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A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed. From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Kennel Club website for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure.

To view photos of this breed please visit the Kennel Club Picture Library

Interim

General Appearance
Small, white dog. Slightly longer than high. Long coat of distinctive texture.

Characteristics
Lively, boisterous and intelligent.

Temperament
Loyal and friendly.

Head and Skull
Medium short foreface. Ratio of muzzle length to skull length 5:9. Skull slightly convex. Slight stop. Nose black.

Eyes
Round, dark and expressive. Well spaced. Black eye rims.

Ears
High set on skull, pendulous, slender, well covered with fine long hair.

Mouth
Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Lips black.

Neck
Medium length, slightly arched. Tight skin.

Forequarters
Shoulders well laid back. Forelegs straight.

Body
Good depth of brisket, medium tuck-up, slight rise over loin.

Hindquarters
Well muscled legs, parallel when viewed from behind. Moderate angulation.

Feet
Small, round and tight. Black pads.

Tail
Well feathered. Low set, tapering, never coiled. When at rest, tip slightly raised. Carried above back when dog is moving.

Gait/Movement
Smart and free; parallel movement fore and aft.

Coat
Single coated. Approximately 8-9 cms (3-3½ ins) long, fine, slightly wavy, texture of cotton, shown in natural state. Colour White. Slight lemon or grey colour on ears acceptable; dark pigmentation.

Size
25-32 cms (10-12½ ins).

Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Last Updated - September 2000

Glossary of Canine Terms

Some links to health information and resources that may be relevant to this breed:

Veterinary screening schemes - The Kennel Club operates these with the British Veterinary Association.

DNA screening schemes - detect disease-causing mutations in a number of breeds.

Current Accredited Breeder Scheme health screening requirements and recommendations - for Kennel Club Accredited Breeders show what is required and recommended for the sire and dam of any litter of this breed bred by a Kennel Club Accredited Breeder.

Breed Watch - a tool aimed at dog show judges and exhibitors to highlight and tackle any current concerns in a breed

Health Test results Finder Tool - access results of any official KC health testing scheme for Kennel Club registered dogs

2004 Purebred Dog Health Survey Results - Individual summaries are available where the breed response rate was greater than 15%.

Recommended Reading

All the below publications are available to order from the Online Shop.

Kennel Club Breed Standards Kennel Club Breed Standards are available for most breeds indicating the qualities which competition judges normally take into account and the standard or model which breeders endeavour to achieve. The Breed Standards can be purchased by group.

Breed Clubs and Societies

Coton De Tulear Club of the United Kingdom. Sec- Ms H Gill. Tel: 01205 871834 

Find A Puppy

Search for Kennel Club registered Coton De Tulear puppies for sale in the UK

Find A Rescue

Search for Coton De Tulear rescue societies for adopting and re-homing rescue dogs

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