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Cotonese Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Cotonese so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank281
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Cotonese dog profile picture
OriginItaly flagItaly
Other Names
What other names does the Cotonese have?
Coton Maltese
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Cross Breed Coton de Tulear and Maltese mix

Cotonese Size and Weight

Size
Is a Cotonese small, medium or large dog?

How big do Cotonese get?

What is the average size of a Cotonese?

Small
Weight
How much does the Cotonese weigh? How much should a Cotonese weight? What is the normal weight of a Cotonese? How much does a full-grown Cotonese weight?
6-15 pounds (3-7 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Cotonese?
10.5 pounds (5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Cotonese? Cotonese height:
8-12 inches (20-30 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Cotonese?
10 inches (25 cm)

Cotonese Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Cotonese puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Cotonese in the United States? How much money is a Cotonese?

Where to buy a Cotonese with a good pedigree?

$400-$600
If you choose to purchase the Cotonese, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Cotonese for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Cotonese gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Cotonese? How many Cotonese are there in the world?
Average: The Cotonese is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Cotonese Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Cotonese? Is the Cotonese breed dumb or smart?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. Keep in mind that if you want to teach them any tricks, they understand and memorize new commands in 40-80 repetitions. Cotonese obey the first command 30% of the time or better. So if you want to have a smart dog, you might have to reconsider your choice with this breed.

The Cotonese ranks below average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Cotonese dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Cotonese?
Cotonese dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Cotonese good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Cotonese dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Cotonese dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Cotonese dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Cotonese Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Cotonese have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
PlayfulLovingEnergeticAlertIntelligentResponsiveAffectionateSocialCheerful
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Cotonese sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Cotonese dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Cotonese a good family dog?
High: Cotonese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Coton Maltese need? Cotonese social needs:
Cotonese dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Cotonese to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Cotonese roam?
Cotonese dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. They have low to average wanderlust potential. Exploring the world is not the best activity they can imagine.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Cotonese have high prey drive?
Cotonese dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Cotonese Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Cotonese is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Cotonese dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Coton Maltese bark?
Average to High: The Cotonese is a vocal breed. Not the best choice if you prefer a quiet breed. They often bark loudly and howl sometimes. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Cotonese good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Cotonese in an apartment?
Very house-friendly dog the Cotonese breed. It's good if you have a small garden where he can go out and do his business, but it's not important at all. You can get enough exercise with one or two walks a day, so keeping them indoors shouldn't be a problem.

Cotonese Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Cotonese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Cotonese be left alone? How long can you leave a Cotonese alone?
Cotonese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Cotonese Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Cotonese has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Cotonese? How much bite force does a Cotonese have? How strong is a Cotonese bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Cotonese bite force: Weak. The Cotonese bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force Cotonese measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of a Cotonese may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of Cotonese being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

Cotonese bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train a Cotonese puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, a Cotonese can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

Biting Potential
Do Cotonese bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Coton Maltese? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Cotonese? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Cotonese has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Cotonese do?
Cotonese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Cotonese dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Cotonese Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Cotonese dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Cotonese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Cotonese breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Cotonese breed? Most common health risks of Cotonese:
Hip Dysplasia Patent Ductus Arteriosis
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Cotonese breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Cotonese see the vet?
Average
The Cotonese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Cotonese dogs live? How old can a Cotonese be? What is the age limit of the Cotonese? How many years can the oldest Cotonese live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Cotonese?

How long is the lifespan of a Cotonese?

13-15 years
The average lifespan of Cotonese: 14 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Cotonese Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Cotonese have? What is the activity level of the Cotonese?
Cotonese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Cotonese need? How much exercise do Cotonese dogs require per day?

Do Cotonese dogs need a lot of exercises?

Cotonese dogs exercise need is minimal. If you live a slow life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Cotonese breed need?
Cotonese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Cotonese Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Cotonese need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Cotonese breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Cotonese? How much food should I feed my Cotonese?
0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Cotonese risk for obesity:
Average: The Cotonese has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Cotonese weight regularly.

Cotonese Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Cotonese have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
FluffyDenseCurly
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Cotonese coats?
Cream White
Grooming
How to groom the Cotonese and how often? How often should I take my Cotonese to the groomer?
Advanced: The Cotonese requires a lot of grooming. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer can be helpful sometimes.

