Coton de Tulear health: what owners should know

The Coton is generally a healthy, long-lived breed, but it is known to be predisposed to patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, allergies and a few inherited conditions with DNA tests, including canine multifocal retinopathy (CMR2) and Bandera's neonatal ataxia, a neurological disorder seen in young puppies. Responsible breeders check knees and hips, arrange eye examinations and DNA test both parents.

Daily grooming gives you a chance to check skin, ears and teeth, and small dogs benefit from brushing teeth most days. See a vet if your Coton skips or holds up a back leg, scratches or licks its paws persistently, has red or weeping eyes, or has bad breath with red gums. For a puppy, unsteadiness when trying to walk is a reason for an immediate appointment.