<P> Multiple registries with differing standards describe the Coton de Tulear, but it generally has very soft hair (as opposed to fur), comparable to a cotton ball (hence its name in French, coton meaning cotton), a prominent black nose, large expressive eyes (usually covered by bangs), and somewhat short legs . The Coton de Tulear's tail should curl over its back . </P> <P> The Coton de Tuléar has a medium - to - long, fluffy, cotton - like coat that is considered hair rather than fur . It is a non-shedding breed with low dander . When it is a puppy, it may shed its puppy coat . Like the poodle or Havanese, this breed has very low allergic effects and is considered hypoallergenic . Matted hair should be removed through daily brushing and combing . Grooming the Coton de Tulear can be quite a challenge . This breed does not have the common "doggie smell" and, when properly bathed and groomed, has little to no odor . </P> <P> The Coton de Tulear comes in three accepted colors: white (sometimes with tan markings; all white is preferred by show breeders); black and white; and tricolor . However, the tan and white may become all white, the blacks will often fade to grey or white, and fur will most likely change throughout puppyhood . The breed even has a fade gene that causes the colors, which are very dark when a puppy, to fade and turn white at the base of the hair as it lengthens; that is why the Champagne or Champagne Teddy Bear Coton eventually turns white when the adult hair comes in .) The Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard specifies that the Coton's coat should be white, but may also have tan or "lemon" color on their ears and body . The coat, however, must be primarily white with no black hair . The US - based Coton de Tulear Club of America allows for three different but equally favorable colorings: white, black - and - white, and tri-color, which includes "honey bear". White is described as nearly all white, sometimes with tan or champagne coloring on the ears, face or back . Black - and - white is defined as pure white with prominent black patches on the head and body (no ratio of white - to - black is specified or favored). Tri-color is described as mostly white with some brown markings and dustings of black on the body and head . A honey bear tri-color has light brown with black tips that gradually fades to an off - white or lemon color . The tri-color loses the most color of any of the color varieties, usually becoming mostly white with possibly some champagne markings and a dusting of black hairs on the ears and / or body . </P> <P> The Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard gives the Coton's weight as 6 to 8 kg (13 to 18 lb) for males and 3.5 to 5 kg (7.7 to 11.0 lb) for females . The Coton's height (including tolerance) is 25 to 30 cm (9.8 to 11.8 in) tall for males and 22 to 27 cm (8.7 to 10.6 in) for females . </P>

When do coton de tulear reach full size