Coton de Tuléar Adoption Guide: Puppy, Adult or Retired Dog, and How to Choose a Breeder
The hardest part of Coton de Tuléar adoption is often "where, and how?" The breed is not common, so there are fewer options and a higher chance of meeting sellers who cannot give you proper information. This guide covers the different ways to adopt, what to check with a breeder, contracts and scam warning signs, and your first week together.
Three ways to bring a Coton home
| Option | Best for | Advantages | Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (2–3 months) | Families with time who want to raise a puppy | You shape early socialization | Parents, vaccination and deworming records, age |
| Retired or adult dog | Busy families, or those who want to know the personality | Personality and size are known, lower cost | Health, habits, toilet training |
| Rehoming | Taking a dog from an owner who can no longer keep it | You can learn habits from the previous owner | Reason for rehoming, behavior |
Retired breeding dogs are usually calm and people-friendly, but if they lived in a kennel they may need help learning indoor toilet habits and leash walking.
How Baebaepuppy works
| Step | What we do |
|---|---|
| 1. Consultation | By phone or KakaoTalk we learn about your home, routine, other pets and the puppy you are looking for |
| 2. Meet in person | Not a waiting list: you visit, meet several puppies and decide after spending time with them |
| 3. Health check | Puppies arriving from the kennel see a vet before adoption |
| 4. Handover | We explain coat color changes, personality and current food, and ask you to keep the same food at first |
| 5. Distance | Staff delivery for families far away, with a video call before departure and photos at departure and arrival |
| 6. After adoption | Ask us anything by phone or KakaoTalk |
We answer every day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Korea time). Please call ahead to arrange a visit. International families can read our international delivery guide.
Questions to ask any breeder
- Can I see the parents in person or on video? What are their weight and temperament?
- Were the parents tested for patella, eyes and DNA? Can I see the results?
- At what age will the puppy leave? Does it stay with its mother and littermates until then?
- Can I have vaccination and deworming records?
- Can I see where the puppy lives?
- Can I ask you about food, grooming and training after adoption?
The parents are the best preview of your puppy's future. As puppies, Cotons look much like Bichons and Maltese, so seeing the parents also confirms the breed.
What to look for when meeting puppies
- How the puppy approaches people: curious puppies come to sniff first; cautious ones watch first. Match the personality to your household.
- Body condition: clear eyes and nose, a clean rear end, a natural gait.
- Reaction to touch: a puppy that stays relaxed when you gently touch its paws and ears will find lifelong grooming easier.
- Coat and color: puppy markings often fade. Ask how the color is likely to change.
Many families who visit us have studied the breed beforehand and take their time choosing between several puppies. There is no need to rush.
At what age should a puppy leave its mother?
Puppies learn bite inhibition and dog communication from their mother and littermates, so leaving too early can cause behavior problems. Korean law restricts the sale of puppies under 2 months. Most puppies go home after 2 months, once they eat solid food well.
What the contract should include
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Puppy | Birth date, sex, color and markings |
| Parents | Sire, dam, pedigree numbers |
| Vaccines and deworming | Dates and doses |
| Health guarantee | Period, covered conditions, procedure |
| Price | Total, deposit, balance, what is included |
| Refunds | Cancellation before handover, problems after |
Stop if you see these signs
- A price far below normal with no explanation
- Repeated excuses to avoid a video call or visit
- Urgent requests for a deposit to a personal account
- No chance to see the parents or where the puppy lives
- An offer to send the puppy by courier or freight
- No written contract
Your first week together
Days 1–2
Let the puppy rest in a quiet space. Hold off on passing it around or inviting guests. Eating less and sleeping a lot is normal.
Days 3–5
Keep meals, toilet trips, play and sleep at the same times every day. Take the puppy to its toilet spot 10–20 minutes after eating, right after waking and after play, and praise it immediately when it succeeds.
Days 6–7
Visit a vet for a first checkup and plan the remaining vaccinations. Start short brushing and paw-handling sessions now: it makes lifelong grooming much easier.
Things families have shared with us
When families send us updates, we often see the same smart preparations. One family laid non-slip mats on every floor of their home so their puppy would not slip. Another family with a Pomeranian sent photos of the two dogs welcoming each other and playing. Preparation and slow introductions make the first month much smoother.
Paperwork in Korea
Dogs over 2 months old living in Korea must be registered. If the puppy is already registered, the change of owner must be reported within 30 days, which can be done online.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Coton a good first dog?
It is gentle and people-oriented, so it is often recommended for first-time owners. Just know from the start that it needs regular grooming and plenty of time with its family. See our temperament guide.
What should I prepare before a visit?
Your household and daily schedule, your home type and pet rules, the sex and personality you prefer, any other pets, and your budget. This helps us recommend the right puppy.
Sources
- Korean Animal Protection Act (sale age restriction, seller contracts)
- Korea Animal Protection Management System, pet registration
- FCI breed standard No. 283
Questions about the Coton de Tuléar? Contact us
Whether you are thinking about adopting a puppy, want to see the puppies currently with us, or have questions about raising your Coton, feel free to reach out. Baebaepuppy answers by phone, WhatsApp, KakaoTalk and Instagram every day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Korea time).
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