Poo-Ton

The Coton De Tulear is a small, sturdy companion dog named for its distinctive cotton-like coat and the city of Tulear in Madagascar where the breed developed. Males typically stand between ten and eleven inches at the withers and weigh nine to fifteen pounds, while females are slightly smaller at nine to ten inches tall and eight to thirteen pounds. The breed possesses a rectangular body outline with a length-to-height ratio of approximately three to two, giving it a somewhat longer than tall appearance while maintaining a solid, well-proportioned frame. The hallmark feature of the Coton De Tulear is its unique cottony coat, which is hair rather than fur and possesses an exceptionally soft, fluffy texture unlike any other breed. The coat grows to approximately four inches in length and should always feel soft and supple rather than rough or harsh. The breed is predominantly white, though slight shadings of light gray or fawn on the ears are permitted and should not exceed five percent of the body. Younger dogs may display more color that typically lightens as they mature. This single coat lacks the woolly undercoat found in many breeds and is considered low-shedding. The Coton De Tulear has a rounded skull with wide-set, dark, round eyes that convey an intelligent and lively expression often described as joie de vivre or joy of living. The triangular drop ears are set high on the head and hang close to the cheeks, adding to the breed's alert and happy appearance. The distinctive topline rises slightly to a well-muscled loin and falls away gently over the croup to a low-set tail that curves over the back with its tip pointing toward the nape or withers. The breed moves with a smart, free, and smooth gait while maintaining its characteristic topline, never displaying a high-stepping action.

The Poodle is recognized in four size varieties, each sharing the same elegant proportions and distinctive appearance that have made the breed one of the most recognizable in the canine world. The Standard Poodle stands over fifteen inches at the withers and typically weighs between forty and seventy pounds, with some larger individuals marketed as Royal or Giant Poodles reaching up to one hundred pounds or more. The Medium Poodle, recognized in European registries, ranges from fourteen to eighteen inches and weighs approximately fifteen to nineteen kilograms. The Miniature variety measures between ten and fifteen inches tall, weighing around twelve to fourteen kilograms, while the Toy Poodle stands at ten inches or under and weighs approximately six to seven and a half pounds. All varieties share a characteristic square build with a long, elegant neck and straight back. The Poodle's coat is its crowning feature, consisting of dense, curly hair that can be either tightly curled or corded into even lengths depending on grooming preference. The breed comes in a wide range of solid colors including black, white, gray, silver, brown, apricot, cream, and red, with shading variations also accepted in the show ring. Parti-colored Poodles exist but are not shown in conformation. Their dark, oval-shaped eyes convey an alert and intelligent expression that is characteristic of the breed. The ears are long and heavily feathered, set at or slightly below eye level, and hang close to the head, extending to approximately the corner of the lip when pulled forward. The Poodle moves with a springy, lively gait that reflects its athletic heritage as a water retriever. The tail is typically docked to a moderate length in countries where this practice remains legal and is carried high, waving gaily when the dog is in motion. Poodles are exceptional jumpers with a leggy appearance and long muzzle combined with dropped ears. Their grooming requirements are significant, with show dogs requiring elaborate continental or English saddle clips while many companion dogs are kept in simpler puppy clips or kennel cuts that maintain an even coat length throughout the body for easier maintenance.