Coton de Tulear History

The Coton de Tulear is the rarest of the Bichon group, worldwide. This little one hails from the Island of Madagascar. This Island is located in the Indian ocean. In this little remote corner of the earth the joyous, cottony, coated dog developed.

The history of this breed is poorly documented, but it is obviously closely related to the other Bichon breeds. Madagascar and the surrounding Island were first discovered by a Portuguese seaman, in the 1500’s. A fleet of ships were bound for India, as they passed the Cape of Good Hope, Diego Dias’ ship was blown off course by a storm. He landed on Madagascar. In the early 1600’s Portuguese missionaries came to the Island intent on converting the natives. They were unsuccessful. The French came to Madagascar in 1642, and established a garrison. The Madagasy natives rebelled and massacred many of the foreigners. The remaining French hastily left and Madagascar became a haven of pirates who preyed on ships bound for India. The French came again in 1768 and during the coming decades, succeeded in establishing themselves on the Island. It was an uncomfortable relationship, punctuated by rebellions and war. Still Madagascar remained a French colony until 1946.

Breed authorities tell us that the cottony, coated dogs made their first appearance on the Mascarene Islands. Considering the region’s history, we may speculate that the initial stock arri

The dogs imported to Madagascar thrived. They were embraced by nobles of the Merina tribe. The Merinas, of Indonesian descent were among the original inhabitants of Madagascar, and were fiercely proud of their country. The Malagasy society ran on a cast system with the Merinas divided into nobles and freemen. In fact, they enacted a law, that only nobles were allowed to have a Coton.

Today, the Coton de Tulear is a rare find in its homeland. Merina officials and merchants still dote on the breed, but there are few kennels actively raising the breed. An avid authority, Mr. Petit, ratifies the legend’s ship wreck version, however, he advances another which is more plausible. The first European merchants are suspected of importing to Madagascar various Bichon type dogs destined for companionship. It is probable the Coton de Tulear evolved and emerged from the interbreeding of those Bichon strains.

Some literature affirms that the Bedlington Terrier may be linked to this breed from its slightly convex top line, longer legs and two skin color variations (gray& pink) may have been inherited and to the Belgium breed Papillon, from whom a certain strain inherited its paws feathery fringes, the tri-color varieties and erect and pendulous ears. Specimens of the breed were brought back to Europe in the mid 1970’s where the breed aroused the interest of the Federation Cynologique Internationale, and by the late 1800’s finally gained a notorious status.

Like many other breeds whose origin, ancestry, roots, or foundation is shrouded in theories and speculations, the Cotons exotic past
befalls under the same rule. Although numerous breed officials have theorized their own theories and give evidence of the breeds origin, the legend of the pirates is still widely preferred.

In a text released in 1653, Etienne de Flacourt writes, “There is a quantity of dogs which are small and have a long muzzle. Some with short legs, some with long legs similar to foxes. A few are white. They have emerged from a crossing of purebreds from France and have remained. They are used as boar hunters and have short ears. They will gather in packs to hunt and because of less refined physique than of today and with the size of a fox, he concealed a wild and savage disposition. His dogs courageous temperament, vigor, distinctive high pitched bark and cleverness enabled him to hunt with great agility.

Perhaps a loving Coton is just the dog for you!
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