Important questions BEFORE buying a Coton puppy

Dear Everyone,

Me and my family are about to buy our first dog ever and we are absolutely in love with this particular breed not just for its looks, but also because of the characteristic features that hopefully fits our lifestyle.
We have found a good breeder and we can purchase our puppy any time, but before that I have few questions:

1. Do Cotons really get along with other animals and children? We have 1 cat (British shorthair) and a tortoise. Our son is 1 year old. Our cat will not like him at first probably, but I'm sure he is going to get used to his new friend.

2. In January 2018 I will return back to work which means that our Coton will have to stay at home with our cat from the morning till afternoon. How do your dogs cope with you going to work and leaving them alone for the most part of the day? I mean, is this breed really only suitable for stay at home parents and the retired?

3. In September 2017 me and my husband both have to fly to another country for 10 days for work and leave our son and future puppy with my mother. They will all stay in our house. I have read that this can be traumatic for puppies, is there any chance to train it so that it is less traumatic? This is a very special occasion and it will not repeat, but this 1 time can affect the dog's psyche. What would you suggest?

4. Is spaying a normal practice for female dogs of this breed? Or is it better not to do it and just not let other dogs come close?

Thank you in advance!

Comments for Important questions BEFORE buying a Coton puppy

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Apr 05, 2021
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I have a Cotton NEW
by: Anonymous

Our family has a Coton. This is our observation so far. We have a female about half a year old. Don't believe everything you read about them online. The cute description doesn't fit every dog at least not what we thought. Don't get me wrong they are adorable looking fluff balls and can be comical but unless you are really fortunate to get a really easy and train able dog you need to prepare yourself for a whole bunch of work and possible disappointment. Ours is really hyper and so difficult in potty training. Yes we are doing all the correct training but when you think they finally got the message and you start to feel more confident boom there's puddle of pee every where and poo on floor. If you have a cat at least for our poor cat she is chased everywhere. We did the leash introduction but the cotton is not trustworthy around cat. Yes I know there is cute you tubes of cotons with cats but ours is quite the opposite. Now lets talk about barking. The breed described as one or two barks but generally not barky. Well ours barks and barks and barks some more. And grooming well dirt doesn't roll off the coat of ours. It just causes tangles and be prepared for lots and lots of grooming. My partners has to groom the dog twice a day. There coat is dry when dirty but soft and fluffy after a bath but when they run around on grass or dirt or puddles be prepared to comb and its like combing thru a cotton ball literally. They don't like being in a crate be prepared they will howl and bark and well its miserable. We ended up converting our kitchen to the dogs living quarters. They can be destructive for little dogs. They will chew up carpets or rugs the sides of kitchen cabinets and scratch screen doors and chew shoes and your clothing. They are also licky dogs always licking your feet and hands and arms. My partner unfortunately when bending over to clean up after dog the dog is constantly smelling my partners back side quite annoying. Also these dogs tend to have really sensitive skin. So there you have it not all fit the lovely breed described online. Oh and they are underfoot so if you are elderly or have mobile issues keep that in mind. My partner doesn't have those issues but the dog is constantly under partners feet and partner almost had a bad fall. We are experienced with many dog breeds but maybe the one we got is an anomaly. We have had shih Tzu that are notorious for difficulty in potty training that are calmer and easier than cotton.

Apr 28, 2017
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THANK YOU EVERYONE NEW
by: Anonymous

Thank you SO MUCH for you advice.

I really don't want our best friend to be unhappy so we understood that this breed is really not for us.

Maybe when we're retired (I have to wait long long years until that :D )

I wish you and your Coton best friends health and happiness!

Apr 27, 2017
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Should you get a Coton puppy? NEW
by: Iris

It's hard not to fall in love with a Coton de Tulear . Like all of us, they can all have different personalities, I will tell you why I think it's better not to get one at this time.
Think of a puppy as a baby separated from its mother and siblings.
Think of a baby crying in the night, wanting to be snuggled and comforted
Think of a troubled and hurting teething baby chewing on everything it can to soothe the pain of hurting teeth coming in( and then falling out,)
Think about suddenly disappearing from your baby and left the child with a stranger.
Since you have a one year old child I am sure you understand where my comments are coming from, By the way, kids can be terribly rough on a puppy who will only defend it self by biting, because it cannot pinch or hit back or pull the kids hair.
I have had my 9 year old Coton since he was four weeks old.( the breeder insisted this dog was ready and eating solid food already, and good for small spaces like apartments . I worked full time and lived in an apartment . I am guilty of making a terribly ignorant and selfish decision to buy this dog, it was irresistible. He was traumatized by being left alone day and night;( I had a long distance commute)I I created a kennel in my large bathroom for him with everything he needed. Except company and attention and fresh air ) I am so sorry for doing that to him this first few months of his life. After that I got laid of my job and our living conditions improved, we move eat to family and wide open spaces. I'd owned several dogs in the past when raising my family, but never a house companion dog like my Coton Tuffy. He is so good, so loveable,, and clever. But definitely not a lap dog, he's independent and loves to run around and play.
TUFFY ended up being severely separation anxiety ridden by his early traumatic start in life. Not until I was moving out did the nest door neighbor tell me the puppy had been crying constantly while I was at work.. I had to retire early because of my own health issues and had several trainers help me with Tuffy, but basically, he only has eyes for me, is stuborn, reactive, and friendly but fearful, so he keeps his distance. He was not destructive, as many dogs in that condition, he was fearful and not socially oriented, though extremely attached to me He is extremely smart. TUFFY has had Lyme disease and then four major surgeries in three years for reoccurring calcium oxylate bladder stones. A painful and life threatening condition. I have had to be his home care nurse while he recovered. He is the heart of my heart and goes everywhere with me. Please do yourself a big favor and wait for a Coton as a companion when you retire and can stay home to walk on the beach and putter in the garden. Meanwhile enjoy you darling child and the pets you have. A dog deserves attention and companionship and exercise and shelter, lots of love and clean food and fresh water. And more love.
A foster older shelter dog would be a good test for you and your family, when you have time and patience for a dog. They deserve to have home care until they can be adopted to a forever loving home.
I had Boxers and Labrador retrievers and mixed breed shepherd dogs . At different times. The boxers are absolutely lovable with kids and labs mellow and faithful.
Best regards and luck in your decision💗

Apr 25, 2017
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Getting a Puppy NEW
by: Anonymous

A puppy needs a lot of attention and time. It sounds to me that you have a lot going on and I think you should rethink about getting a puppy. It seeme you won't have a lot of time to train to train the puppy.
I don't mean to sound negative but this is a special breed but it seems that you're not ready for a puppy at this time this is my opinion and I would reconsider getting a puppy at this time

Apr 25, 2017
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Great companions NEW
by: Joanne

I have 3 cotons they don't like to be alone the first coton has separation anxiety and I purchased two puppies to keep her company she is fine now but I never leave them for more than 3 hours I am fortunate in that I can work from home and make my own time but it sounds like you have limited time to train the puppy too this is maybe not the breed for you they are bred for companionship and they take it really seriously

Apr 25, 2017
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CotonPuppy NEW
by: Anonymous

Sounds like you don't really have time to train your new puppy. Puppies require a lot of attention to train properly. Cotons are GREAT but you have a cat and cats don't need training and a tortoise. Good Luck - the puppies are small. Who do you have to let the pup out during the day. I think your family should re-think purchasing a pup. Good Luck to you.

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