Coton de Tulear?

[Lookingforfocus]

I think I am finally ready to get a dog (in the next 12 months) after the kids and DH have begged for years. I grew up with a rescue dog who was very close to a Smooth Fox Terrier. This is obviously our first family dog. The kids are 13,11 and 8. We live in a village in Germany surrounded by vineyards and a forest.

After doing lots of reading and research I think I have narrowed it down to this breed the Coton de Tulear.I was thinking about a Bichon Frise but encountered an adorable dog in France which we identified as a Coton. I know they are similar but I just love the Coton.

What say you?

Never heard of them! Have googled though and they look quite pretty:) Other breeds to consider may be Lhasa Apso, Shih tzu - for breeds similar in looks. Also bear in mind the grooming! The longer coated dogs in the pics would take some considerable work. Also, the description of "vocal" would put me off a little!

Good luck with your decision.

My understanding is they are hypoallergenic as they don't have fur that sheds on furniture etc. but need daily brushing. I would keep their hair short as like to see their lovely face. They are very intelligent. Just wondering about cons as so far can see lots of pros :) I like that they are so happy also in Germany you can take your dog everywhere so need a dog that would be easy to hang out with. I love big dogs but think we would be wise to choose a smaller dog that is bred as a companion because of the way we live at the moment.

Check out "Dog Tricks by Coton de Tulear Isy" on YouTube to get a good look at the breed. Sorry can't do link on my phone - anyone?

We are also thinking of getting a dog and ive just come across this breed. I've never had a dog before and kids are 13 & 12. It sounds like a lovely easy breed. If you have any more info then please share. My other front runner at the moment is a miniature labradoodle which is also lovely but just a bit bigger.

AngieM2 - if you are looking for a non-shedding, there is no guarantee that a Labradoodle is non shedding, it can have a poodle coat, labrador coat - or a mix.......people love to tell you they are Hypoallergenic - but no one can guarantee this, and you won't know what sort of coat they will have, until they are fully mature.

Right ok, thanks mrsm Will bear that in mind

We have a coton and she is adorable. She is incredibly intelligent and as a result has been really easy to train. She adores everyone and has fitted in to our previously pet free family with ease. Loves cuddles and attention which works well with my 3 children. The grooming really isn't an issue, as long as you're using the right products, and she gets brushed most nights while sitting on my knee which we both enjoy. Be prepared for A LOT of attention when you go out as everyone stops to comment and have a stroke as they're such a cute looking and quite rare breed to see around (certainly in the uk). My friend recently described why she loved our dog as "she's a little dog with a big personality and although she looks like a princess she just loves to play with the big dogs and it's great you let her get muddy and enjoy her life." If there's anything specific you'd like to ask or know I will do my best to answer.

One lives next door to my parents, very loveable little thing, always trying to play with my 12 stone mastiff! They've had 4 of them and they've all been loveable and they're brilliant with their LO's

I'm looking at Cotons at the moment for our family but am waiting until our incredibly old rescue terrier makes the great change before introducing a new puppy into the household. This gives me loads of time to drool over Cotons on the internet ... but I'm still not sure about choosing the best Breeders. I am very prepared to put in the time to research myself, but recommendations are very helpful as well. Would you mind me asking, Shhhgobacktosleep, which breeder you got your gorgeous-sounding Coton from? I'd be very grateful for any guidance you might be able to offer. Many thanks!

Just come across your messages from a couple of months back. I wanted to let you know that I have a 18 month old Coton de Tulear called Louie and he is the best thing ever. He is hypoallergenic - as I have really bad allergies to all animals, does shed at all, fantastic temperament, easy to train, so very funny and extremely loving. I keep him in a short coat and hardly every need to brush him as he goes to the groomers about once every 8 weeks. I bath him probably once, if that, in between visits. He keeps himself so clean that everywhere I walk him people ask me if I've put him in the washing machine again or bleached him. I know that they don't come cheap but even so I would really recommend the breed.

Angie - I have a 'miniature' labradoodle who is the size of a standard lab and sheds everywhere - I am dotty about him but you need to know this as there are no guarantees.

The class I assist at has 2 Cotons (same owner) - adorable little dogs. Trainable and affectionate. They skip happily round the agility ring like fluffy clouds :)

They always look incredibly clean; their owner says dirt dries and then just drops off. Their hair is silky and gorgeous.