Litter Size: 3-6

There are currently two "breed standards" for the Coton de Tulear. One is supported by the FCI while the other is supported by the Coton de Tulear Club of America.

The Coton is a bichon-type related to the French Bichons and the Italian Bolognese.

The Coton de Tuléar is the official dog of Madagascar where, in the past, only royalty and the upper-class could own one. The Coton's ancestors were thought to have been brought to Madagascar in the 16th century by sailors from Spain and Portugal and is named after the port city of Tuléar which is currently known as Toliara.

Recognition - CKC, FCI, NKC, APRI, ACR

Cotons are fancied in both Europe and America. The all-white, FCI-standard Cotons have their strongest presence in Europe. However, CTCA-standard Cotons, which most closely resemble the original Coton in its native Madagascar, are the most commonly seen in North America. The breed is supported by several organizations in North America, the oldest and most prominent of which is the Coton de Tuléar club of America. Though Coton de Tuléar has been included in the AKC-FSS, a majority of the breed's supporters in the United States are against an AKC takeover of this rare breed.