The Coton de Tulear is a lovely companion dog that is best known for its characteristic white fluffy coat. They are friendly, fun-loving, and adorable pets that are also low maintenance in terms of exercise and their dietary requirements.
Coton de Tulears are small dogs that stand at 9 to 11 inches at the whiters and usually weigh between 8 to 13 pounds. Despite their impressive coats, they are hypoallergenic dogs which makes them a great choice for owners with sensitive skin and other pet-related allergies.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Coton De Tulear?
As a general rule, the Coton de Tulear is a very healthy breed of dog that has an impressive average lifespan of between 14 to 16 years. However, in some cases, a Coton de Tulear can live for as long as 18 or 19 years!
What Affects A Coton De Tulear Lifespan?
There are many factors that can have a negative impact on a Coton de Tulear’s longevity and quality of life. One of the most fundamental things that you need to get right as a dog owner is providing your Coton de Tulear with a healthy, well-rounded diet.
This means that you should avoid cheap dog foods that contain a large proportion of artificial fillers. You should also be prepared to supplement your dog’s diet with healthy snacks and treats.
Coton de Tulears can be prone to becoming overweight; a problem that can quickly lead to other conditions and an overall deterioration in their quality of life. To keep your dog healthy and trim you need to make sure it gets regular exercise and has enough toys at home to play with during your downtime together. A Coton de Tulear needs around 30 minutes of exercise each day; or approximately 1 mile of walking.
The Main Health Problems That Can Afflict Your Coton De Tulear
Although Coton de Tulears are a healthy breed they can still be prone to a range of health conditions. Having an awareness of what these are will help you to act quickly and arrange a visit to the Vet to get your dog checked out if you see any signs that they may be suffering.
1. Itchy Skin
Coton de Tulears can often get skin complaints that can be caused by bacterial infections, allergies, fleas or other parasites.
2. Ear Conditions
Ear problems are a fairly common complaint about Coton de Tulears and are usually caused by the hair in the ear canal. This can lead to a build-up of dark earwax which can cause fungus or mites to fester in their ears.
3. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
This is a condition that affects cataracts in your dog’s eyes. These can occur in the whole family of dogs that Coton de Tulears are a part of; including Maltese and Bichon Frise dogs.
4. Hip Dysplasia And Luxating Patella
Hip Dysplasia is one of the most frequently reported health problems for all dogs so it’s not surprising that elderly Coton de Tulears can also suffer from this condition. This affects that dog’s hip joints and can lead to pain and debilitation. Coton de Tulears can also suffer from Luxating Patella, a condition that causes painful swelling in their knee joints.
5. Heart Disease
Older Coton de Tulears can have problems with their hearts. This is particularly true if they have a poor diet and haven’t been getting the exercise that they need.
Other Less Common Health Conditions For Coton De Tulear
- Blood clots
- Hypothyroidism
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Diabetes
- Pancreatitis
Frequent Checks At The Vet Are Essential
It’s always important to book regular checkups with your Vet. This will allow your Vet to pick up on any signs that your Coton de Tulear may have health problems that slipped under your radar.
If you’re dealing with an ongoing health condition in your dog then the Vet can give you invaluable advice and tips for managing the problem and maintaining your beloved dog’s quality of life.
Coton De Tulear – A Long Living Healthy Little Companion
All dogs are bound to face some health challenges during the course of their lives but Coton de Tulears are extremely healthy compared to most other breeds. In general, provided you feed your dog a good diet and make sure it gets enough exercise your Coton de Tulear should live well into its teens!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Cost Of A Coton De Tulear?
A Coton de Tulear will usually cost between $1500 to $4000 for a puppy. The cost will vary depending on the breeder’s reputation, the puppy’s genetic lineage and the location in which you live.
If you decide to rescue a Coton de Tulear from a shelter then you should expect to pay considerably less for your new pet. Prices in most shelters start from around $200 to $400, including the vaccines and other basic health treatments they may need before being rehomed.
Is A Coton De Tulear A Good Family Dog?
Yes, Coton de Tulears are great family dogs who are safe to be around young children and get along fine with other pets. It’s important though that your Coton de Tulear puppy is properly socialized when it’s young so that it doesn’t grow up to be too shy or aggressive.
How To Care For A Coton De Tulear?
A Coton de Tulear is a relatively low-maintenance dog that is easy to take care of. Even so, they do need daily exercise, a healthy diet, and regular checkups at the Vet. You also need to keep their teeth clean, brush their coats several times a week, and give them a bath every week or two.
Can Coton De Tulear Swim?
Yes, Coton de Tulears are great swimmers. In fact, it’s thought that the breed originated from a group of dogs that swam to safety from a shipwreck off the coast of Madagascar!