Regular brushed dog's coat is less likely to shed. Ears and eyes should be cleaned often to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Occasional dog nail trimming and dog baths are important.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and to give your Cotonese a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Cotonese, search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Shedding Level
How much do Cotonese dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Coton Maltese? Do Cotonese dogs shed a lot?
Cotonese dogs are low shedders. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Cotonese need a bath? How often should you give a Cotonese a bath? Can I bathe my Cotonese every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Cotonese breed hypoallergenic?
No
Cotonese dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Cotonese has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Cotonese drool?
The Cotonese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Cotonese could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Cotonese.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Cotonese Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Cotonese dogs get along with other pets? Are Cotonese dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Cotonese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Cotonese temperament with other people:
Cotonese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Cotonese dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Cotonese temperament with children:
Cotonese dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Cotonese dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Cotonese breed live with a cat?
Cotonese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Cotonese good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Cotonese dogs get along with other dogs?
Cotonese dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Cotonese can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Cotonese breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Cotonese breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Cotonese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Cotonese dogs good office canines? Do Cotonese dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Cotonese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Cotonese dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Coton Maltese temperament with senior people? Are Cotonese dogs good for elderly owners?
Cotoneses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Cotonese As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Cotonese be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Cotonese is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Cotonese be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Cotonese be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Cotonese is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Cotonese be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Cotonese is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Cotonese be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Cotonese is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Cotonese be a boat dog?

Not really

Cotonese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Cotonese be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Cotonese is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Cotonese dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Cotonese Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Cotonese pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Cotonese breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Cotonese: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Cotonese have in a litter? How many puppies can the Cotonese breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Cotonese have? How many puppies can a Cotonese give birth to?
3-5 puppies

Cotonese Recognition

AKC Group
Is Cotonese recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Cotonese recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Cotonese breed?
Dog Registry of America Inc.American Canine Hybrid ClubDesigner Breed RegistryDesigner Dogs Kennel ClubInternational Designer Canine Registry

Cotonese Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Apartment Friendly: Very house-friendly dog the Cotonese breed.
  • Shedding Level: Cotonese dogs are low shedders.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Cotonese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Cotonese dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
  • Adaptability: Cotonese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Cotonese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Cotonese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Cotonese dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Cotoneses are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Cotonese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Intelligent Rank: Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
  • Hypoallergenic: Cotonese dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Grooming: Advanced: The Cotonese requires a lot of grooming.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Cotonese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Office Friendly: Cotonese is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Cotonese History

The Cotonese is a hybrid dog breed that was developed during the last 20 or 30 years. It is thought that the breed is originated from the middle of the 1990s, even though, it is possible that mixes, resembling the Cotonese, were in existence as a result of natural mating throughout the decades. The trend of creating new hybrid breeds started around the middle of the 20th century, in North America and in Canada, with crossbreeding purebred dogs with each other, with the intention of developing new breeds. These hybrid breeds gained popularity instantly, for the reason that they usually inherited the best and most desirable qualities, abilities, and traits of their parent breeds. Unfortunately, this popularity does not mean, that we are certain about every detail of these designer breed’s ancestry, and the intention which led the breeder to create these dogs.

The Cotonese emerged after cross-breeding the Maltese with the Coton de Tulear. Even though there is not much information about the Cotonese’s origin story and the reasons why breeders choose to mix these two breeds, looking at the Cotonese’s parent breeds’ histories might help to gain a better understanding of the creation of the breed. First of all, the Coton de Tulear is originated from Tulear in Madagascar, and is recognized as the “The Royal Dog of Madagascar”. These little dogs were developed to be the companions of their human fellows, because of their small size, portability, and cute faces. Originating from Madagascar, the breed was commonly used on ships as rat catchers and rodent controllers.

The breed was considered to be a very skilled vermin controller for the reason that their initial development involved some crossbreeding with some terrier breeds. The Coton de Tulear was first officially discovered in the 1960s, by a Frenchman who was visiting the Southern-African island. He liked the breed very much and decided to bring some specimens with him back home, to Europe. Later, he set himself to establish and standardize the breed, in order to be able to write up a breed standard, and in order to further popularize the Coton de Tulear. It was not long until he managed to get the breed to North America, where the breed was welcomed with instant success towards the end of the 20th century.

Secondly, the Maltese derive their name after their homeland, Malta, and it is thought that the breed is the oldest. The Maltese had very similar duties as the Coton de Tulear from the point the breed was developed. It was thought that the breed possessed a comforter kind of power to the sick people of Egypt and later to the Europeans. Most people believed that the dogs also had healing powers, and they would go so far as to lay the little companions on the pillow of sick patients.

In spite of the fact that the Cotonese’s parent breeds are both well-recognized, very old breeds, the Cotonese, just like all other designer breeds, is not registered with any of the major kennel clubs, and neither has a breed standard, which can be applied to every single specimen. Yet, no matter the recognition and the official papers, the Cotonese is an energetic, loving, and eager to please little white ball of fur, who can be the perfect little companion to any individual or family. For the reason that most of the Cotonese specimens are F1 (first generation) ones, it is really hard, frankly quite impossible to tell before their birth, exactly which personality or physical traits and characteristics will be the most dominant ones. Nevertheless, it is certain that every Cotonese specimen is a faithful companion who will follow their owners anywhere, whether that place is just lying by your feet.

Rate The Cotonese Breed

Cotonese Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Pavi

    Apr 15, 2022, 11:28:36 PM:

    One of my fav breed