What is a standard groom for a coton de tulear?

by Paisley
(Sacramento, CA)

I'm a groomer and I have a regular customer with a Coton de tulear and we are both unsure of what type of cutting, if any, is standard.

I shaved the hair between his eyes and gave him a sanitary trim and left the rest of his beautiful hair alone. She's not so sure she likes the eye trim, but it sure helps him see better. What's best?

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Jan 02, 2019
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Cutting the eye area of a Coton NEW
by: Anonymous

It seems it's impossible to find a groomer that can groom a Coton. It's the eyes that they just can't seem to get it right.

Sep 29, 2016
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1st grooming NEW
by: Jess

I brought Charlie to a groomer who was recommended to me. Like most groomers, she had never cut a Coton before. Charlie growled at her but he tends to do that to anyone he doesn't know. The groomer took her time with him. Let him smell her, talked in a low voice. I came back in an hour and she had him bathed, blow dried and she trimmed his face, fanny,feet and nails. He was a very handsome,little guy with his fur all blown straight. Overall, I liked his trim. Even if the first thing he did was roll around on the grass. I'm doing some research to see how to trim him myself. He does extremely well with baths and being brushed. I have brushed him nearly once a day though and got him when he was 4 months old now he is 7 months.

Jul 03, 2015
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Wish I waited NEW
by: Pam

I wanted to get my 6 month old Coton De Tulear a trim just around the bottom of his paws, his bottom and just trim the couple of wild hairs that were sticking up under his eyes. The groomer that was recommended to me was booked for at least a month so I went to "Petco" She asked if I wanted a puppy cut around his face, I said I wasn't sure what that was but just wanted a little off & that I loved his floppy moppsy look. When I came back for Mister he did not look like a Coton. His head was shaved, all of his eyebrow bang was gone. I so wish I had waited.

Feb 15, 2012
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hair cuts
by: Anonymous

remember your coton's hair is their sunscreen...
the reason the coton's hair grows over their eyes, is to prevent cataracts..
Having them shaved to short is easier to maintain,but with their light skin, no more than 15 mins a day in the sun:(
Ideally, you should bath your little one at least 2wice a month..they are water dogs, and don't mind it at all..
Another hint, if you keep the bangs just about the eyelashes, cut short, the longer pieces will still hang over their eyes, but, will enable normal sight..As well, you will find their eyes will not produce staining tears:) Best wishes with a fabulous breed:)

Aug 21, 2011
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Awful groomer
by: Crazy 'bout my Coton

I took my Coton in for thr the second grooming since we got him. I knew he had a couple of mats on his back legs, but felt sure a professional could take care of them. Unfortunately, I think the old saying "Time is money" came into play here. When I picked his up, his entire body was shaved and his head looked like a poodle cut. I was devasted. The only good thing it has been runninng over 100 degrees where we live, so he is definitely cooler. Anyone know how long it will take for his hair to grow back?????? :(

Aug 20, 2011
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You did great Paisley!
by: Surf's Mom

I did take my little "Surf" to be groomed today and did not have any idea what I wanted the end result to be. Paisley did a great job in making him look not only well groomed and able to see but made his hair as white as pure snow.
Before going to your dog groomer, help him or her by giving them an idea of what you want. We were lucky. Surf looks beautiful!

Aug 19, 2011
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trim
by: Anonymous

Sounds like you did the right thing. She probably doesn't know what she wants but as long as she's happy with the outcome....

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Question about Coton de Tulear Haircut

by Doreen

I'm having issues with my Coton's coat getting matted. His long coat was easy to care for when he was a puppy, but now if I don't constantly monitor and brush him, he'll mat up.

I've been playing around with the idea of getting a puppy cut for him, but I just love the long hair look of the breed. My question is if I get a puppy cut now, will it be easy to let it grow out again if I change my mind later?

Thanks
Indecisive Coton de Tulear Mom

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Mar 20, 2022
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yellow ing hair. NEW
by: Anonymous

Spray you Coton with a mixture of half vinegar and half water, Not too much, just a pritze and it will turn white.

