Can you keep a Coton de Tulear outside?

Well, I have a small outdoor compound with a roof,3 walls and one wire cage door on the fourth side. It also has rubber mat flooring and is quite warm and definitely protected from the elements. If I was to put my dogs dog house and other bits in there permanently would it be ok. Of course it is just beside the house and she would still have loads of attention.

Comments for Can you keep a Coton de Tulear outside?

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Jan 18, 2015
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Outside!!! NEW
by: Anonymous

So you wanted a dog why? We have a companion, a pet that brightens our life. People who want yard animals should keep chickens, they love scratching about in the earth.

May 07, 2014
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Outside Coton NEW
by: Sharon and Jasmine

I would never keep my dog outside. When she goes out I am always with her. I have a large fenced yard for her to run and play but then she wants to come inside and sit with me. She goes where I go - even to the bathroom. TMI. I do crate her when I am at work and at night. She is next to my bed. In the day she is in the living room. I come home for lunch for her to eat, poop and play. I also have 2 cats that sit by her. She really likes her crate. We call it her "bed." She actually runs to get in it. But don't leave your puppy outside. They are indoor people dogs. Very loving toward their peps.

May 07, 2014
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P.S, About dog house/compound. NEW
by: Iris

By he way. Cotons need exercise, They run around like crazy when their bored, or just for play. My Coton will rummage through his toy box and bring out a toy he remembers that I liked playing with. This guarantees him that I will probably think playing is a great idea. He knows all the names of his toy.IE: red baby ball, mister Bill, Mamma hedgehog, etc.

May 06, 2014
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Please don't leave me! NEW
by: BB

Hi I'm BB. I'm the coolest little dog but I am very lonely this week. My daddy went on vacation and I miss him so much. My mommy is with me, but i don't like when daddy isn't home. I like it best when we are all together hanging out. I never liked being crated although some of my brothers and sisters are, and don't mind it. Mostly I just like to feel the warmth of daddy when we sleep at night.

My brother Maximus cuddles up to mommy and doesn't like to be crated either. And yes, we both bark too much (and Max isn't trained so well). I imagine I would have been okay if I was crated, but life wouldn't be as interesting! And boy is our life interesting.

May 06, 2014
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Coton or any other dog physics NEW
by: Vicky & Jonah

NO. Everyone has issued my exact feelings in previous posts.

May 06, 2014
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Not an outside DOG NEW
by: sherry cotton candie

I guess by reading all of these you have your answer. Please do not even consider placing your dog outside!!!!!!

You would end up with a aggressive barking unhappy dog and miss out on having the experience of a lifetime. They are truly a loving animal and will bring you smiles daily. I can guarantee it!!!

PLEASE DO NOT PLACE A COTON IN A OUTSIDE PEN!!!

May 06, 2014
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cotons are people too NEW
by: Louis's Mom

Absolutely not, for all the reasons previously stated.

May 06, 2014
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Great Question!! NEW
by: Gale

I almost didn’t approve this submission because I knew it would get a very “passionate” response. But then I realized that’s exactly why this question needed to be published. After all, this site was created to educate people about the breed.

As you can see from the responses, this is a subject that people feel pretty strongly about and it’s unanimous that the Coton is definitely an indoor dog and needs a great deal of human love and attention. I try to delete any content that is hostile or disrespectful, because more than anything, I want this to be a safe and friendly environment where we all learn from each other.

Thank you for asking this very important question and thanks to those who responded in an respectful educational manner.

May 06, 2014
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Please answer some questions NEW
by: Mrs. C.

First off, you ask a very good question that I wish more people would ask before they get a Coton or any pet for that matter. Apparently you are a first time Coton owner or a want to be owner and I respect your courage for asking this on a very opinionated site. Unfortunately I can not presume to know your situation and can not offer much insight without knowing the details.

1. Do you already have a Coton?
2. What is your reasoning for putting it outside?
3. What part of the country do you live in?
4. If you already have a Coton are you trying to look out for its best interest by letting it have fresh air and sunshine?
5. If you already have a Coton is it because of behavior issues, time away from home that you wish to keep it outside?

In my opinion a Coton does not have the temperament to be an outside dog even though they were for thousands of years in Madagascar. In Madagascar they were in packs so they were never isolated. They are a people dog and need to be near their care givers or they suffer emotionally. They do not do well with isolation at all. They are devoted to their human care givers and form very tight bonds. If you were to treat a Coton this way not only would it be subjected to distress, but you as well would be missing out on an opportunity to form a long and lasting spiritual and magical connection with an extremely perceptive companion. Also you run a high risk of someone stealing your beloved Coton as they are quite valuable. I would like to connect with you by e-mail to discuss further. Please contact me at UncleAmos@windstream.com. I want to be of assistance to you in any way that I can. Remember that I do not judge people, I just question their methods of doing things and their reasons why. Once I understand your situation then hopefully I can offer you assistance and together we can come up with a plan or a solution that works for you and the well being of a Coton. I would hate to see anyone miss out on being cared for by a Coton as they really are remarkable companions, but I will always put the Coton's needs first and foremost. Thanks!

