Is a Coton a good choice for a family with a 5 year old boy?

I'm on the fence between a Coton, a Havanese or a Golden Doodle. I am a first time dog owner and would like a dog that is easy to train since I'm a novice. I would prefer a smaller dog but I want to make sure that which ever dog I pick with be gentle with my son (as well as my son be gentle with it) and be able to keep up with my son's love of playtime with dogs.

We will have a fenced in yard with a pool and live near the beach. I am a stay at home mom with two cats as well. What would the pros and cons of the breeds and which do you think is a best fit for a younger child? Thank you!

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Mar 15, 2015
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Coton! NEW
by: Reenie & CoCo

I grew up on a farm with four big dogs at a time - lots of German Shepherds. As an adult I personally had two back labs, a Golden lab/Shepherd cross, and a white husky, all as pups. Later I had a professional actor - a Wheaton Terrier/Portuguese Water @ 6 yrs. As of this year I have my first small dog ever, a Coton puppy, now 9 months.

The Wheaton Terrier was my love. I never thought he could ever be replaceable. He was so loving, so obedient & so smart! We were glued at the hips. He tragically demised.

Out of know where, Then came CoCo the Coton. . .

I can't put into words what I have experienced with the Coton in just his 6 months he's been with me. It feels like he's been with me for ever, longer than all the other dogs combined. His personality is bigger, wider, larger than all the other bigger dogs combined. His feelings are so raw, so sensitive. His willingness to please so sincere and so sweet. His ability to learn, so awesome. His intelligence so human. His love so angelic.

I was worried too, as to a puppy around my 93 year old mom who just came to live with me. The combo has been perfect, all the way around.

The ego of the Coton, the sense of self, is a huge presence in this breed. When wet, he's no bigger than a man's upper arm yet his personality is as huge as the big man! Yet, he treats his 93 year old "OMA" with kind tenderness, sincere protection, devoted love and never ending playful "tricks".

There's no better fit for a 5 year old sensitive boy growing to a man, in my opinion.

Also important: There's no dog smell with a Coton, no shedding of dog hair. The hair is not fur - He can be bathed weekly. He seeks & loves attention. He loves to play. He's got Oma's number and I bet he'll have your number & your five year old too! They are so smart.

As for training. . . Don't listen to the strict instructors. It doesn't work with a Coton, his sprit will be torn and dulled. The Coton responds best to love and simply needs to be "shown" what is wanted. He will do anything to please. He just wants to be loved & graced with attention, lots of attention and stimulation. But he's great for sleep sleep too. Training is easy if you don't train traditionally. Once shown the Coton remembers. Be consistent. Repeat same patterns. Don't do something you may later wish you didn't do. Set the rules from the get go, as you would with a five year old, and the Coton follows "the rules". Be kind. Praise works very well.

I can't say which choice is the best for you. All dogs need a lot of attention. You won't be disappointed in the Coton if you want big personality, amazing intelligence, loads of talk, fun & laughs and never ending love! I bet they are our guardian angels incarnated.

Mar 12, 2015
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choice NEW
by: Vicky & Jonah

The Coton & Havenese pretty much have the same temperament. They r both loving gentle dogs but will require more grooming even if cut short then the doodle. The doodle will require grooming but if you get the middle size I think that would be a better choice for a 5 yr old active boy who lives by the beach & pool.

They r all smart & train easy. If I were young & had a 5 yr old at home, I would get the Coton for me & doodle for my son if I could work it in my schedule & money wise. (-: Back to reality (-:

The doodle I think would have the stamina to keep up w/a young boy for the next 13 hopefully more yrs as he grows up. Again they r poodle & Golden Retriever (Doodle) which really is an awesome mix of temperament & smartness. They also come in middle size so you don't have to go real big.

Good luck let us know what you decide.

Mar 12, 2015
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love cotons NEW
by: Anonymous

I have a female who is almost two years old. Saylor Jane is such a sweet, smart, loving girl. I have an eight month old grandson who occasionally pulls her hair (obviously I try to prevent this) but she just sits there. She loves the water as most cotons do. she was very easily trained and still learns new tricks all the time. Cotons love to please. I don't think you can go wrong with a coton. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Mar 12, 2015
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Good choice NEW
by: Sharon and Jasmine

My Coton was the first dog I owned in 20+ years. I didn't particularly care for dogs (cat person) nor did I care for small dogs. For some reason I wanted a golden doodle then somehow ran across the coton. Jasmine is 1 1/2 years old and she is the best dog ever. She is so sweet and good natured. Wants to be everyone's friend. She plays well with the cats. I don't have small kids anymore but the kids next door (who have a large dog) come over to play with Jasmine because she is fun to play with. The breed is like circus dogs. Jasmine jumps very high in the air, twirls, runs around like she is nuts and is just plain amusing. I am so happy with my pooch. She listens very well, not messy, gets a bath every week and the groomer every 2 months. They do need grooming. I keep her in the "puppy" cut because I don't want to have to deal with matting. Get yourself a coton, and you will be so happy you did.

Mar 11, 2015
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Love our Coton NEW
by: Anonymous

i have 2 coton's and they are the best! There is no agression, easy to train and love to learn. It's a bit harder with 2 but well worth it.

Mar 11, 2015
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best choice! NEW
by: Margie from NJ

The Coton was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have a male, he is gentle, smart and the perfect pet. He was potty trained in 2 days. I put a bell on my back slider and he rings it anytime he has to go to the bathroom.
You will be very happy if you pick a Coton for so many reasons.

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