Mar 23, 2021
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White Coat NEW
by: Linda

The groomer I used for a long time did a perfect cut and my Coton's hair was always white as snow and fluffy. BUT I found that my Coton needed a quieter space. She didn't like the space because it was so noisy - easily 20 dogs at a time. They each had their own "room" on the floor - not in kennels - with water, but she had anxiety every time we went. So I found another groomer whose location is more convenient, but my Coton's hair is awful. It has no body and has a yellow cast to it. Does anyone have any suggestions? Is the silicone finishing spray the answer? Thanks!

May 22, 2015
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Using human shampoo on Coton dog NEW
by: Anonymous

Curious about that. I thought the PH was different in dogs..??

Oct 18, 2014
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grooming NEW
by: tayler

Oh and if you expect to keep them long you have to brush them every. single. day. Do you think if you went a month or more without brushing yours that your hairdresser would be able to get those knots out without pulling at your scalp? Bc no, they cannot, neither can a dog groomer. Comfort is always before vanity.

Oct 18, 2014
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puppy cuts NEW
by: tayler

As a groomer I feel the need to explain the meaning of the term "puppy cut" quite frankly there is no such thing, it means something different to every groomer. A puppy cut it actually a very specific cut only for show poodles, standards typically. When you go to a groomer you want to ask for a specific lengh for the body and a face style, classic cotton (hair over eyes) teddy bear face, rounded head with eye area clearly visiable, or maybe a mustache and bears if you're feeling creative. And no matter how much hair you take off it will ALWAYS grow back, usually just a month or two, so feel free to experiment with different styles, most groomers are honestly a little annoyed when a client asks for a puppy cut.

Jan 06, 2013
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grooming
by: Nancy

I have a wonderful 5 year old Coton & keep his hair long
The only shampoo I ever use isThe Coat Handler shampoo. & conditioner. His coat is easy to maintain & if je gets any mats, they are easy to comb out. The conditioner is antistatic & does not contain any oils which could clog pores or cause problems with maintaining their body temperature.

Jan 31, 2012
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puppy cut photos
by: Gale

For those of you who have requested photos of a puppy cut, I've created a page here for people to send in pictures of their coton puppy cuts. Hope this helps!

Jan 30, 2012
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Puppy cut for Adult Coton
by: Deb

I too would like to be pointed to some pictures of adult cotons with a puppy cut.

Jan 14, 2012
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Pictures of Puppy Cut
by: Susan

I really would like to do a puppy cut on my Coton however I am having trouble finding a picture. Any recommendations from anyone? He's been matting a lot since his adult hair has started coming in and it's hard to get some of them out. Just ordered an Andis 2 speed clipper and could really use some pictures and/or video's. Thank you.

Dec 14, 2011
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puppy cut
by: daphna

i have an amaizing coton, a year and a half.she needs a hair cut, but how much time will it take for her hair to grow long again?

can you help me?

Jan 23, 2011
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matted hair
by: Anonymous

Apparently as a coton's adult coat comes through it is normal to mat. This problem normally persists from 7 months to around 14 months. Don't try to brush it out,instead tease it out with your fingers as the mats appear before it gets bad.

Jan 11, 2011
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Coton Hair
by: Vickie

I use Herbal Essences Hydration Moisture and shine shampoo and conditioner. It is for dry / damaged hair. My coton has long hair and He loves to get his hair brushed now. His hair is so soft and beautiful. I have not had any problems with matting scence I begain useing it 2 months ago. He gets a bath once a week. I always give him a good brush before I bath him and Blow him dry. He now loves this time he spends with me.

Jan 11, 2011
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coton de tulear grooming
by: Anonymous

Wow, I was told by my breeder never to use human shampoo on my Coton. Can I ask what type of human shampoo you are using? It's worth a try if my dog could have the same success you've had.

Jan 11, 2011
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Hair matting
by: Vickie

I had such a hard time with my cotons hair matting. so I went on the net and started to do reseach on Coton hair. Well It said that cotons do not have fur they have hair. It has the same PH balance as humans. It is recomended to use human shampoo on them. So I got some very good moisterising shampoo and great conditioner. I have never had another problem with his hair. even If I miss out on combing his hair for a couple of days still no problem. It also stopped him from scratching so much he is a lot happier puppy. His hair is so soft and shinning. Hope this helps a bit.

