Istrian Sheepdog vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison

Istrian Sheepdog vs Coton De Tulear - Breed ComparisonIstrian Sheepdog is originated from Slovenia but Coton De Tulear is originated from Madagascar. Istrian Sheepdog may grow 33 cm / 13 inches higher than Coton De Tulear. Istrian Sheepdog may weigh 34 kg / 75 pounds more than Coton De Tulear. Istrian Sheepdog may live 4 years less than Coton De Tulear. Both Istrian Sheepdog and Coton De Tulear has same litter size. Istrian Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance. But Coton De Tulear requires Low maintenance

History

istrian sheepdog - historyKnown also as the Karst Sheepdog, the beautiful, medium sized Istrian Sheepdog hails from Slovenia, Yugoslavia in the 1600s, being used to guard sheep. In fact, the Karst Shepherd was recognized as the Illyrian Shepherd in 1939.

The dog is fairly scarce in his own country, but interest in the dog started developing in the late 1970s. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes the breed and it has also been exported to the United States, being recognized by the United Kennel Club.

It is also recognized by a number of smaller kennel clubs. The dogs numbers have declined at certain periods in its history but fortunately breeding programs boosted its numbers.

coton de tulear - historyThese cute little Coton de Tulear dogs originate from Madagascar and have in fact been named the ‘official dog of Madagascar’.

The Coton de Tulear actually takes his name from the seaport city of Tulear. In the 1970s a Frenchman brought a puppy to France, with the idea of establishing them as a breed. It was also at this time that the dogs were brought to North America.

This small fluffy white dog was also found on the island of Malta, becoming known as the Maltese. They were mated with other dogs such as the Barbet, a curly haired dog and other coat colors exist such as apricot, black and white and fawn. Other breedings led to the Barbichon family of dogs which includes the Bichon Bolognese and the Bichon Teneriffe. The modern day breeds are the Maltese and the Coton de Tulear.

As with many dog breeds, there are different tales about the origin of the dogs and one version is that the white cotton-ball type of dog survived a shipwreck off the Madagascar coast.

Description

istrian sheepdog puppy - descriptionThis is a medium sized, muscled, strong dog with an iron-grey coat that has shades of deeper grey. His beautiful coat is long, thick and fairly harsh to the touch, with the undercoat protecting the dog against cold weather.

Around the neck area the hair is longer, forming an eye-catching-like mane. The stomach area has longer hair too. He has a noble look about him with kind, brown eyes and a round skull. The muzzle of the dog is dark, the limbs long and muscular and the tail is long and covered in thick fur.

The dog is slightly longer than its height, and both males and females stand at 54 to 63cm in height and weigh between 26 and 40kg. The long tail reaches right down to the hocks. The ears of the dog are fairly short and are floppy.

Temperament:

This dog has always made an excellent guard dog, being alert and also being distrustful of strangers. He will need to be trained and socialized if you want him to be obedient to you and more amicable around children in the home as well as visitors to the home.

If he is trained and well socialized, he is able to make a good pet. However, he is an energetic dog, used to working and he isn't recommended for life in the city if there is only a tiny garden. He needs space and will require a large garden.

He will also need to be exercised and not just left to his own devices in the backyard. Because he is essentially a working dog he doesn’t easily fit into the role of pet and companion. He is a working dog and will need to be kept busy.

coton de tulear puppy - descriptionThese little dogs make perfect companions. They stand about 25–30cm with the female sometimes being slightly smaller. They weigh anything between 3 – 6kg. They’re robust little canines and can live up to 19 years or so when looked after well.

If you want puppies, you can expect yours to deliver between 4 – 6 puppies.

The Coton de Tulear is easily recognized because of his soft, fluffy coat. Many people take their dogs to the dog salon to have him washed and his hair trimmed. His legs are short and straight as well as being muscled under the hair. The ears are floppy and the tail of the Coton de Tulear is carried straight or slightly curved.

Temperament:

The Coton de Tulear is a friendly, affectionate dog who has a gentle, cuddly side to him. They are social dogs and get on well with their human family and with the children in the home, loving the games they provide.

He will also get on well with other pets in the home and becomes amicable, relaxed and obedient with socialization and training. Small though he is, he makes a great watchdog too and is full of tricks, making him an entertaining pet to have around.

Characteristics

istrian sheepdog dog - characteristicsYour Istrian Sheepdog is a unique, strong-willed dog that is used to guarding, and working and he wants to be kept involved and busy.

He is wary of strangers and makes an excellent guard dog for any family home. Remember that it is never good to invest in a dog purely for guard dog purposes. A dog such as the Istrian Sheepdog is a social creature and he also wants- and needs to be part of a human family that provides him with plenty of interaction with them.

The Istrian Sheepdog is a loyal, loving dog who is capable of forming strong bonds with his human family. With proper training and socialization he makes a good friend of children and the elderly too.

Include him in all your family activities just like any human family member and he will make you a splendid, courageous pet.

coton de tulear dog - characteristicsThe Coton de Tulear just wants to please his human family and spend unforgettable moments with them, hating to be separated from them. He is such an adaptable little dog and will fit well into city- as well as country life.

He is smart, comical, playful, independent and fun to have around as he is known for his clownish personality. Treat him well and he’ll repay you with plenty of love and loyalty.

Health Problems

istrian sheepdog puppies - health problemsAs with many other dog breeds, the Istrian Sheepdog is a healthy dog that, because of history of hard work, is robust and able to stand up well to common dog illnesses.

