Group 9 · Companion dogs
Coton de Tuléar
The Coton de Tuléar is a small white companion dog from Madagascar, named after its soft, cotton-like coat. It is cheerful, sociable and affectionate, and feels at home in any family that keeps it close.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Coton de Tulear by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 8 examinations:
- 6 DNA tests
- 1 X-ray examination
- 1 kneecap examination
The breeding programme also recommends 3 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (8)
-
Bandera’s neonatal ataxia (BNA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- a 62-bp truncated retrotransposon insert in exon 8
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Canine multifocal retinopathy 2 (CMR2)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- BEST1: NM_001097545.1:c.482G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Chondrodystrophy and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
X-ray Once from 2 years
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: lateral (C1 to Cd1 must be assessable)
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Exercise-induced collapse (EIC)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- DNM1: c.767G>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Patellar luxation (PT)
Kneecap examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Palpation of the kneecap
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PRCD: XM_022422503.1:c.5G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- VWF: c.7437G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
Recommended examinations (3)
-
Acral mutilation syndrome (AMS)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- GDNF: g.70875561C>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SLC37A2: c.1332C>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal dominant condition with incomplete penetrance
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Coton de Tulear, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 18/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Bandera’s neonatal ataxia (BNA), Canine multifocal retinopathy 2 (CMR2), Chondrodystrophy and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Exercise-induced collapse (EIC), Patellar luxation (PT), Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA) and Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1). The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Acral mutilation syndrome (AMS), Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO) and Eye disorders. A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Coton de Tuléar is happy with daily walks and play. Its soft, cotton-like coat needs brushing down to the skin a few times a week, or a shorter trim.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
The Coton is cheerful, sociable and very people-oriented, and does not like being left alone for long. It enjoys learning with rewards. Children need to learn how to handle a small dog gently.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
