Appearance of the Coton Schnauzer
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| The Coton Schnauzer is a mix of a Coton de Tulear and a Miniature Schnauzer, and will take on the appearance and characteristics of both parent breeds. They are small dogs weighing up to 7 kilos and are usually white, black, salt and pepper or black and silver, and can be tricolored. Depending on the more dominant parent breed, the coat can be long, soft and cotton-like like a Coton de Tulear, or stiffer like a Miniature Schnauzer. A Coton de Tulear has a black nose and normally round, dark-colored, wide eyes. Their ears are triangular and set high on the head. Their feet are small and arched. Miniature Schnauzers, on the other hand, are square-shaped with a beard, moustache and bushy eyebrows. They have dark, oval eyes, ears folded forward and their tails are sometimes docked. |
Temperament of the Coton Schnauzer
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| Coton Schnauzers are likely to be playful, affectionate and intelligent, like their two parent breeds who love nothing more than to be the center of attention. They'll make excellent pets and get on well with children, although small children should always be supervised in case they get too rough with small dogs. A Coton de Tulear doesn't like to be left alone for long and can become destructive to show his displeasure. Although they are generally calm dogs, they like to bark and growl when excited. Both parent breeds are easy to train, although Schnauzers can be very independent and stubborn, so it will be best to take your Coton Schnauzer along for training and socialization from an early age. It's always a good idea to get them used to new people and places. This hybrid will suit new pet owners and adapt well to their environment. |
Needs and activities of the Coton Schnauzer
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| Both parent breeds need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy, and will enjoy daily walks and play sessions. Miniature Schnauzers are energetic, active dogs that adapt easily to most environments and will be content as long as they receive plenty of attention. Cotons de Tulear love to swim and play with other dogs, so it will depend on which parent breed is most dominant in your dog. Your Coton Schnauzer will enjoy playing games like chasing balls in a fenced-in yard, but they're great dogs for apartment-dwellers as long as they're taken out daily to make sure they don't get bored and develop behavioral problems. |
Maintenance of the Coton Schnauzer
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| A Coton Schnauzer is probably a hypoallergenic hybrid. Daily brushing is essential to prevent matting of the coat. Not much shedding occurs with Coton Schnauzer, but trimming with scissors may be necessary to keep the coat neat, especially if the Schnauzer's iconic beard is inherited. Some owners like to have a groomer do the occasional trim, and at the same time have their nails trimmed. If you take care of this part of the diet yourself, trim the nails about twice a month. Teeth should be brushed daily; if teeth are small and crowded, decay can occur after plaque build-up. Ears should also be examined weekly, as dirt and moisture can lead to redness or infection. |
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