The Dog That Changes Everything: Australia's Coton de Tulear, Raised Right from the Start
You searched for a dog that doesn't shed, is super hypoallergenic, can be an ideal breed for those with allergies, and will genuinely bond with your family for life.
You found it.
The Coton de Tulear is one of the rarest, most sought-after companion breeds in the world, and I (Cotonrun) am the breeder who in 2015, personally drove the process with ANKC (Dogs Australia) to have the Coton de Tulear recognised and the FCI breed standard formally adopted.
"All our breeding stock hail from lines unanimously awarded at Crufts, World Dog Show, and European & FCI championships - imported specifically to preserve show-standard temperament and type."
"Our dogs' pedigrees include multiple World Dog, Crufts, European and FCI Champions, securing world-class structure, movement, and temperament. You're not just buying a puppy - you're buying heritage."
"Because we maintain show-winning genes, our puppies' quality is demonstrably superior in head and coat texture, gait, and judge-approved standards."
Health Testing, Standards, and Transparency (Dogs Australia)
I'm a registered Dogs Queensland breeder (State Body for Dogs Australia, formerly ANKC). My promise is simple: clear standards, written documentation, and lifetime support.
You will never get vague claims like "health tested" from me without proof. You will get a process you can understand and documentation you can keep.
1) The non-negotiable rule
• No dog is bred unless they meet my health and temperament standards.
• If there is any concern with a dog's health or soundness, I do not breed from that dog.
• I provide documentation to puppy families so you can see exactly what's been done.
2) DNA testing (Orivet Genetic Pet Care)
All breeding dogs in my program are DNA tested through Orivet Genetic Pet Care for:
• Canine Multifocal Retinopathy (CMR1 and CMR2)
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
• von Willebrand Disease (vWD)
• Chondrodystrophy with Intervertebral Disc Disease Risk Factor (CDDY with IVDD)
• Neonatal Ataxia (Coton de Tulear Type)
• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
What DNA results mean (plain English)
Orivet results are typically reported as:
• Clear: does not carry the tested mutation
• Carrier: carries one copy and can pass it on
• At-Risk / Affected: carries two copies and is at risk of expressing the condition and passing it on
My breeding standard (Conservative and responsible)
I use conservative pairing rules designed to protect puppies while also protecting genetic diversity in a rare breed:
• Clear x Clear: acceptable
• Clear x Carrier: acceptable, when used responsibly and disclosed
• Carrier x Carrier: never (for the same condition and only for protecting genetic diversity)
• At-Risk/Affected dogs: not bred
Parentage and "Clear by Parentage"
Orivet also completes Parentage Reports to confirm parentage for my puppies. Once parentage is confirmed, Orivet can provide a Clear by Parentage Report, which I email to my puppy families where applicable.
3) Orthopedic screening (breeding dogs and puppies)
Before any dog is approved as a breeding dog in my program, they are assessed for:
• Patellas (kneecaps)
• Hip dysplasia (hips)
What I provide to puppy families
• Photographic documentation of your puppy being orthopedically assessed
• 6-week and 8-week veterinary health certificates
I do not rely on marketing language like "sound" or "great hips" without evidence.
Imported dogs: baseline assessment on arrival
On arrival, my imported dogs are checked by my vet and C. Thompson, who holds:
• Certificate in Myofunctional Therapy (National College Traditional Medicine)
• Certified Tellington Touch
• Accell Therapy
• Hydrotherapy
All adult dogs receive evaluation and chiropractic support as part of ageing and preventative care. My dogs also receive annual vet health checks through Dr B's Vet Clinic, Hillcrest.
If there is any issue: I won't breed with that dog.
4) Eye health beyond DNA
DNA testing is powerful, but it is not the whole story, especially for eye health.
• Puppies receive two formal vet health checks, including eye examinations, through Dr B's Vet Clinic, Hillcrest.
• If I ever had a concern, I would proceed to a specialist ophthalmologist examination through Dr B's visiting specialist.
5) Chiropractic care and wellbeing (adults and puppies)
My dogs receive chiropractic care as part of an overall wellbeing plan:
• Adult dogs: receive chiropractic treatment regularly
• Puppies: receive chiropractic treatment at 6 weeks
Clarity note: Chiropractic care is a wellness layer delivered by a qualified professional and does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment.
6) Puppy health checks and written certificates (6 and 8 weeks)
Every puppy receives veterinary checks at:
• 6 weeks
• 8 weeks
My vet provides written documentation following consultation on:
• General health and development
• Sex and number of testes (if male)
• Temperature
• Heart
• Weight
• Eyes
• Ears
• Mouth and bite
• Lymph nodes
• Abdomen
• Skin
• Microchip
• Puppy details
Important note: At 6-8 weeks, a vet can identify early issues, but hips and patellas are not typically "cleared for life" at that age. That is why I also have C. Thompson thoroughly examine puppies and their parents, and I educate families on lifestyle factors that can contribute to preventable orthopedic issues.
7) Placement philosophy (screening, contracts, and lifetime support)
Ethical breeding is not just producing puppies. It is what happens before and after they go home.
My placement process:
• Home screening: I ask questions and screen homes to ensure the right fit
• Deposit: accepted as part of a structured reservation process
• Contracts: every puppy is placed with a deposit and sales contract
• Education: each family receives my 19-page booklet covering the questions I'm most commonly asked
• Support: I'm contactable 24/7 to support my puppy families and answer questions
If anything ever changes, my goal is that no dog from my program ends up unsupported or without a plan.
8) What "transparent" means at Cotonrun
Transparency is operational, not a slogan. It means:
• I post regularly so you can see what is happening in the nursery
• I welcome families to visit their puppies
• I provide Orivet genetic testing documentation
• I provide 6-week and 8-week vet check documentation
• I provide structured education and ongoing support after placement

9) Trusted expertise:
• I deliver Coton de Tulear trainee judge education sessions and materials for Dogs Queensland participants, covering breed type, structure, movement, temperament, and ring assessment aligned to the FCI extended breed standard.
• Cotonrun is of the chosen breeders of Ricky Lawson, Founder and President of FETCH Pet Assistance - Australia's nationally accredited therapy and assistance dog organisation. Cotonrun puppies have been hand-selected for FETCH families based on temperament and socialisation standard. When the people who certify assistance dogs choose a breeder, that is not a coincidence. (fetchassistancedogs.com.au Fetch Assistance Dogs INC)

Ready to Talk?
If you have been thinking about a Coton de Tulear, the next step is a conversation - not a form.
Call or text Michelle: 0419 123 455 Forestdale, Brisbane QLD
We love visitors. Come and meet the dogs in person - it will answer every question you have.
Also follow us on Instagram and Facebook - @Cotonrun - where you can watch puppies grow from birth to the day they go home. the day they go home.