Abby

Coton de Tulear dogs are small, happy pups who love to entertain. They are famous for their cotton-like coats and gentle, affectionate natures. Quick to learn, they love tricks and fun indoor and outdoor daily activity. Full-grown, they typically weigh 8-15 pounds and stand 9-11 inches tall.

Coton de Tulears are generally excellent with children of all ages. Friendly and gentle, they are sociable and get along well with children and other dogs, but they can be a bit stubborn without the proper leadership. They enjoy participating in a variety of sports, like agility skills and catch, so take them out for an occasional trip to the park. They're relatively quiet and don't bark much.

The Coton de Tulear is an alert and well-mannered dog that loves to play but vary in their activity levels. They are fairly active indoor dogs and will do okay without a yard to play in, but they can also have fun outside or at the doggy park. They love to perform tricks, so be sure to oblige them with a praise-based approach. Overall, their exercise needs are moderate.

The Coton de Tulear’s signature fluffy coat requires daily brushing and combing, as well as occasional baths, in order to keep it free from matting and knotting. Otherwise, matting will form near their sensitive skin. If left ungroomed, brushing will prove painful for the dog (and for you!) to brush out. Grooming-wise, this breed is fairly high-maintenance. Coton de Tulears are considered hypoallergenic, which can be a plus for allergy sufferers.

Coton de Tulears are best suited for apartments and smaller homes. The Coton de Tulear is a friendly breed that wants to be around their homes and masters always. They adapt well to both small and large home environments and are happy with a little walking and play time each day. They are fairly easy to train.

The Shih Tzu is small, popular, and friendly, so what more could you ask for in a companion dog? Their intelligence and loyalty, along with their independence, will have you cuddling up with this bunch of cheerfulness in no time. Full-grown, they typically weigh 9-16 pounds and stand 9-11 inches tall.

Shih Tzus are generally excellent with children of all ages. Shih Tzus are indoor dogs who get along with other pets very well and love to cuddle in your lap, making them great family companions. You would never want to limit these small dogs to just the outdoors. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

Shih Tzu need short, daily walk but should also occasionally be exercised indoors. They do not adapt to hot weather very well, so they must be a primarily indoor dog. Care must be taken not to over or under exercise them as well. Overall, their exercise needs are moderate.

Shih Tzus' long coat is somewhat high maintenance and requires everyday brushing to prevent tangles. These dogs should be taken to a professional groomer every couple of months. They are usually easier to maintain when their coats are clipped short, but you can't argue that those who have the long, dreamy coats are dramatic and eye catching. Grooming-wise, this breed is fairly high-maintenance. Shih Tzus are considered hypoallergenic, which can be a plus for allergy sufferers.

Shih Tzus are best suited for apartments and smaller homes. Since they are small, this breed can adapt to apartment living or a big house. Shih Tzus are indoor dogs who get along with other pets very well and love to cuddle in your lap, making them great family companions. They are fairly easy to train.