Coton de Tulear Lifespan: How Long Do They Live?

Everything you need to know about the Coton de Tulear's life expectancy, factors that affect longevity, and tips to help your dog live a longer, healthier life.

Average Lifespan

15–19 years

Size Category

Small

Compared to Average

Above average

Coton de Tulear Life Expectancy

The Coton de Tulear has an average lifespan of 15 to 19 years, which is above average for dogs of their size category. As of 2026, advances in veterinary medicine and improved nutrition have helped many Coton de Tulears reach the upper end of this range and beyond.

Several factors influence an individual Coton de Tulear's lifespan, including genetics, diet, exercise, veterinary care, and overall lifestyle. Dogs from health-tested parents who receive consistent preventive care tend to live the longest, healthiest lives.

Lifespan Range Visualization

5 years20 years

Lifespan by Gender

Male	15–19 years
Female	15.5–19.5 years

Factors That Affect Coton de Tulear Lifespan

Key factors that affect Coton de Tulear lifespan include:

Genetics: Dogs from health-tested breeding lines have better odds of a long life
Diet: A balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for their life stage
Exercise: Regular physical activity maintains cardiovascular health and healthy weight
Veterinary care: Annual checkups and preventive treatments catch issues early
Weight management: Keeping your Coton de Tulear at a healthy weight can add 1-2 years to their life
Dental care: Good oral hygiene prevents infections that can affect overall health

Tips to Help Your Coton de Tulear Live Longer

To help your Coton de Tulear live their longest, healthiest life:

Feed a high-quality diet and measure portions to prevent obesity
Provide 80+ minutes of daily exercise
Keep up with all vaccinations and parasite prevention
Schedule annual veterinary checkups (twice yearly for seniors)
Brush teeth regularly or provide dental chews
Maintain mental stimulation with training, puzzles, and social interaction
Address health concerns promptly rather than waiting

Lifespan Compared to Similar Breeds

Breed	Lifespan	Size
Chihuahua	14–16 yrs	Small
Lhasa Apso	12–15 yrs	Small
Portuguese Podengo	12–15 yrs	Small
Pug	13–15 yrs	Small
Miniature Schnauzer	12–15 yrs	Small

Frequently Asked Questions

The Coton de Tulear typically lives within the normal range for their size category. Individual lifespan depends on genetics, diet, exercise, and veterinary care.

Regular veterinary checkups, a balanced diet, daily exercise, mental stimulation, and preventive healthcare all contribute to a longer, healthier life for your Coton de Tulear.

While specific records vary, some Coton de Tulears have been reported to live well beyond their average lifespan with exceptional care and favorable genetics.

Studies suggest minimal difference between male and female Coton de Tulear lifespans, though spayed/neutered dogs may have slightly longer life expectancies.

Research in 2026 suggests that spaying or neutering can slightly increase lifespan by reducing certain cancer risks, though timing should be discussed with your veterinarian.