Silky Coton

The Coton de Tulear is a small but robustly sturdy companion dog that presents a distinctive and charming appearance. Males typically stand between ten and eleven inches at the shoulder while females measure slightly smaller at nine to ten inches. Weight ranges from eight to fifteen pounds, with males generally weighing between nine and fifteen pounds and females between eight and thirteen pounds. The body is rectangular in proportion, being slightly longer than tall, which gives the breed a balanced and compact silhouette. Despite their small stature, these dogs possess a surprisingly solid and well-muscled build that belies their fluffy exterior. The standard Coton measures approximately eighteen inches in length from chest to rump. The most distinguishing feature of the Coton de Tulear is their remarkable coat, which gives the breed its name. The coat consists of long, soft hair with a texture reminiscent of cotton, which sets them apart from most other breeds. This cottony coat is predominantly white, though puppies may be born with yellow, brown, or black spots that typically fade to a lighter gray or champagne color as the dog matures. Some individuals display light tan or gray shadings on the ears, though markings should not exceed five percent of the body. The coat is considered nearly hypoallergenic and low-shedding, making them an excellent choice for allergy sufferers. The texture is actually hair rather than fur, which contributes to their minimal shedding characteristics. The head is triangular in shape with large, round, dark eyes that are set wide apart, giving the breed its warm and endearing expression. The ears are pendant-style, hanging close to the head and heavily coated with long hair that blends into the coat of the neck. The nose is black, and the overall facial expression conveys intelligence, alertness, and a bright demeanor. The tail is heavily plumed and carried curved over the back when the dog is in motion. Regular grooming is essential to maintain their beautiful coat and prevent matting, requiring daily brushing and bathing every one to three weeks.

The Silky Terrier is a small, elegant toy breed that stands nine to ten inches at the shoulder and weighs between eight and eleven pounds, with ten pounds being considered ideal according to breed standards. Despite their diminutive size, these dogs possess a refined yet sturdy build with fine bone structure and sufficient substance to suggest the ability to hunt and dispatch home vermin. The body is moderately low-set and slightly longer than tall, creating a rectangular silhouette that contributes to their balanced and graceful appearance. The head is wedge-shaped with a flat skull that is not too wide between the ears, featuring a shallow stop and a strong, slightly shorter muzzle. The hallmark of the breed is their stunning coat, which is single-layered, straight, and possesses a distinctive silky texture that is both glossy and fine. The coat parts down the center of the back and flows gracefully along each side, typically reaching five to six inches in length. Coloration is a striking blue and tan pattern, with the blue ranging from silver blue to pigeon blue to slate blue, while the tan markings are deep and rich. The blue extends from the base of the skull to the tip of the tail, while tan appears on the muzzle, cheeks, around the base of the ears, on the legs, and around the vent area. The ears are small, V-shaped, and set high on the head, carried erect with pointed tips that give the breed an alert and intelligent expression. The eyes are small, dark, and almond-shaped, conveying a keen and piercing terrier expression. The tail is typically docked and carried high. Despite their luxurious coat, Silky Terriers are low-shedding, though they are not considered hypoallergenic. Their coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting and tangles, with regular bathing recommended monthly to maintain its characteristic silky texture.