Jan 10, 2011
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puppy cut vs. long hair
by: Iris Miller

hi Doreen and all, if you check out the Coton photos you will see Tuffy as a puppy when he was tri color and long haired, soon after that he started to grow cotton! Tuffy's undercoat got so matted he had to be completely shaved, a most traumatic experience for both of us! Not only that, his hair grew back all white, a big surprise that was!. Ever since, I have tried to keep his hair long combing and brushing diligently, (see other photos of Tuffy) but never the less, the matting gets bad and we need to get a puppy cut again. I really love the long hair best. One of the links from this website has grooming supplies, one of them is a silicone spray, that I personally am afraid to try on my dog, it is supposed to make the hair smooth and tangle free after you brush it all out of course, but I worry about my dog licking it off his paws or body.I even wrote an email asking the seller about it, he wrote back it was safe, but I never ordered it. I wonder if anyone here has tried a product like that on their Coton?

Jan 10, 2011
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Puppy Cut
by: ivette from florida

Yes, puppy cut is a good idea. My coton gets a puppy cuts every 3 to 4 months and is a lot easier to care for. Try it out and see if it is right for you. You can always let it grow longer if you change your mind.

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How do you cut Coton de Tulear bangs?

How can you keep the bangs out of the Coton de Tulear's eyes without cutting everything? I have tried but the hair slips out.

Do most people cut a "window" in the bangs if you want to keep the long shaggy look/ but still see the cute eyes.. A groomer cut her way too short! Also the feet..keep them shaggy?

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Jul 13, 2011
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Joyce`
by: Anonymous

I keep our boys in a puppy cut. Good Luck with your Coton. Joyce

Jul 13, 2011
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Cut a window!
by: Karen

I was fortunate to find a wonderful groomer at Pets Mart who was already familiar with Cotons! And yes, inbetween groomings I cut a window...I love to see her beautiful eyes. So far, I have left her feet shaggy, but I am thinking of having them cut shorter next time because they get matted easily.

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How do I trim my Coton de Tulear?

by Barbara
(Virginia USA)

I would like specific directions on how to trim my Coton de Tulear because I have never trimmed a dog before. I would like some pictures to know what he should look like when finished. I have seen a video on how to trim a dog but it was not breed specific to Coton and I don't want his coat too short. He is 4 months old. Thank you

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Jul 31, 2010
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Coton de Tulear Grooming Video
by: Gale

This Coton de Tulear grooming video was recommended by a Coton owner on Facebook.

Since I use a professional groomer for Luc I can't vouch for how good it is. I understand it's geared mostly for show dogs, but as far as I know, it's the only Coton grooming video available. If anyone does try it, let us know how it works for you. Or if you find another video out there, PLEASE let us know.

Jul 30, 2010
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self grooming your Coton
by: IRIS

Hi, I took my dog to groomers the first two years of his life, he got what is called a "Puppy Cut"and they trimmed him as if he were a Bischon. I told them not to cut the hair of his ears and tail. My Tuffy was not happy with the treatment he got so I got a kit to learn to groom him myself( as I have written here previously). I am not doing very well, and also wish I had a video showing step by step how to cut the hair of a Coton. I did a terrible job of it this last time. Help!
thanks

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Question about Coton de Tulear grooming

by Mollie
(Bedford, TX)

I have always had Westies, but I think the Coton is very appealing IF I can have my groomer keep him in a puppy cut. I don't mind grooming, but I personally don't like the long-haired look.

Is the puppy cut okay?

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Nov 29, 2011
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Grooming comment
by: Jolile's Mom

We keep Jolie in a puppy cut. She loves to spend time outside and as a result, gets all kinds of "stuff" in her hair. I am adding the address for her birthday page, where there are a few others that also have a short cut, so maybe you can get an idea.

https://www.coton-de-tulear-care.com/jolie-lafleur-birthday-girl.html

Nov 28, 2011
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Grooming a Coton de Tulear
by: Suzan Mesquite NV

