Make certain you are willing to commit to a Coton's care for almost as long as you'd commit to care for a child. On Madagascar, the Coton was fed a vegetarian and rice diet for nearly 300 years. Consequently, we recommend a vegetarian, low protein diet such as Natures' Recipe Vegetarian Diet. A Coton's long, dry, nearly straight hair requires brushing periodically to remove an undercoat and prevent matting. Cotons remain relatively clean without a bath for a long time.
Most owners prefer a monthly trip to a groomers, with casual brushing about every other day or so.
Cotons have about an average number of breed health defects, but they have a much lower incidence of them. That means that overall, this is a healthy, sturdy breed. Recently, some few Cotons have been diagnosed with aggression problems, probably genetic. Most often, Cotons are not only non-aggressive, but deeply devoted to their human companions. Therefore, separation anxiety can become a problem unless careful training is followed.