Coton de Tulear
Grooming Advice:
A breed that has gained recognition and popularity in many countries in more recent years. Introduced to France long before its official recognition in 1970, this newcomer from Madagascar quickly acquired a prominent position amongst the companion dogs of this country. The ancestors of the Bichon breeds accompanied sailors on voyages throughout the Mediterranean. The Coton de Tulear was named for its “cottony” coat texture and after the main port city of Tulear on Madagascar. The Coton became a favorite of noblemen and ruling tribes, hence, the Coton became known as the “Royal Dog of Madagascar”.
This breed with its unique coat requires a simple yet thorough grooming schedule. The coat is soft, supple with the texture of cotton. It’s white with some possible minor shadings on ears. The coat is never short or harsh nor excessively wavy or curly.
Washing consists of using Plush Puppy Herbal Whitening Shampoo at 5:1 (1-part shampoo to 5 parts water). You should also use Plush Puppy Let’s Face it. Another one of the famous Plush Puppy products with the latest technology and the highest amounts of naturally sourced ingredients has developed a product that is a must! This is a hypoallergenic sulfate free low foaming shampoo designed for faces. It’s no tear formula with the highest quality Blue Cypress Extracts, Panthenol with Pro-Vitamin B and SugaNate. These special ingredients are soothing, cleansing, assist in adding moisture, aid healing and have anti-inflammatory benefits. A small golf ball sized amounts directly to the face and eye area allows you to thoroughly clean without causing irritation. Can be used in and around ears also with the same benefits. Its low foaming design allows easy rinsing yet complete cleaning.
For extra cleaning on the stained areas such as feet, ears, tail, etc use Plush Puppy Wonder Blok. This product is one of our proudest achievements in helping to maintain a white stain free coat. It’s not a bleach and contains no harmful chemicals. This product is designed to remove gently unwanted warm/red tones to the coat. Best used on a damp/wet coat. Gently rub into the areas required allowing time (5-10 minutes) and rinse. For maximum effects repeat or allow a longer time for this amazing product to work. As with all products take care around eyes.
Conditioning this breed is sometimes too much and softens and flattens the coat more than desired. However, some moisturizing and hydration The solution to this vexing problem is Plush Puppy Reviva Coat which is a moisturizing disentangling mousse and applied to the hands and worked through the coat. Good also to use prior to any brushing – mix in a spray bottle, a golf ball amount to 1 cup water. Truly the solution to this coat where elasticity and moisture is needed but softening and flattening is not wanted.
For coats needing more softening use Plush Puppy Silk Protein Conditioner 5-part conditioner to (up to 10) parts water. Mix well and apply, allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes and then rinse. Alternatively, you can use. Plush Puppy T.L.C. Coat Conditioner. An amazing product in a spray form where you can control the amount and area sprayed.
For brushing this coat and must product for this breed make sure you are using a moisturiser first rather than attacking a dry coat. Plush Puppy O.M.G. is a revolutionary grooming spray that lives up to its name. OMG is the perfect product for this coat type. A light spray of OMG and brushing in allows this product to refresh the coat leaving it feeling wonderful it separates the coat and leaves the most amazing finish. Using at an approximate mixture of 1-part OMG to 20-40 parts water using this break down from the OMG concentrate or OMG ready to use. The stronger the mix the stronger their effects. Different dogs at different coat stages means different mixtures. Higher the amount of OMG to greater effects. Using OMG can be a one-off at shows or during the drying process after bathing. An amazing product for regular brushing also as it hydrates the coat and reduces stress and coat loss. OMG and as its active ingredients smooth the cuticle and protect the coat. For this coat type that you still wish to retain the texture at a higher breakdown will still allow you to brush the dog and refresh to coat without over softening. If you need more softening and hydration to a fuller or larger coat, then a higher mixture is needed. OMG can also be used on topcoats and brush/polished in for that wonderful smooth and flatness to the coat. OMG never builds up, never goes stringy. A product that took years to develop using the latest technology for maximum effects. A true necessity for the tool kit.
Brushing and using the right brush is important. The old story of you get what you pay for is so true for this coat type. Important to have a brush of quality that is gentle on the coat yet designed to get right down to the skin. The Plush Puppy Ultimate Pin Brush is perfect. It’s exclusive to Plush Puppy design and ergonomic balance is what sets it apart from all others.
During the week and coat stages, it can be very beneficial to add extra hydration to the coat. For this, we recommend 2 products. Plush Puppy Coat Rescue, an intensive moisturizing product that adds structure back into damaged hair. Apply by diluting to a thin slurry and work well through the damaged areas of the coat. Leave on as long as possible for maximum benefit but good results can be achieved after 10 minutes. Rinse well and work Plush Puppy Reviva Coat through for easy comb through texture. Also, for dogs that are changing coat use Plush Puppy Seabreeze Oil. 1 Tablespoon to 4 L (1 Gallon) of water. Saturate the dog and don’t rinse. This well-hydrated coat with healthy vigor to the hair. It really is quite special, and the results are instantaneous, and with continued use, the difference is outstanding. Your coats will be fabulous with much less matting and greater hydration.
Show days a light spray of Plush Puppy OMG and a freshen up brush and these cute dogs will look the par.
Article courtesy of Plush Puppy Australia
