly. These cute little dogs are considered hypoallergenic, making them suitable for allergy sufferers. They don't shed much, but need daily brushing to avoid tangles and occasional trimming.

History of the Poo-Ton

Not much is known about the Poo-Ton's origins, apart from the fact that it is a hybrid breed and a combination of a Coton de Tulear and a miniature Poodle or purebred toy.

	A little of the Poodle
	Although they always appear primed and preened, Toy Poodles are incredibly intelligent, adept at performing tricks and skilled swimmers. They were developed for hunting waterfowl, and although considered the national dog of France, they actually originated in Germany. In Germany they were called “pudel” or “pudelin”, meaning to splash in the water, while in France they were called “chien canard or Caniche”, indicating their duck-hunting qualities. There are various theories as to the breed's ancestry: curly-haired dogs from Central Asia traveled west with tribes of Goths, eventually becoming a German hunting animal. Others say the dogs traveled from Asia to Portugal in the 8th century with the Moors. The Standard Poodle is the oldest of the three varieties and was later bred to miniature and toy sizes. Barbara Streisand, Elizabeth Taylor and Priscilla Presley are among the celebrities who have owned Poodles.

	Standard of the Poodle


	A little of the Coton de Tulear
	The Coton de Tuléar originates from the African island nation of Madagascar and is related to the Bichon frise and the Maltese. The breed's name comes from its cotton-like coat and the port city of Tuléar, now known as Toliara. The Coton's ancestors are thought to have been brought to Madagascar in the 16th and 17th centuries on pirate ships, where they were used as razors. Royalty in Madagascar became attached to the cute, gentle little dogs and were the only people allowed to keep Cotons. They are still known today as the “Royal Dog of Madagascar” and even appeared on a postage stamp in 1974. Dr Robert Jay Russell is credited with bringing the breed from Madagascar to the USA in 1973. The Coton de Tulear became a fully recognized breed of dog of the American Kennel Club in 2014.

	Standard of the Coton de Tulear

Appearance of the Poo-Ton

The Poo-Ton is a small designer dog made up of a pure-bred Coton de Tuléar and a pure-bred Poodle. They weigh up to 7 kilos and reach a height of around 30.5 centimeters. The coat can be medium to long and may be curly or wavy, depending on which parent breed it resembles. It is also light in texture. Common colors include apricot, lemon, white, black, gray, brown and sable. They have small, bright eyes that are usually brown, and ears that fall over the face. Although small dogs, they have compact bodies and short tails. Their muzzle is also fairly short and their nose is black.

Temperament of the Poo-Ton

Poo-Tons are playful, fun-loving dogs that make excellent pets. They are intelligent and gentle, and very responsive. They don't do well left alone as they are very social dogs who love everyone and thrive with the people around them. They're perfect with children, but because they're so small, it's a good idea to supervise them in the presence of younger children who can be a bit rough when they're playing. They'll get on well with other dogs and even cats, so early socialization will help. Poo-Tons are highly intelligent dogs. They are easy to train as they like to please their owners and are therefore likely to learn quickly. They are excellent dogs for new dog owners. They are alert little watchdogs and will always bark if they see an intruder, but are not prone to excessive barking. They are full of energy and will love play sessions that provide physical and mental stimulation.

Needs and activities of the Poo-Ton

Your Poo-Ton won't need much exercise to stay happy and healthy, but he will enjoy daily walks to the beach or even around the neighborhood. They're very playful dogs, so they'll enjoy ball games and Frisbee. This breed is happy in small spaces like an apartment as long as their family is close by and they exercise every day to burn off energy. They'll enjoy a garden to play in, but will be just as happy indoors. A Poo-Ton is not very sensitive to hot or cold weather, but should never be left outside for too long and, as with all dogs, should not be exercised in very hot weather.

Maintenance of the Poo-Ton

The Poo-Ton doesn't shed much, but needs fairly regular grooming to keep it looking good. Because their coats are so light that they tangle easily, we recommend brushing them daily with a pin brush as well as combing their hair. They are hypoallergenic, making them an excellent choice for allergy sufferers. They need occasional trimming. It's not necessary to wash your dog very often, and only with a recommended dog shampoo to avoid any sensitive skin problems. Brushing your dog's teeth daily helps prevent any dental problems. Check ears regularly for dirt and wipe gently with damp absorbent cotton if necessary. Nails should also be checked to see if they need trimming.