The Coton De Tulear’s origin has been traced back as far as the 15th Century. As the name suggests the breed’s point of origination is Tulear, a Southern port village located on the tiny island of Madagascar off the Southeastern Coast of Africa. The trade industry of that time involved very long voyages at sea. Small, white dogs were known to accompany the ships' crews and their companions to help break the boredom of sea travel and to help control the rodent population. These dogs are also believed to be the predecessors of the Maltese, Bolognese, Bichon and other breeds known to us today. Over the years some of these small, white dogs became lost or left behind while on the island of Madagascar. Ship wrecks could have also contributed to the presence of these dogs on the island. After many years of intermingling with Malagasy scavenger dogs, a new breed began to emerge and was eventually recognized as The Coton De Tulear. At one point in time the Coton was declared “The Royal dog of Madagascar,” and it was forbidden for anyone but the Royal Family to possess these dogs. The Coton De Tulear was introduced in France long before its official recognition in 1970. The Coton was first introduced in the United States in the mid-1970s. Although the breed's population has grown substantially in the U.S. since its introduction, the Coton De Tulear is still considered an American Rare Breed at this time. There are several Rare Breed exhibition venues in the U.S. including the following: The American Rare Breed Association (ARBA), The International All Breed Canine Association (IABCA), and Rarities, Inc. The Coton De Tulear is not an AKC breed, and is not shown at AKC Dog Shows. The original valid Coton De Tulear Standard was published on November 25, 1999 with The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI).
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