Sabueso Espanol vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison

These 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.

The Sabueso Español is a Spanish Scenthound, hailing from the Iberian Peninsula, Spain. Beyond Spanish borders, this dog is virtually unknown.

There isn’t much on its origins but it is believed that it may have developed from the bloodhound. The dog has been used for hundreds of years to hunt down wild boar, deer and all kinds of game. To this day it is essentially a hunting dog and not particularly used as a pet.

When he is on the hunt, he uses his baying bark to communicate with the pack. The dog is recognised by the UKC under the category ‘Scent Hound’.

These 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.

Known also as the Spanish Hound, this medium-sized dog stands at between 47 and 58cm in height ad weighs 23 to 25kg.

The dog has very long ears, the eyes are amber colored and the long tail is thin ad whip-like. The coat is short and smooth and is mostly white with orangey, lemon or reddish brown patches.

Temperament:

People think that because these dogs are such excellent hunting dogs, they can't be a good pet, but they are calm and loving, making an excellent companion dog.

He is also good with children in the home. He will just need to be trained and socialized if you want him to be well mannered and obedient as he is independent and can be stubborn.

The 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.

The attractive Sabueso Español is a calm, amicable, sweet dog that is loving towards his human owners. He is good with children but would prefer older children who know how to be kind and gentle towards him.

He isn’t aggressive and will get on well with other dogs in the house too. He is essentially an outdoor dog and will love nothing more than to have his family involved with him with activities outside.

If you’re looking for a great pet and companion for home and outdoor life, this dog is a superb choice.

With 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.

The Sabueso can live to be 12 years of age, but it is still good to be aware of typical dog illnesses that he can succumb to.

Ear Infections:

Hound dogs with floppy ears are known for getting ear infections. This is because floppy eared dogs don’t get the right amount of air circulation, and excess wax, dirt and moisture cause problems within the ear.

Obesity in Dogs:

Excess body fat with a dog can create problems for your dog. Obesity is common in all dogs and dogs of all ages. Dogs that are obese don’t want to exercise. Obesity can cause a host of problems with your dog and even reduce his lifespan.

Exercise:

Coton 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.

The short coat of the Sabueso Español makes him a low maintenance dog. and a brush twice a week is enough to keep his coat in tip top condition. As you brush him, make sure to check for any odd, new lumps you come across.

Check inside his ears, take a look at his eyes and make sure they’re bright and clear.

Look inside his mouth. He has no way of telling you if he has a rotten tooth causing him pain, and he relies on you to check on this for him.

Provide him with a dry, warm, comfortable bed.

These dogs are known for their stamina and energy and will ideally suit a home on a large property and not a small property in the city. They need lots of open spaces and plenty of exercise. They love long walks, preferably vigorous hikes, swimming and ball and rope games.

Ensure he is neutered or spayed if you want to avoid puppies.

Make sure his vaccinations are up to date to prevent deadly canine diseases.

Your Sabueso Espanol needs a nutritious diet if he is to remain healthy and happy. Commercially manufactured dog foods can be a good choice if you go for the high quality ones packed with vitamins and minerals. They can be convenient and well balanced. To provide your dog with some variety, provide him with some home-made food added into the dry kibble from time to time. No need to make home-made food all complicated and involved. Simply boil chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach together, chopping it all up, and adding little bits of this to your dog's dry kibble twice a week. This will keep him happy and healthy. Try to include a bit of raw meat occasionally and never let your dog be without a constant source of fresh, cool water.