When I first got my coton de tulear she was 12 weeks old and her puppy coat was long and had to keep brushing her so she didn't get matted hair.
I knew coton de tulear's were groomed a certain way which is never shaving the hair but cutting it with a scissor. If shaved the hair will never grow back the same way it was it will be coarse and wavy. I live in a rural area and the groomers never heard of the coton de tulear breed. What I decided to do was go on line and see if I could find a grooming book that was dedicated for the coton de tulear. I went on Amazon.com and found a book for grooming coton de tulears it's called "How to groom a coton de tulear the Right Way" by Doreen Schipper it costs $19.99. I ordered this book and it tells you everything you need to do and how to do it and what tools are needed to groom your coton de tulear. My groomer has many years of experience grooming dogs except grooming a coton de tulear. I ordered 2 copies of the book one for myself and one for my groomer. I felt if I wanted my coton groomed the right way and my groomer is willing to read and learn how this breed should be groomed it is worth it to me to give a copy of the book this way I will have peace of mind when my coton is groomed. My groomer has done a wonderful job grooming my coton and now has new clients who own coton de tulear when word got out there was a groomer in our rural town who knew how to groom this breed and they no longer have to travel miles to get their do groomed.
I hope this information has helped those who have questions on grooming the coton de tulear. The book is worth the investment if you want it done right.

Apr 09, 2011
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It's ok to cut them
by: Anonymous

Hi, I kept my Coton long for the first two years of his life and although I brushed him every night, he still looked really shaggy and I spent a lot of time washing dirt/mud off his belly, poop off his butt, etc. Getting him cut, which I only have the groomer "skim" him, has made a huge difference for both of us. I think he likes it much better! In fact, he's getting a hair cut today!

Apr 09, 2011
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Grooming
by: Joyce

I agree - I use a Number 4 on JR and Little Boy. Good Luck.

Apr 09, 2011
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Grooming
by: Diane

Hi I am a groomer and own a coton. I kept him long for 5 years and then last september cut him into a puppy cut. And boy has it made life easier. Theres no more daily brushing and hour long baths and blowing out the hair. Go ahead and do it they are cute in a puppy cut. If it helps ands you want to tell your groomer as a guide- I use a A wahl clip on comb and it works as a cute length.

Apr 09, 2011
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puppy cuts
by: Laura

My two 8 yr old cotons have always had puppy cuts...I love the way they look....and I don't like brushing them all the time. Go ahead, it's allright.

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What type of haircut should a Coton de Tulear have?

by Barbara
(U.S.)

I didn't notice in your web site regarding the cutting of hair of coton de tulear around eyes. My Sweety is only 8 months old but is looking like a sheep dog. Should I cut around the eyes for visual assistance or are they in need of hair in their eyes for protection? Is there a "standard" cut for Cotons?

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Mar 27, 2010
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Coton de Tulear Standard Cut
by: Gale

I have the hair around Luc's eyes cut short and it's no problem whatsoever. It's a win-win; his vision is better and I get to see his beautiful big eyes.

As far as the standard cut, show dogs are not allowed to be trimmed at all and leave the hair around the eyes long (I don't know how those dogs can see).

For companion dogs, though, the cut is left to the discretion of the owner - it depends on your lifestyle, climate, how much time you can devote to grooming, and how you want your dog to look.

Some leave the coats long and others like myself keep their dogs in a puppy cut. We live in Florida and because of the heat it just makes more sense to keep Luc's hair shorter. I tried the longer coat at first and no matter how often I brushed him, he always seemed to get matted.

From what I hear from other Coton owners, each dog is different and you may have to experiment at first to see what works best for you.

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Should I expose my dog's eyes

by Carole
(Cumberland, MD)

My 6 month old pup, Bentley, was having a hard time seeing. I tried clipping back his hair, but he would not leave it alone. Should I expose his eyes?

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Jun 25, 2021
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Coton and human shampoo NEW
by: Anonymous

Someone posting said they use human shampoo. Don't do this! It has nothing to do with fur ph. It is skin ph! Do your homework don't believe everything you read. Dogs skin is very sensitive even more so than humans. Use a good dog shampoo and conditioners. Don't use human products. They contain harsher ingredients. They are not formulated for pets.

Nov 28, 2011
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How can I stop excessive licking?
by: C Andrew

My sweet Coton licks EVERYTHING... Me, the carpet, sofa, bedspread, etc. etc. any ideas on how I can stop this behavior?

Nov 28, 2011
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Expose Eyes --YES
by: Deborah

Yes. If you want him to see. Both of mine have a puppy cut. They are fine. The breedeer has always had her dogs groomed w/shorter cuts as well. It is not a problem.

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