The Coton is a small, sturdy dog, standing about10" to 12" at the withers (or highest point of the shoulder blades on the back). The weight ranges from about 12 to 15 pounds.

The Coton's basic body shape is somewhat rectangularas opposed to sqauareish in build. Members of this breed are slightly longer than they are tall.

"Coton" is the French word for "cotton." As this name suggests, the most conspicuous feature of the Coton de Tulear is its cottony coat.

 The fluffy texture of the Coton's coat makes for a dry, flowing, windblown look, rather than a silky haired appearance. The show coat grows to anatural length of 4" to 6".

Accenting the cotton locks that cover the body ofthe Coton are its prominent beard and moustache.The legs are also well-feathered with hair.

The tail of the Coton is well plumed. It may be carried straight, or curved over the back.

The Coton, unlike several of its Bichon cousins, has a"single" coat. The coat is non shedding, odorless,and free of oil and dander. These attributes make the Coton an ideal choice of dog for allergy sufferers.

It has been said that the coat of the Coton is perhaps the easiest to groom of any long haired dog.The coat of the Coton, for example, dries quickly when wet. However, some time must be spent at least several times each week brushing and combing out the dead hair from the coat. Without this kind of regular grooming, mats and tangles will quickly develop.

While the Coton coat should be well-brushed, it is not scissored.  Trimming is needed on the feet between the pads and toes, in the ears, and around the anal area. As is the case for any long haired dog, the eyes and ears also require regular cleaning.

The large, dark brown, rounded eyes of the Coton are sparkling and expressive. The rims of the eyelids are well-pigmented with black or dark brown, further accentuating the beauty of the eyes.

The nose and lip pigmentation of the Coton can be either black or dark brown, like the eye rim color.

The Coton de Tulear has 3 color variations. Theseare:"White" with,  perhaps,  some patches of champagne; "Black and White;" and "Tri-Color" which is mostly white with champagne patches and a faint irregular dusting of black hairs.

"White" is the most frequently seen color variety.  However, Madagascar honored the breed on an official postage stamp which pictured the "Tri-Color" variety.

The Coton de Tulear Club of America does not promote a "cookie cutter look" for this breed. Hence, theywelcome the 3 color varieties. It is felt that this kind of genetic variability can contribute to soundhealth and dispositions.