Cary, North Carolina

Small, ethical and reputable breeders of

Coton de Tulear dogs.

Focused on producing happy, healthy pets.


Welcome to Gil-VTales Cotons, where we raise happy, healthy pets! Located in Cary, NC (outside of Raleigh) we are a very small in home breeder of Coton de Tulear dogs.

We (Lauren and Scott) have been around animals and the veterinary world most of our lives. We met while working at an animal hospital in the 90s. In 2012, we met a wonderful Persian / Himalayan breeder who got us started in the world of showing and breeding cats. Over the years we have had many great successes and heartbreaks with our cats. Lets just say that Persians and Himalayans are not the easiest breed to work with. But, we learned a lot about birthing and keeping the little critters alive! When the world shut down in 2020, we thought it might be fun to expand to breeding dogs. Coming from the world of long haired cats, I wasn’t scared of getting a breed that had long hair, but we also thought it might be nice to have a little LESS shedding in our world. We also wanted a small breed that had similar personalities to the cats – affectionate, loyal, and attentive. And, most of all, I wanted a healthy breed. In my research I found the Malagasy Coton de Tulear Preservation Club (MCPC), with a greater focus on health and genetics, that was exactly what I was looking for.

Why MCPC instead of AKC? The AKC Coton de Tulear requires the dogs be white. Any time you start eliminating a portion of the population you start removing genetic diversity. MCPC is very focused on genetic diversity, and does not eliminate the naturally occurring colors found in the breed. Gil-V Tales is proud to be a member of the Malagasy Coton de Tulear Preservation Club (MCPC). We have agreed to, and support the MCPC code of ethics breeding philosophy, Dogs used in our breeding program have passed the MCPC health test requirements, have had normal CAER eye exam, and Embark DNA results are used in selecting breeding pairs.

The MCPC strives to protect the Malagasy Coton de Tulear by enhancing the health, longevity and temperament of our rare breed through breeder mentoring, sharing of health data and utilizing new technologies of DNA genotyping and analysis.  

Is the Malagasy Coton de Tulear that right dog for you?  Here is some information about the breed that will help you make that decision.

  • Your Coton will grow to be between 9”-13” at the withers (shoulder) and weigh somewhere between 10-20lbs. 
  • Because of their small stature, as with other small breeds, this may not be the best choice for those who have young children.
  • Non-shedding, having hair, not fur they are considered to be hypo-allergenic so they may make a great dog for allergy sufferers. But, remember that a Coton will pick up allergens and bring them inside on their coat.
  • It will be important to brush your Coton often, sometimes daily and to bath weekly, every two weeks or monthly, every coton is different.  During the puppy blowing coat stage, the more often you groom, the easier it will be to maintain.
  • The Malagasy Coton de Tulear is considered a sturdy, little dog and is always up for fun time in the yard, long walks and are known to enjoy playtime with other dogs.
  • Watching your Coton romp about and run “zoomies” is something sure to bring a smile to your face! 
  • When you have quiet time, you will find your Coton a willing participant in snuggling together in your lap or right by your side. 
  • Being a companion breed, the Malagasy Coton, loves to be with their people no matter what they are doing.  
  • If you work long hours or travel frequently, this might not be the best breed for you.
  • The closeness Coton owners share with their dog is one of the characteristics of this breed that people treasure. 
  • Living with a Coton you will find your life filled with a smart, happy go lucky, friendly, cuddly small dog.

Want to learn more about the Coton?

Coton de Tulear History

Coton de Tulear in the US

MCPC Health Requirements