History of

The Coton de Tulear was developed in Madagascar around the 16th century and was regarded as royalty almost immediately. It was even named the "Royal Dog of Madagascar" by a tribe in the past. This little white dog possibly made it's way from central Asia on trade caravans ending up in the Mediterranean Sea area. There is mention of small white dogs in the time of Aristotle who graced the elegant courts. These white dogs were popular companions with the Roman aristocracy who called them "table dogs". The original Cotons on Madagascar were feral surviving by hunting and scavenging. They were able to adapt to the natural diverse and rugged conditions on the island. This brough about a strong constitution for survival, a keen intelligence, vigilance, adaptability, alertness. They also learned to live in packs increasing their odds of survival.

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One legend of the Coton de Tulear is that there was a ship wreck during a violent storm near the bay of Tulear on the Southwest side of Madagascar. It is said all the humans perished, but the little robust Cotons survived and were able to swim ashore after fighting off hungry sharks. Their light cotton coats perhaps making them more buoyant. They were eventually named after the bay of Tulear.