The Coton Tzu is a small little boy with a heart of gold. It loves jumping around, giving you an iconic pout face. You may find it staring at you all too often. The best thing is that no matter how much its pests you, never will you feel tired of this boy.
The Coton Tzu is a combination of the Coton de Tulear with the hairy potter of the dog world, the Shih Tzu. To learn more about this amazing breed, read on with us.
Coton Tzu History
It is the offspring of two very amazing breeds. Unfortunately, we don’t know its history to a certain extent. The breed was brought into this world by crossbreeding the Shih-Tzu with the Coton de Tulear. The Shih-Tzu is an ancient breed from China. The breed was also known as the Lion Dog because of its cute but refined looks. It was particularly famous with the Emperors of China. It was imported to English shores in the 1900s. AKC recognized the breed in 1969.
The Coton de Tulear is the second parent breed. It has an undocumented history because it was bred by Pirates mainly during the 1700s. Its birthplace is Tolaria, Madagascar. It is thought to be related to the Bichon branch of dog breeds. The breed was highly revered in Madagascar. At one point, only royalty could own this breed. It was brought to the states by Dr Jay Russell. The AKC accepted the Coton de Tulear in 2014.
Coton Tzu Characteristics
The Coton Tzu will have a physical combination of both parent breeds. The coat will usually be medium length. The texture of the coat will be smooth and silky. Its overall body shape will be lean and proportionate. It will have large, lively eyes, mainly brown in colour. The ears will usually be set high but drooping. The colours that it sports include Golden, Brown, White, Cream and Brindle.
How Big do Coton Tzu Get
It has tiny parents, so you can expect it to be small too. The males will usually be 8 to 12 inches tall and will weigh 9 to 16 lbs. The females will be even more petite. The height and weight ranges are 7 to 11 inches and 8 to 15 lbs, respectively, for females.
How Long Does Coton Tzu Live
The Coton Tzu lives comparatively longer than the other breeds. The average lifespan for it is 14 to 16 inches. That figure is way beyond the normal lifespan of other breeds.
How Much Does a Coton Tzu Cost
The Coton Tzu is a designer breed, so obviously, its price is going to be elevated. At its current recognition, you will have to between 600 and 1000 dollars. The price will vary considerably based on the availability and health of the breed.
Coton Tzu Temperament/Personality
The Coton Tzu is perhaps one of the best family dogs. The breed will get along with almost anyone in the family. It loves children and will probably be as concerned about them as you. People outside of the family will not fare well with this breed. Other breeds will get along with it as long as they aren’t assertive. Early socialization will temper its personality considerably.
Training it can be problematic because this breed tends to be stubborn and boar headed. You will have to consistent and firm with it. It’s a sensitive breed, so we won’t recommend scolding it. Praising it and giving it rewards will go a long way in its training. For detailed info and guidance about the best approach in its training, get a Dog Training Book.
Caring for Coton Tzu
The Coton Tzu is a small doggie and can’t do much for its own health. Thus it’s upon you to take care of its need and health, so pay attention and learn.
Coton Tzu Nutrition
First of all, look into Food for Small dogs, because boy is this guy teeny-tiny. It will require only a single cup of nutritious dog food per day. The tastier it is, the more it will love it.
How to Groom a Coton Tzu
It has a coat that sheds less but tends to tangle up. It will require daily brushing sessions. Use a recommended Dog Brush to keep everything in order. Bathe it with a mild Dog Shampoo to keep its coat nutrient-rich. Trim its nails and brush its teeth every other day. Finally, clean its ears as often as you can. That’s pretty much it for its care routine.
Coton Tzu Activity Levels
The Coton Tzu is a moderately active breed, but it’s small too. The average exercise requirements are comparatively less intensive due to its size. Normally about 30 to 40 minutes of exercise should be enough to keep it sane. Use a Dog Harness when you take it to the park because it will most likely run off somewhere otherwise.
Caring for Coton Tzu
Apart from the normal care routines, you should also take care of its separation anxiety. It will need to be kept inside the house. Giving it exercise in hot weather is a major no-no. It tends to heat up very easily. Apart from this, give it ample opportunities to socialize in local parks and on trails while exercising. We must stress that the Coton Tzu may be slightly troublesome for first-timers, so get guidance.
Coton Tzu Health
The small size of the Coton Tzu and its hybrid nature renders this breed vulnerable to a lot of conditions. The main conditions include Bladder Stones, Patellar Luxation, Heart Disease, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, PRA, Liver Shunts and Hip Dysplasia. It would be best if you also remained vigilant about any pestering allergies. Yes, we know the list is long, but not all of these conditions will necessarily affect the Coton Tzu.
To keep it healthy and happy, take it to the vet’s office. It will probably whine and grovel against it, but it’s all for good health. Every week comprehensive examinations should be undertaken. Consult your vet about the use of Pro-Biotics for Dogs. You will find them very useful in fighting off any conditions and boosting the Coton Tzu’s immunity. Finally, never compromise on its health.
Breeds Similar to Coton Tzu
Best Dog Food For Coton Tzu
The best dog food for Coton Tzu is Hill’s Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food. Packed with advanced nutrition, the diet includes a chicken meal, soybean meal, broccoli, green peas, etc. The 2.5% of omega-six fatty acids bestow the Coton Tzu with a lustrous coat within a month.
- Whole grain wheat, corn gluten meal, etc., are enriched with fiber.
- The food receives vitamin A from ingredients like apples, carrots, etc.
- Apart from pork and chicken flavor, the manufacturers add an extra dose of natural flavor.
Best Puppy Food For Coton Tzu
The best puppy food for Coton Tzu is Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. The first ingredient for this Blue Buffalo recipe is chicken, and it strengthens the body providing a proper glucosamine balance. Its puppy-sized kibbles are super easy to chew, and puppies can digest this diet pretty quickly.
- This DHA and ARA-packed recipe maintains a healthy body mass.
- Its antioxidant formula creates an invisible protective layer against germs.
- Formulated without grain, corn, and soy products, the recipe bids goodbye to stomach issues and vomiting.
Best Dog Bed For Coton Tzu
The best dog bed for Coton Tzu is FurHaven Ultra Plush Luxe Lounger Orthopedic Cat & Dog Bed w/Removable Cover. Available in grey, chocolate, and cream, the slumber zone has two elevated edges for the headrest. The ergonomic bed features polyester-covered orthopedic foam.
- Step-on design of this bed lets baby pups climb up easily.
- This therapeutic bed can withstand deep cleaning and machine wash.
- Specifically, built for giant breeds, the bed ensures your Coton Tzu a restorative sleep.
Best Dog Crate For Coton Tzu
The best dog crate for Coton Tzu is MidWest iCrate Fold & Carry Single Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate. Due to its plenty of interior space, you can fit a crate mat, dog toys, etc., inside it. The strong metal structure of this crate ensures durability and flexibility.
- It features a folding configuration.
- You have to assemble the crate following the instructions guidelines.
- Its removable pan protects the floor and quickens the cleaning process.
Best Dog Harness For Coton Tzu
The best dog harness for Coton Tzu is Best Pet Supplies Voyager Black Trim Mesh Dog Harness. Its black piping and pre-holed fabric turn the training harness into a breathable one. The fuzzy fastener closure ensures fast release, and the harness keeps the dog within vision range.
- This mesh harness has double rings for convenient leash attachment.
- This basic harness is found in five colors and multiple sizes.
- You can adjust this back-clip training kit and help your Coton Tzu attain a comfortable fit.
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