Small dogs like the Coton Tzu can weigh up to 16 pounds. They come in various colors such as white, black, cream, brindle, brown, and gold, or combinations of these colors. Their coats are usually medium to long, with a glossy and fluffy appearance. While they don’t need extensive grooming, regular brushing and occasional trimming are necessary. Coton Tzus are great family pets and are known to get along well with children. However, they may not be the easiest to train, so owners should be patient with them. These dogs are also energetic and require daily exercise to stay in shape.
In summary, the Coton Tzu is a small dog weighing up to 16 pounds with a variety of coat colors. They have medium to long coats that are glossy and fluffy. While grooming is relatively low maintenance, regular brushing and occasional trimming are necessary. They make excellent family pets and are good with kids, but they may require patience during training. Additionally, daily exercise is important to keep them happy and healthy.
Below, we look at Coton Tzu dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Coton Tzu, characteristics, and must-see facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and a lot more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Coton Tzus!
| Dog Breed | Coton Tzu |
| Size | Small |
| Weight | 8-15 lbs (average) |
| Height | 7-11″ (average) |
| Location | United States |
| Ancestry | Coton de Tulear, Shih Tzu |
| Date of Origin | Unknown |
| Group | Companion |
| Life Expectancy | 14-16 years |
| Price | $800 – $1200 |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The origins of the Coton Tzu, a mix between the Coton de Tulear and a Shih Tzu, are not well-documented. The Coton de Tulear, a survivor of a shipwreck near Madagascar, has a history that suggests it may have been brought ashore by pirates. Today, it is considered the national dog of Madagascar and belongs to the Bichon family. In the 1970s, Coton de Tulears were introduced to France and North America and were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2014.
The Shih Tzu, a toy breed originating from Tibet and China, has a long history as a companion and lap dog. Despite its name meaning “little lion dog,” the breed has always been known for its gentle nature. It was highly prized by Chinese royals and was bred in England in the 1930s. American soldiers brought Shih Tzu dogs back to the United States during World War II, and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969. Today, the Shih Tzu is recognized by all major kennel clubs and is beloved for its affectionate nature and suitability as a lap dog.
🐕 Coton Tzu Appearance
The Coton Tzu is a cross between a Coton de Tulear and a Shih Tzu, and as such, it will exhibit traits and traits from both parent breeds. They are little dogs that can weigh up to 16 pounds and are often one of the following colors: white, black, cream, brindle, brown, or gold. Typically medium to long in length, their coats can be glossy and fluffy. Similar to the Coton de Tulear, a Shih Tzu has a small nose and big, dark eyes that are typically covered by bangs. The Shih Tzu has drop ears covered in long hair, but the Coton de Tulear has triangular ears that are high on the head. The tails of both breeds curve over their shoulders.
| 👀 Eye Color | Brown |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black |
| 🐕 Coat Color | White, Black, Cream, Brindle, Brown |
⚡ Fun Fact: Coton Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Coton Tzu
The Coton Tzu breed is energetic, joyful, and always willing to please, making them wonderful family pets. They enjoy receiving attention, are excellent with kids, and are quite loving with them. It is a good idea to socialize and train them early because they are fairly apprehensive of strangers. Training will take time since they may be obstinate canines, but if they receive rewards, they will become much more motivated. The Coton Tzu is likely to get along with other dogs since both parent breeds do. A Coton de Tulear dislikes being left alone for an extended period of time and may act destructively to express his discontent. Shih Tzus are easygoing, adaptable dogs who perform well in any situation. They also make wonderful watchdogs since they are very attentive and will bark when intruders enter the area. Because they are energetic dogs, Coton Tzus require daily exercise to stay healthy and content.
🤝 Are Coton Tzus Friendly or Aggressive?
The Coton Tzu breed is known for being extremely friendly and welcoming towards both strangers and other animals. They are particularly fond of cats and are generally very sociable with other dogs. This makes them an excellent choice for those looking to expand their furry family or participate in dog meetups. Additionally, Coton Tzus tend to get along well with children and are often comfortable around elderly individuals. Overall, they are a versatile and amiable breed that can adapt well to various social situations.
