The coton de tulear belongs to the barbichon group, related to the lowchen as well as the bichon frisé. It has an unusual past, arriving in Madagascar several hundreds years ago. The little dogs came from wrecked ships and survived on their own in the wilderness. Sometimes seamen from Tulear (now Toliara) would capture the little dogs and keep them as as watchdogs, hunters and herders. The dogs would lure crocodiles from the shore, thus allowing the cattle to drink. Few had heard of the breed before the 1950's, but now it can be found in several parts of the world.

The coton de tulear should have a rather short and triangular head, the eyes with a lively expression and ears set high, hanging and well covered with hair. The neck is rather long, arched and dry. The topline is slightly convex with slight tuck up and well developed chest. The coat is slightly wavy with cotton-like texture.