However there is one dog illness that strikes many dogs and at any age, and it is hip dysplasia. This is a malformation of the hip joints.

You'll notice that your once active dog is lethargic, doesn't want to play so much anymore and battles to get up after lying down. The disease is painful for your dog and it can lead to mobility issues. The disease is diagnosed with x-rays and your vet will recommend treatment options to make life more comfortable and less painful for your beloved pet.

coton de tulear puppies - health problemsWith proper care, your Coton can reach a ripe old age of 15 – 20 years of age. However, even this robust little dog will need to be watched, as he can fell prey to some common dog ailments -

Dental Disease:

Bad Breath with your pet can be a sign of dental decay. Dental plaque for instance, caused by bacteria, can give your pet a terrible breath. It is important to brush your pet’s teeth 2 or 3x a week. Your vet can provide tips on how to brush your pet’s teeth with a special canine toothbrush and toothpaste.

Other things to look out for are hip dysplasia and chronic allergies. Allergies can cause itchy and dry skin as well as ear infections because of so much hair being in the ear canal. Speak to your vet about how to clean your pet's ears to avoid ear infection.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

istrian sheepdog dogs - caringThis is a dog that is used to guarding his flock and he will need to be in a home that has a fair sized garden. He can adapt to life in the city or to the countryside, but wherever he is, he will need sufficient exercise. Take him with you on your walks or hikes and give him some rope- and ball games.

General Care:

Wherever you live in the world, when the Winter winds howl and blow in icy rain or snow, a dog is at an increased risk of illness. You decided to have a dog in your home and it is your responsibility to care for him. Winter weather is downright unpleasant and dangerous for most pets.

Bring your pet in during such weather and provide him with a warm, dry sleeping space. During hot weather, make sure your pet has a cool, shady spot to lie down in, out of the boiling sun. Whatever weather you're experiencing, your pet should never ever be without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Provide him with excellent food that is full of vitamins and minerals to keep him healthy. Learn to know what human foods can be toxic for him and cause him digestive problems.

Grooming:

Your double coated Istrian Sheepdog will need a thorough brushing at least twice a week because of his dense, double coat. He does shed and isn't a hypoallergenic dog. His thick coat can tangle easily if it isn't properly brushed and maintained.

Clip his nails when and if they grow long. Other grooming aspects for this attractive dog require checking his ears for infection and also checking his teeth as dental disease can lead to a host of serious illnesses in your dog.

Exercise:

coton de tulear dogs - caringCoton de Tulears will need some exercise if you want him to remain lean and fit. It is important to provide exercise and games for your dog to prevent boredom. Activity levels for any dog, including the Coton, will depend on his age and health.

A walk every day and some ball games will keep your pet happy and prevent him from resorting to destructive behavior from sheer boredom and frustration.

Grooming

The long coat will require some careful grooming and you will need to be on the lookout for excess hair around the paws and in the ears.

He is not a great shedder and brushing twice a week will remove loose hairs and provides the perfect opportunity to check for fleas and ticks.

Just like any other dog, your Coton de Tulear will need a warm, dry place to sleep. If you haven’t already invested in a doggy basket or dog bed, you can use a cardboard box for now, before making up your mind what you want for your pet.

Training:

A well behaved, obedient dog is a pleasure for everyone, and training and socialization is important, even for a small dog. Your dog will understand simple commands such as ‘sit’, ‘down’ and ‘come’ and also know how to walk well on a leash.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Companion dog
Origin:
Slovenia
Madagascar
Height Male:
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
Height Female:
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
4 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Karst Sheepdog
Cotie, Coton
Colors Available:
Dark and Light shades of Grey
fawn, black and white, apricot, White
Coat:
Long, thick and harsh
Medium to long - can be straight , wavy or curly
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Mal-Shi vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  2. Coton De Tulear vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  3. Coton De Tulear vs Alaskan Klee Kai - Breed Comparison
  4. Japanese Spitz vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  5. Malti-Pom vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  6. PekePoo vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  7. Schipperke vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  8. Fruggle vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  9. Schweenie vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  10. Lhasapoo vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  11. Meliteo Kinidio vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  12. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  13. Prazsky Krysarik vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  14. Pugalier vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  15. Kyi-Leo vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  16. Tsvetnaya Bolonka vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  17. Muggin vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  18. Pomeranian vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  19. Maltese vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  20. Pug vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  21. Maltipoo vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  22. Dachshund vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  23. Jack Russell Terrier vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  24. Miniature Schnauzer vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  25. Sakhalin Husky vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  26. Portuguese Water Dog vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  27. Puli vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  28. McNab vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  29. Porcelaine vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  30. Hokkaido vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  31. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  32. Pumi vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  33. Istrian Sheepdog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  34. Istrian Sheepdog vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  35. Istrian Sheepdog vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  36. Istrian Sheepdog vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  37. Istrian Sheepdog vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  38. Istrian Sheepdog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  39. Istrian Sheepdog vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  40. Istrian Sheepdog vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  41. Istrian Sheepdog vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  42. Istrian Sheepdog vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. Istrian Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  44. Istrian Sheepdog vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  45. Istrian Sheepdog vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  46. Istrian Sheepdog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  47. Istrian Sheepdog vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  48. Istrian Sheepdog vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  49. Istrian Sheepdog vs Canaan Dog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds