Fruggle vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison | PetzLover

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 Fruggle is a mixed breed/hybrid crossover between a Pug and a French Bulldog. The “Frug” is considered a designer breed, developed in the United States and growing in popularity. These hybrid dogs all can be different taking their looks and characteristics from one or both of the parent dogs in different ways. Within the same litter you can have pups that look like pugs and act like French Bulldogs or look like French Bulldogs and act like pugs.

Also known as a Frenchie Pug, the hybrid is growing in popularity and new to the United Kingdom but recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club. It is not recognized by the AKC or American Kennel Club. They are developed from purebred dogs but are not a purebred breed at this time. It would take generations of breeding true for that to happen. At the same time the Fruggle is an adorable little dog with characteristics of both its purebred parents.

The French Bulldog is a descendent of dogs that lived with ancient Greeks, the Molossians Phoenician traders spread the dog throughout the known world. These dogs were used in dogs fights and sporting until 1835 when these were outlawed. The Frenchie became a companion dog for the ladies of Paris, writers, artists and fashion designers. The Pug, on the other hand, can trace their history as far back as Confucius in 700BC. They are one of the most ancient dog breeds in existence today. They were the property of the Imperial Family in China, guarded by soldiers. Stealing a pug in Imperial China was punishable by death.

There is no real history or the Fruggle as it is too young in its existence as a separate type of dog. It is considered a breed – just a hybrid breed. In addition to the American Canine Hybrid Club, it is also recognized by the International Designer Canine Registry, the Designer Breed Registry, the Dog Registry of America and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club.

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.

Being a designer dog, the appearance and characteristics of the Fruggle varies from pup to pup. Most do have flat faces, large eyes, and short muzzles. The Frug is a short, sturdy and compact dog. Their tail is over the back in a tight curl, and the ears are round and large. They are called Rose Ears. The nose and eyes are black or very dark and they have wrinkles on the forehead. This is the basic generalization of a mix between the Pug and the French Bulldog. The reality is they are all different. Most often they have a Pugs face with the French Bulldogs ears. They are a little smaller than the French Bulldog and a little larger than the Pug. Their hair is fine, glossy, smooth and short.

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.

Children friendliness

The Fruggle is very child friendly

Special talents

The Fruggle is a good watchdog and can be taught many tricks.

Adaptability

He is not very adaptable. He can live in city and in apartments much better than in the country or on farms. He needs air conditioning

Learning ability

Is very high as the Fruggle is very intelligent

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 Fruggle can inherit any of the health issues of either parent or they might be healthier than either parent. Some of the issues that the Fruggle might face include:

1. Infections in wrinkles
2. Keep them clean to avoid skin infections
3. Glaucoma
4. Must be treated to avoid blindness
5. Allergies
6. Might face seasonal allergies/ some might need allergy shots
7. Hip Dysplasia
8. Can cause arthritis or lameness
9. Patellar Luxation
10. Otherwise known as “floating” kneecap. Can cause lameness
11. Brachycephalic Syndrome
12. Short, smashed face cannot tolerate heat or a lot of exercise.
13. Cataracts
14. Not as serious as other eye issues but should be watched

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.

Feeding the puppy

1/2 cup should be fed daily in two to three meals of high quality dry puppy food

Feeding the adult

1/2 to 2 cups should be fed daily in two meals of high quality dry adult food

Points for Good Health

Quite often the first generation hybrid has much better health than either of the founding breeds. The same is not true of the second and third generations.

Games and Exercises

The Fruggle is a laid back dog requiring very little exercise. A daily walk or rolling a ball around the apartment is enough for him. The Fruggle should NOT be exercise vigorously or excessively due to its smashed face and Brachycephalic Syndrome. Weekly visits to a dog park would be sufficient as well. Do not take him out in excessive cold or heat.