May 06, 2014
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Keeping Coton'Outside NEW
by: Teddy's Mom

My question is: What is your situation that you would need to keep your coton outside?

Are you having troubles with potty training? Barking? Chewing, etc.?

I am glad you asked because I had an issue with my Coton named Teddy and received wonderful insights into the Coton breeds personality and the advice I received was very helpful.

Cotons are basically bred to be lap dogs, constant companions and for those who wish to pamper their canine additions to their families.

Cotons are a wonderful breed and treasured here in the U.S. because they are so rare.

As for the Cotons hair, I keep Teddy's hair short because it still is soft and yet it doesn't mat and so brushing although required on a regular basis, is quick and easy and he now enjoys it. There are some who would argue with me that a Cotons hair should be kept long however, this is the choice I have made taking into consideration what I believe is best for myself and Teddy in our personal situation.

Please write again and let us fellow Coton owners (guardians) know how we can help. The payoff for working with your Coton so he/she can share their life with you inside your warm, loving home is worth it.

My best to you,
Teddy's Mom
Julia

May 06, 2014
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can you keep a coton outside?? NEW
by: Iris

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!NO!!!!!!!!NO!!!!!!!!DO NOT KEEP A COTON OUTSIDE!!!THE COTON DE TULEAR IS NOT A YARD DOG>
Dogs are family. Not only the Coton breed (all are social, highly intelligent and loving), a home and family to love and interact with. A Coton is a very high maintenance dog, needing their hair combed and grooming, needing loving attention, play, and comfort. I doubt any domestic dog can be happy as a loner.Even wild dogs stay in family groups and they are able to find safer and more comfortable shelter than we can offer. Not only that, they are small and look like prey to other animals. Once a hawk swooped down to get a closer look at my Coton, who was on leash with me walking him. Another timer a Fisher ct, stalked him, again while I was walking him on the leash. Surely you must believe all the responses here, our cotons are like our children, who we would never cage outdoors. If you've already got th dog, please find it an adoptive family who want to keep it in their home with them. Thanks.

May 06, 2014
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Coton outside? NEW
by: Cathy & Jasmine

NEVER! Whether it's a Coton or any other breed a dog in my opinion belongs in a home. I never understood how a person can get a dog and then get them an outside dog house? Dogs need love and attention and trust me putting a dog out side is not a way to show that. Please reconsider. Either don't get a dog or if you do, or already have the dog, keep it in doors with you.

May 05, 2014
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NO
by: joyce/pierre

No you should not keep a Coton outdoors. Why have him if you want to leave him in a separate area. They need to be inside with people. They love to give and receive affection. My Pierre sleeps in my room at night. He loves his home.

May 05, 2014
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Not outside
by: Pamela

My babies sleep in my room, on my bed or in their bed, whichever they prefer. They need to be with their owner, AKA mom and dad, if you can only do outside, the reconsider. I am glad you asked, and I hope you heed the advice.

May 05, 2014
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Keeping a coton outside
by: Anonymous

I think that would be cruel!!! if you don't want a dog to be a part of your family don't get one!!!!

May 05, 2014
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get a beagle
by: Anonymous

I'm sorry for being rude, but why would you even consider a Coton if you were going to keep it outside. If you have already gotten the dog then ask someone else to take care of it. This would be so heartbreaking to think it would be left outside and afraid

May 05, 2014
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Coton de Tulear outside?
by: allen

Please do not keep a Caton in any type of enclosure or outside. Our Caton loves the out doors, but when I come in he wants to be with me. They love people, they would suffer and be very unhappy left along.

May 05, 2014
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Not my baby!
by: Donna and Lily

Nope! Not at all would they be happy! They are people dogs and should be treated that way! My girl is her happiest when with people and she is a clown, loves to play and be part of whatever is going on! :)

May 05, 2014
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NO WAY!!
by: Elisa

Cottons cannot be left outside. They will be deprived if all the emotional necessities that they need. I agree with the other commentary. If you cannot keep a dog inside then please re-consider dog ownership. Frankly, I am feeling sorry for the little pooch.

May 05, 2014
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Coton outside?
by: Angie

No. Cotons need to be with you, beside you, on your lap, just nearby all the time. They, like any other dog, cannot thrive outside of your home. If you can't keep a dog in the house with you, the best thing is to not get a dog. Please consider what is best for the dog and do not get one only to keep it outside. Does not matter how nice the enclosure is.

May 05, 2014
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Outside
by: Anonymous

Cottons are not outside dog house dogs. They need to be around their families and would be miserable without them. If you are planning on keeping yours outside, even though it is in a protected area, you need to find it a new home.

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