Origin and History of the Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear is a small companion dog breed that originated on the island of Madagascar, specifically in the port city of Tuléar (now called Toliara) on the island’s southwest coast. The breed’s name reflects both its appearance and its geographic origin: “Coton” refers to its distinctive cotton-like coat, and “de Tulear” identifies the region where the breed became established.

The Coton de Tulear is believed to descend from small Bichon-type dogs brought to Madagascar by European sailors and traders sometime between the 16th and 17th centuries. These dogs were commonly carried aboard ships as companion animals and for pest control. Historical evidence suggests that the ancestors of the Coton were closely related to other Bichon breeds such as the Maltese, Bichon Frisé, and Bolognese. There is a long-standing theory that some of these dogs reached Madagascar following shipwrecks or maritime accidents, surviving and reproducing on the island. While the exact details are unclear, maritime trade routes between Europe, Africa, and Asia make the introduction of small companion dogs to Madagascar highly plausible.

Once on Madagascar, the dogs became geographically isolated, allowing them to develop distinct traits over generations. The island’s environment and limited outside breeding contributed to the Coton’s unique characteristics, particularly its long, soft, cotton-textured coat, which differs from the silkier coats of related Bichon breeds. The breed adapted well to the local climate and lifestyle, developing a sturdy constitution despite its small size. Over time, the dogs became known for their intelligence, social nature, and strong bond with humans.

The Coton de Tulear became highly valued by Malagasy society, particularly among nobility and wealthy families. Historical accounts indicate that ownership of the breed was once restricted to the elite, earning the Coton the informal title “Royal Dog of Madagascar.” This exclusivity helped preserve the breed’s purity for many years.

The Coton de Tulear remained largely unknown outside Madagascar until the 20th century, when French visitors and breeders introduced the dogs to Europe, especially France, during the 1960s and 1970s. From there, the breed gradually gained recognition internationally. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) officially recognized the breed in 1970, while the American Kennel Club (AKC) granted full recognition in 2014.