The Coton de Tulear is a small dog, with a long, cotton-like coat and round, dark, intelligent, expressive eyes. They are a little boisterous, cheerful, even a little clownish, and are extremely attached to their masters. Their only purpose is that of a companion. They are intelligent and are easily trained. Their temperament is gentle and not of a dominant nature.
Faults are to be penalized according to the degree of seriousness.
In profile, the head is short. The top view is triangular. There is no perceptible occiput. The central furrow is shallow. There is a shallow stop.