How did you meet the breed?
Throughout our lives we always had to do with animals, particularly dogs. From this love for dogs to the thought of breeding was only a small step!

Our breeding history began with a splendid Golden Retriever female. With her, we learned how to do obedience and agility. And for the first time in our lives, we went to a conformation show. Chanelle also gave us our very first litter--a sucessful experiment with of 10 pups!

After a while, it became obvious that we did not have enough space to breed such a big dog. We started our search for a small breed, non-shedding (I had allergies), that was just as lovely as our Golden. We began to search…. this was in 1991.

One day, reading through a French dog magazine, for the first time I saw a photo of Cotons --I was amazed by these balls of fur! It was exactly the dog I was looking for. That was just the beginning of a long process of researching information about the breed, about breeders and clubs. I can't relate all the time I spent writing letters, making phone calls overseas, then waiting and waiting (no internet at that time…) for the responses and finally receiving the first photos of puppies! At last, in 1993 the first Coton de Tulear 'Jana' invaded our lives! .

Who were your first Cotons?
My first coton was Jana de Duray . A year later I found a lovely companion for her… Joli Valentin de l'Écume des Mers Tropicales and also Lutine from the same kennel.

 

Can you explain the choice of your kennel name?
It is very simple… Cotonnerie in French means where you are doing Coton.

 

Diva de la Cotonnerie (# 1 aux USA)

 

Which qualities do you favor in a coton?
After breeding many years, I have to underline that the temperament is certainly the most important thing in a companion dog. I do not need to mention that the health and the conformation are still a priority.

What is your criteria for selection in your breeding program?
There is no need to mention that I am looking for the 'perfect and healthy coton' ;o)) ….But for me, the perfect coton should have a great structure with wide front and back and straight legs. The coat should be luxurious but easy to maintain. And nothing is more beautiful then a dog with a pitch black pigmentation. I also ask my cotons to have a real sweet personnality and be great 'kissing machine'. Each Coton should add a 'plus' to the kennel.

What do you think about the Coton evolution these last years?
I think that the quality of the Coton increase a lot since I began in 1993. In 8 years, the coton are more homogeneous now. Also breeders on both side of the pond are more aware of the health issue and the importance of the certification. (I remember that my Jana was the first coton to be CERF in America)… The structure are more solid and straight. For the next few years, the size of the coton will be very important.. and we will have to be careful to keep it within the standard specifications…

Can you describe the 'ideal' Coton ...

The ideal Coton is in here…. Just and absolutely adorable….

	Rubis de la Cotonnerie		Chloé de la Cotonnerie
	Valentin de la Cotonnerie		Ray of Sunshine de la Cotonnerie

If you are participating to dog shows, what are your motivations, and what is your criteria for choosing them?

My first motivation for showing was to learn and share my knowledge on the breed. It was so easy when I went in Belgium and in France… (Everyone know that I am a French speaking person ..you can also read it !!!) To be able to do the same thing in Canada and in USA, I had to learn English enough to be able to understand the judge and my numbers..… and be able to talk with the others. I remember my first Cherry Blossom… I was just smiling, nearly no talk!! It is not a problem anymore and many American breeders know French words now…;o)) I go on … and do expo… and travelling at least 7 hours to get to one because I really think that it is the best place to learn and to meet other Coton fanciers.

Diva de de la Cotonnerie Best in Show

When you are breeding, what elements do you take into account when you choose the dam and the sire?

My answer will be one word 'complementarity'

Why are you breeding?

I must say that sharing our daily lives with Cotons is a joy. They are real little sunshines!! Also, each birth is a miracle, the opening of the eyes….a rapture, the first barking …always a surprise, and the first play…an adventure.

Believe me, a coton always brings more sunshine into your life! !

Keeping in touch Sara France

Answers and pictures from Sara France Saint Pierre - kennel La Cotonnerie