Lhasa-Coton

The Coton de Tulear is a small, sturdy companion dog with a distinctively soft, cotton-like coat that gives the breed its name. Males typically stand between ten and eleven inches at the shoulder and weigh nine to fifteen pounds, while females are slightly smaller at nine to ten inches and eight to thirteen pounds. The breed possesses a rectangular body shape, being noticeably longer than tall with a height-to-length ratio of approximately two to three. Despite their small stature, these dogs present a robust and well-proportioned appearance with medium bone structure and sturdy substance throughout their compact frame. The hallmark feature of this breed is its luxurious coat, which consists of hair rather than fur and grows to approximately four inches in length. The texture should always be soft and fluffy, never harsh or wiry, resembling the feel of cotton. The preferred coat color is pure white, though light shading on the ears is acceptable if it does not exceed five percent of the total coat. Some individuals may display slight champagne, tan, or gray markings, particularly around the ears and along the back. The coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting and maintain its characteristic cottony appearance. The Coton de Tulear has an expressive face with wide-set, round eyes that are typically dark brown or black, giving the dog an intelligent and lively expression that reflects their cheerful personality. The triangular ears hang close to the head and are covered with long hair that blends seamlessly with the coat. The tail is set low, carried curved over the back, and covered with profuse feathering. The breed moves with a light, free gait that reflects their happy-go-lucky personality. Their low-shedding coat and minimal dander production make them an excellent choice for individuals with allergies.

The Lhasa Apso is a small but well-built dog with a distinctive long, flowing coat that was developed in the harsh climate of the Tibetan Himalayas. Males typically stand ten to eleven inches at the shoulder and weigh fourteen to eighteen pounds, while females are slightly smaller at nine to ten inches and twelve to sixteen pounds. The breed has a rectangular body shape, being longer than tall, which gives them a balanced and substantial appearance despite their small size. Their build is sturdy and well-muscled, reflecting their origins as hardy sentinel dogs in Tibetan monasteries and palaces. The coat of the Lhasa Apso is one of its most striking features, consisting of a heavy, dense double coat that parts naturally down the middle of the back and falls straight to the floor when fully grown. The outer coat is hard and straight, neither silky nor woolly, while the undercoat provides insulation. All colors and color combinations are acceptable in the breed standard, including golden, sandy, honey, dark grizzle, slate, smoke, black, white, brown, and parti-colors. Many Lhasas have darker ear tips and facial furnishings, and the coat color may change as the dog matures. The head of the Lhasa Apso is one of its most distinguishing characteristics, featuring a moderately narrow skull that is neither domed nor completely flat. The muzzle is of medium length, approximately one and a half inches from the stop to the tip of the nose, which should be black. The dark brown eyes are medium-sized and set looking straight ahead, giving the dog an alert and intelligent expression. Heavy head furnishings fall over the eyes, and a beard and whiskers frame the face. The pendant ears are heavily feathered and hang close to the cheeks. The tail is well-feathered and carried in a screw fashion over the back, often with a kink at the end.