How did you meet the breed?
Working in the real estate business in the 80's and 90's I had the privilege to meet people from all corners of the globe. Because of this I happened to meet a French breeder of the Coton de Tulear. She was a breeder from south of France. When my husband and I first saw this little creature with a long fluffy white coat we immediately felt in love!!! 1992 was a turning point in our lives with the arrival of Bunny our very first Coton de Tulear.

Who were your first Cotons?
Our very first was Bunny. She arrived in 1992 and was a sunshine in our lives. She gave us wonderful little puppies. Unfortunately, in June 2000, she had a terrible car accident and died immediately. From that moment she left a large emptiness in our lives, especially to my husband who was very attached to her.

In 1996, our second female arrived, Mousseline du Domaine de Luniray. What a delightful ray of sunshine!!! Then for a short while we had the pleasure of having Lisptick, she was from the wonderful French Riviera. In the autumn of 1996 was the arrival of US'Mozart of Woodland Cottage. It was love a first sight between him and I. It was with Mozart's arrival that we decided to try the world of dog shows. We travelled from one ocean to the other in North America, as well as in many European countries. In 1999, Mozart earned the highest awards for such a small breed. I was named the #1 champion of all breeds in the USA. He also won a championship title in Luxemburg and also won a few BOB in other European countries. He has a few of his children following his foot steps and have also won champion titles. In September 1999, Mozart was defeated by his own son, Ch. Strauss de Montarville, what an honor it was for the father, Mozart.

Can you explain the choice of your kennel name?
We live on the south shores of Montreal in a beautiful region called "La Montérégie". In the 19e century, there was a seigneury named "de Montarville". This is how we decided our kennel would be "Les Cotons de Montarville".

 

What quality(ies) do you favouring in a Coton?
What attracted me to the Coton de Tulear was its wonderful and joyous temperament. I was amazed to discover their good health. But overall it is their love of live that got me hooked.

What are your selection criteria for your reproductives?
I remember my first few dog shows where I was just a spectator. I can see a big difference in the structure of the Coton today. The fronts and back have straighten. I was discussing this subject with other breeders and they expressed the same views, that there has been a great deal of work done. One other observation is the quality of the coats, they are more thicker. I think that the breeders have done a lot of improvements but there is still a lot more to be done.

What do you think about the Coton evolution these last years?
I remember my first experiences as spectator in the dog shows. I notice now that the front legs are better, straighter. I was speaking with other breeders ans they have the same opinion. A lot of work has be done. Another observation is about the coat thickness, I think it is thicker. I think the breeders have done a good job to correct the little imperfections, but there is still work to be done.

 

Can you describe the "ideal" Coton ?
a/male
I prefer well muscle bodies, with a strong built and good size heads. Good fronts and back and a well kept coat. A strong pigment is also important. My personal preference is a full set of teeth and scissor.

b/female
She must be feminine, i.e. less muscle than the male but with as good fronts and back and of course a good coat.

 

If you're participating to dog shows, what are your motivations, and what are your critera for choosing them?
First and foremost I need a very good subject that will not go unnoticed by judges. He or she must represent the type that I truly like. If the dog is exceptional, I will go from one ocean to the other and also in Europe. Living in North America, our dogs aren't recognized by the respected Country's Canine clubs (AKC, CKC) we need to do a long distances to attend a rare breed dog show. The travelling and distances are quite expensive, this is why one must have a very special dog to campaign it.

 

When you're breeding, what are the éléments you're taking into account to choose the dam and the sire ?
I will choose dogs that aren't too close i.e. too close inbreeding. Both dogs (dam and sire) must have a clean bill of health, with no known defect. I try to breed dogs from different lineages. Many times I will breed a dog with another that will bring a "plus" to whatever needs to be improved. It is with time and experience that a breeder will be able to see if her work is good or still needs improvements. Genetic will always give us surprises..!

Is there a question that you would like we answer you ? If yes which one ? And can you answer ?
No.

Answers and Pictures by Suzanne Lavigne - kennel De Montarville