Country of Origin: The English Bulldog (or simply ‘Bulldog’) was bred in England in the 1500’s for bull baiting, a popular gambling ‘sport’ in which one or more dogs were matched up against a chained bull (or bear). These dogs were bred for sheer fighting capacity, and they were famed for latching onto their prey with an iron jaw which they refused to release—they could even suffocate opponents this way. English Bulldogs fell in popularity when bull baiting was outlawed in the 1830’s, but a committed group of devotees kept the breed alive and selected away any trace of ferocity. Easily recognizable by their distinctive and adorable ‘sourmug’, English Bulldogs serve as the mascots of dozens of sports teams, most famously Georgetown University. Other famous English Bulldogs include Handsome Dan, the Yale mascot, and Tyson, the skateboarding Bulldog of internet fame. English Bulldogs are simultaneously a symbol of British tenacity and an immensely popular American pet.
Size: The English Bulldog has a shoulder height of 31-36 cm (12-14 in) and weighs 22-25 kg (48-55 lbs). It is known for its short, wide muzzle, undershot jaw, and wide, droopy face giving the appearance of a frown. English Bulldogs have short legs and tails, rounded chests, and compact, muscular bodies.
Coat: The English Bulldog has a short, smooth, glossy coat which can be beige, mottled, brindle, or white.
Character: The English Bulldog is affectionate, uncomplicated, gentle, intelligent, sensitive, and fearless. It is known for its loyalty; its happy-go-lucky attitude is in sharp contrast to its sour face. English Bulldogs are happiest by their owner’s side and will misbehave if ignored. English Bulldogs are active, alert, and playful, but not unduly boisterous.
Temperament: English Bulldogs enjoy mixing with other dogs and household pets. They are great with children, well behaved, adaptable, comfortable companions with an affectionate nature and even disposition. Some English Bulldogs are cautious with strangers, but most are friendly to everyone. They are likely to drool or snore.
Care: When the English Bulldog is shedding, use a rubber brush to remove dead hairs. A special lotion will occasionally need to be applied to the facial and tail folds to keep them clean; soft tooth brushing with an approved toothpaste is also recommended. The English Bulldog has a lifespan of 8-12 years. Due to its facial features, it is susceptible to breathing problems and skin infections, and many are delivered via Caesarean section due to their large heads. Most English Bulldogs cannot swim and are averse to hot weather.
Training: Consistency is important, but the English Bulldog is highly sensitive to the tone of its handler's voice, making training a fairly simple process. It is inquisitive and quick to learn simple tasks, yet unpredictable as it is a bit stubborn on occasion.
Activity: The exercise needs of the English Bulldog are uncomplicated. It will adapt itself to the activity level of your family. Sufficient rest is key to development of healthy bones, muscles, and joints—do not expect your English Bulldog to run long distances or jump down from tall ledges. English Bulldogs are well suited to apartment life.
The Coton de Tulear has been assigned the Non-Sporting Group designation.
The Coton de Tulear has been recorded in the Foundation Stock Service since 1996.
The Coton de Tulear is originally from Madagascar. The Coton is the "Official Dog of Madagascar" and is also known as the "Royal Dog of Madagascar."
The breed's name is from the French word coton, meaning "cotton," and from the Madagascan port of Tulear.
In its country of origin, the breed has been portrayed on a postage stamp.
The name is pronounced coTAWN day two-LEE are.
The Coton de Tulear can compete in AKC Companion Events (Obedience, Rally, Tracking, and Agility).
The Coton de Tulear is the official dog breed of Madagascar. Its ancestors were brought to the port city of Tuléar (now Toliara), for which the breed is named, by French and Portuguese sailors. The Coton de Tulear likely descended from the Bichon Tenerife and later developed its cotton-textured coat (‘Coton’ is French for ‘cotton’), which is believed to have developed from a single gene mutation. Cotons were imported to America in 1974. Today, the Coton de Tulear has a devoted fan base but is still a relatively unknown breed amongst the general American public.
Size: The Coton de Tulear has a shoulder height of 25-30 cm (10-12 in) and weighs 5-7 kg (12-15 lbs). It has a black nose, tight, black lips, and round, dark, wide set eyes. The Coton de Tulear has thin, triangular ears and a scissors or pincer bite. It has a strong, arched neck and long legs with a deep chest, small, arched feet, and a low set, feathery tail which hangs over the back. It has a pleasant, inquisitive expression.
Coat: The Coton de Tulear has a breed-distinctive medium length, cotton-textured coat which is composed of hair rather than fur, with a long topcoat. The Coton de Tulear is pure white, or white with lemon, black, grey, or brown markings. Some standards allow black and white, tricolor (white and cream with black markings on the head), ‘honey bare’ (black spots fading to brown or lemon), ‘ferret’ (dark brown mixed with black), or all black. The Coton de Tulear sheds little and is a good breed for those with allergies.
Character: The Coton de Tulear is gentle, affectionate, loyal, and friendly. It is very playful and grows highly attached to its family, even to the point of developing separation anxiety! The Coton de Tulear is lively and enthusiastic, making frequent vocalizations. Cotons make good watchdogs.
Temperament: The Coton de Tulear is very sociable and gets along easily with children, dogs and other animals. Some are cautious or shy around strangers, but most are affectionate towards everyone. The Coton de Tulear is full of surprises; some Cotons like to amuse their owners by walking around on their hind legs.
Care: The Coton de Tulear’s unique coat requires a substantial time investment. It must be brushed thoroughly each day and bathed several times a year. It should not be clipped. The Coton de Tulear is generally healthy, with few of the genetic problems that plague many breeds due to inbreeding, though some Cotons have stomach problems. The Coton de Tulear has a life span of 14-18 years.
Training: The Coton de Tulear is intelligent, making it a quick learner, but it can be a bit stubborn. It thrives on its master’s approval, so a praise-based approach, rather than punishment, should be employed.
Activity: The Coton de Tulear requires only a moderate amount of exercise, though it has a surprising amount of stamina that enables it to come along for very long walks or even horseback rides. The Coton de Tulear can get its exercise from playtime in the yard, but if not given outdoor exercise it will become more active indoors. Most Cotons like to swim. They are well suited to apartment life.