This breed is known for being:
- Active
- Playful
- Happy
- Courageous
- Intelligent
- Friendly
- Outgoing
- Affectionate
- Lively
- Gentle
- Trainable
- Vocal
🐩 Coton Tzu Care & Maintenance
Because both parent breeds of the Coton Tzu are hypoallergenic, they are a suitable choice for anyone with allergies. The Coton Tzu doesn’t shed very much, but they do need to be brushed and maybe cut pretty frequently to avoid matting. To keep in good form, both parent breeds require a lot of maintenance, including trimming. A Coton de Tulear and Shih Tzu both require weekly baths and regular brushing. To avoid dental problems, try to wash your dog’s teeth every day and check his ears for filth. If required, gently clean them with moist cotton wool. Nails should also be examined to see if they need to be clipped.
Coton Tzu dogs are known for being low shedders, meaning they don’t lose a lot of hair. This is a natural part of their hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss can vary depending on their overall health and the specific breed type they belong to.
When it comes to giving them baths, it is generally recommended to do so every 4-6 weeks. This helps to keep their coat clean and healthy. Regular bathing also helps to minimize any potential shedding that may occur. However, it’s important to note that each dog is unique and may have slightly different bathing needs, so it’s always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian or professional groomer for specific advice on caring for your Coton Tzu’s coat.
🍖 Food: We recommend 1 cups daily, costing you about $0.70 – $1.00 daily, or around $25.00 – $30.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise: Coton Tzu dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 9 miles per week, which equates to about 35 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know: Coton Tzu dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
❤️🩹 Coton Tzu Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Coton Tzu Dog Breed can be:
- Patellar Luxation
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Hip Dysplasia
While minor concerns include:
- Bladder Stones
- Heart Disease
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
- Liver Shunts
🤧 Important: Is Coton Tzu hypoallergenic? Yes.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Coton Tzu.
⚡ Coton Tzu Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Coton Tzu a great choice for families with young children?
The Coton Tzu is a great choice for families with young children because they are very good with children and are known to be affectionate and playful around them. They are also described as being happy and always eager to please, making them a suitable companion for children.
Is the Coton Tzu breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
Yes, the Coton Tzu breed is considered a suitable breed for apartment living. They are small dogs weighing up to 16 pounds and do not require a lot of exercise compared to larger breeds. However, it is important to note that they still need regular exercise to keep fit and happy.
How much exercise does a Coton Tzu require compared to other breeds?
Compared to other breeds, the Coton Tzu requires a moderate amount of exercise. They are described as active dogs and will need regular exercise to maintain their fitness. This can include daily walks and playtime.
Is the Coton Tzu breed known for being good with other pets?
The Coton Tzu breed is known for being good with other pets. Both parent breeds, the Coton de Tulear and Shih Tzu, are mentioned to get along well with other dogs. Therefore, it is likely that the Coton Tzu will also be good with other pets.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Coton Tzu?
Other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Coton Tzu include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. These breeds also have medium to long coats that require regular brushing but do not require extensive grooming.
What are the common health issues that Coton Tzus are prone to?
Common health issues that Coton Tzus are prone to include dental problems, allergies, eye issues, and patellar luxation. Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage these health issues.
Are Coton Tzus known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Coton Tzus are described as not being the most co-operative dogs when it comes to training, so they may be a bit more challenging to train compared to some other breeds. Patience and positive reinforcement methods are recommended.
Are Coton Tzus more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Coton Tzus are known to be more prone to separation anxiety compared to some other breeds. They don’t like being left alone for long periods of time and can become destructive to show their unhappiness. Early socialization and training can help alleviate separation anxiety.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Coton Tzu that are suitable for people with allergies?
Dog breeds similar to the Coton Tzu that are suitable for people with allergies include the Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Poodle. These breeds have hypoallergenic coats that produce less dander, making them better for individuals with allergies.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Coton Tzu are best for individuals or families with limited space?
Dog sizes similar to the Coton Tzu that are best for individuals or families with limited space would be small to medium-sized breeds. Examples include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog.
Is the Coton Tzu breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Coton Tzu breed is generally known to be good with children, but whether they are suitable for children with special needs would depend on the specific needs of the child. It is important to always supervise interactions between dogs and children and ensure that the dog’s temperament and energy level are a good match for the child’s needs.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Coton Tzu?
The grooming and shedding needs of the Coton Tzu are moderate. They have medium to long coats that are described as silky and fluffy. Regular brushing is required to prevent matting, and occasional trimming may be needed. They are not considered heavy shedders, but regular grooming is still necessary to keep their coat looking its best.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Coton Tzu dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
