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Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear breed has gained recognition and popularity in many countries in more recent years. Introduced to France long before its official recognition in 1970, this newcomer from Madagascar quickly acquired a prominent position amongst the companion dogs of this country. The ancestors of the Bichon breeds accompanied sailors on voyages throughout the Mediterranean. The Coton de Tulear was named for its “cottony” coat texture and after the main port city of Tulear on Madagascar. The Coton de Tulear became a favourite of noblemen and ruling tribes, hence, the Coton became known as the “Royal Dog of Madagascar”.

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The Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear breed has gained recognition and popularity in many countries in more recent years. Introduced to France long before its official recognition in 1970, this newcomer from Madagascar quickly acquired a prominent position amongst the companion dogs of this country. The ancestors of the Bichon breeds accompanied sailors on voyages throughout the Mediterranean. The Coton de Tulear was named for its “cottony” coat texture and after the main port city of Tulear on Madagascar. The Coton de Tulear became a favourite of noblemen and ruling tribes, hence, the Coton became known as the “Royal Dog of Madagascar”.

This breed with its unique coat requires a simple yet thorough grooming schedule. The coat is soft, supple with the texture of cotton. It’s white with some possible minor shadings on ears. The coat is never short or harsh nor excessively wavy or curly.

For faces use Plush Puppy Let’s Face It. This is a hypoallergenic sulfate free low foaming shampoo designed just for faces. It’s a nil fragrance, no tear formula with the highest quality Blue Cypress Extracts, Panthenol with Pro Vitamin B and SugaNate. These special ingredients clean, sooth, add moisture, aid healing and have anti-inflammatory benefits. A small golf ball sized amounts directly to the face and eye area allows you to thoroughly clean without causing irritation. Can be used in and around ears also with the same benefits. Its low foaming design allows easy rinsing yet complete cleaning. Best used first and left on whilst using all other shampoos and rinsing off with the final shampoo rinse.

For cleaning the Coton de Tulear use Plush Puppy Herbal Whitening Shampoo diluted at 1:5 (1 part shampoo to 5 parts water). This shampoo won’t bleach or lighten but rather tones the coat to give a brilliant finish to whites. Always dilute the shampoo for ease of application and evenness of effect.

For extra cleaning on the stained areas such as the feet, ears and tail use Plush Puppy Wonder Blok. Brilliant in helping to maintain a white stain free coat. It is not a bleach and contains no harmful chemicals but high amounts of naturally sourced vegetable surfactants and glycerin. This product is designed to remove gently unwanted warm or red tones to the coat. Using on a damp or wet coat, gently rub into the areas required. Allow 5-10 minutes, then rinse. For maximum effects repeat or allow a longer time for this amazing product to work. As with all products take care around eyes.

Conditioning this breed is sometimes too much and softens and flattens the coat more than desired. However, some moisturising and hydration The solution to this vexing problem is Plush Puppy Reviva Coat. This is a moisturising disentangling mousse simply applied to the hands and worked through the coat. Good also to use prior to any brushing. Mix a golf ball amount with 1 cup of water into a spray bottle. Truly the solution to this coat where elasticity and moisture is needed but softening and flattening is not wanted.

For coats needing more softening use Plush Puppy Silk Protein Conditioner diluted 1:5 or up to 1:10. Mix well and apply, leaving to sit for 5-10 minutes and then rinse. Alternatively, you can use Plush Puppy T.L.C. Coat Conditioner. T.L.C is a gentle, easy to use, leave-in, or rinse-out conditioner. Use as a normal conditioner and rinse out, or as a leave-in conditioner treatment. An amazing product in a spray form where you can control the amount and area sprayed. T.L.C moisturises and detangles the coat leaving it with excellent shine. It features a sublime light refreshing coconut fragrance.

For brushing this coat make sure you are using a moisturiser first rather than attacking a dry coat. Plush Puppy OMG is a revolutionary grooming spray that lives up to its name. OMG is the perfect product for a Coton de Tulear coat. A light spray of OMG and brushing in allows this product to refresh the coat leaving it feeling wonderful. It separates the coat and leaves the most amazing finish. Use the concentrate form at 1:20/40 (1 part OMG to 20-40 parts water). The stronger the mix the stronger their effects.

Using OMG can be a one-off at shows or during the drying process after bathing. It is brilliant for regular brushing as it hydrates the coat reducing stress and coat loss. Its active ingredients smooth the cuticle and protect the coat. For this coat type that you still wish to retain the texture, use at a higher breakdown as this will still allow you to brush and refresh the coat without over softening. If you need more softening and hydration to a fuller or larger coat, then a higher mixture is needed. OMG never builds up and never goes stringy. A product that took years to develop using amazing technology for maximum effects. A true necessity for the tool kit. This is a great moisturiser and reduces tangles and snarls in the coat.

Brushing and using the right brush is important. The old story of ‘you get what you pay for’ is so true for this coat type. It is very important to have a brush of quality that is gentle on the coat yet designed to get right down to the skin. The Plush Puppy Ultimate Pin Brush is perfect. It is ergonomically designed and built for the groomer, with maximum brush contact for efficiency of brushing and comfort for the dog. A fine quality aeroelastic rubber base houses strong polished pins with specially rounded tips. This is a ‘must-have’ item that should be in every dog groomer’s kit.

Finish with a Plush Puppy Professional Grooming Comb, built for absolute ergonomic comfort in various sizes. The lightweight oval shaped spine combining fine and coarse pins made of hardened stainless steel with anodic oxide finish that reduces drag and static to the coat. Perfect for use for this breed of dog.

At times due to various reasons including the weather static electricity can create flyaways. If this occurs use Plush Puppy Anti-Static Coat Control. This is a lightweight spray infused with organic extracts that offers a UV filter to stop sun damage and protect against heat for the perfect finished look of the coat.

During the week and coat stages, it can be very beneficial to add extra hydration to the coat. For this, we recommend 2 products. First is Plush Puppy Coat Rescue, an intensive moisturising product that adds structure back into even the most brittle and damaged hair. Apply by diluting to a thin slurry and work well through the damaged areas of the coat. Leave on as long as possible for maximum benefit but good results can be achieved after 10 minutes. Rinse well.

Secondly, work Plush Puppy Reviva Coat through for an easy comb through texture. It is an ideal alternative to a regular conditioner that retains fullness and volume without weighing the hair down. Reviva Coat is great for reducing knots and disentangling. Use for regular moisturising and rehydration. Add to water to use as a grooming spray.

For dogs that are changing coat use Plush Puppy Seabreeze Oil. Add 1 tablespoon to 4 Litres (1 Gallon) of water. Saturate the dog and don’t rinse. Seabreeze Oil is excellent for maintaining the healthy vigour to the skin and coat and is all plant sourced from Evening Primrose and Calendula Oils. It is non greasy and totally water soluble making it easy to apply and remove each time without build-up. We cannot stress enough the wonderful attributes of this product. Your coats will be fabulous with much less matting and greater hydration.

Show days a light spray of Plush Puppy OMG and a freshen up brush, and the amazing Coton de Tulear dogs will look the part.