JUDGING THE COTON DE TULEAR BASED ON THE KEY ELEMENTS OF TYPE
by EILEEN NARIEKA The information in this article is approved by the United States of America Coton de Tulear Club, AKC, Parent Breed Club.
T he magnificent Coton will “take your breath away” when you behold the unmis- takable striking beauty of the white flowing coat, rectangular outline, and distinctive convex topline. “Under the soft, cottony texture coat, the Coton is a dog of balance and symmetry”. The distinguishing quali- ties of the breed are best appreciated by judging equally with both hands and eyes. Slighty rounded eyes and black pig- ment, accentuate the stunning appear- ance and alluring expression. The head is triangular in shape with a slightly rounded skull. The stop is slight. Ears are set directly above the line of eyes. Ratios: muzzle to head ratio is 5:9 and head to body is 2:5. The standard does not define a difference between male and female heads, but emphasizes correct ratios. Head furnishings may fall forward over the eyes or brushed back over the skull. Topknots are not acceptable. Elements of Coton de Tulear type include: WHITE “COTTONY” COAT The Coton de Tulear is the “overall appearance of a white dog”. However, the standard defines a small amount of allowable color and
makes exceptions for puppy color. When all considerations are equal, judges should give preference to the dog whose coat has the most amount of white. Cotons de Tulear are presented in natural coat. Some coats will reach the ground, but others will be approxi- mately 1 to 3 inches less than ground length. Either coat length, however, is acceptable. The coat is not artificially parted, on the head or body. Excessive trimming, sculpting or grooming which alters the natural appearance is to be severely penalized. Trimming of feet and pads is permitted. The coat feels like a soft, fine quality cotton ball, never silky, harsh or wooly. Coats lay straight with only a very slight amount of wave being acceptable. Adult coats are dense and profuse and should never be so thin that it lays flat against the body. Determine coat texture by squeez- ing the fur into the palm of your hand. Correct texture feels like a natural cotton ball or flower. A small amount of fur, twisted upright with your fin- gers, should produce a stand up look of the fur. If it falls flat, texture is too silky. Puppy coats are much softer than adults.
COLOR AMOUNTS & PUPPY COLOR
Acceptable: 5% light tan in one patch or scattered throughout the body. Over 5% of light tan color is a SEVERE FAULT. A light tan or grey dispersed color is allowed on ear tips, and is not consid- ered in determining the 5% amount. Exception: Puppy Color—Does not apply to puppies with color under 12 months of age. They may have the acceptable colors of light tan, light brown, dark brown, chestnut or grey on the body and head. These colors have the potential to fade to the acceptable 5% allowance by one year of age and should not be penalized. Black is a DQ anywhere on the coat and at any age!
This Coton has 5% color on body. NOTE: Ear color is acceptable and IS NOT taken into consideration in determining the 5% body color. Color is present here in a patch on one side.
S how S ight M agazine , S eptember 2018 • 343
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