The Coton Malgache - Canadian Coton De Tulear Club

The Coton Malgache Volume 11 Issue 1
President’s Message
Barbara Canduro
CCTC President
Introducing New Board Members:
Paul Cote, Secretary 2
Introducing New Members 2011:
Maggie Stagg 3
Gloria Gray 6
“Payzac’s Nina Ricci’s
Trip to Oklahoma” 8
“Ode to the Dogs”
By Christophe Guidon 10
The Coton Malgache
Inside this issue:
March 2011
Good day from sunny Peterborough, where the snow has gone and
the spring flowers are hoping to bloom very soon. I know after this
winter my dogs are happy to play in the yard and sniff new smells,
bark at the wind and have a snooze in front of the patio door when
the sun shines in.
I would like to welcome my fellow board members and I look forward
to working with them. We are feverishly working on a agenda for our
first board meeting, and we welcome any suggestions to improve our
club. Please feel free to email any of the board members with
suggestions or questions and we will answer them as soon as we can.
Please remember that we are volunteers and give our time when we
can. Things can seem to move slowly at times but we will address
any and all concerns. I hope to have a periodic or monthly email to
send out to let you know about things that are happening within our
club. Enjoy your Cotons today and give them a hug.
Barb Canduro
Editor’s Note:
See Page 16 for a list of new CCTC Board members and their contact information.
Justice! By Diane Benaroch 12
American Coton de Tulear Club
2010 Specialty 13
Canadian Coton de Tulear Club
“About Us” 16

Page 2
The Coton Malgache Volume 11 Issue 1
CCTC Board Introductions
We begin by introducing one of our new Board members, Paul Cote. Paul lives in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario and
this is his first time on the Board. Paul will be serving as CCTC secretary for the two year term. If you would
like to read more about Paul and his Cotons, see his delightful article in the March 2009 issue of the Coton
Malgache available on the website at www.coton.ca. Here’s Paul:
"I am 1/2 of the ownership team of two beautiful Cotons since 2004. Tory and Quinn are the quite
essential example of what Cotons are all about. Loyal, playful, affectionate, funny and always know
when to make you laugh or offer a kiss! I offered my services to the club because I want to help
keep the organization going. I think it is important to offer what you can, when you can. The CCTC
was started in 1993 by some very caring people and since then has continued to grow again by
many caring people. I hope to be able to offer a little bit of what they have, to continue to grow the
club."
-- Paul
Paul Cote relaxing at home with Tory & Quinn.

Page 3 The Coton Malgache Volume11 Issue1
New Members Introductions
Margaret “Maggie” Stagg
Before I launch into a brief biography to introduce myself and my dogs to the club, I would like to thank the
Club for accepting me as a member and in particular, a big thank you to my sponsors.
As the story goes, once upon a time, as a young girl growing up in Muskoka my family was very sportsminded.
They were very much into hunting, fishing and trapping; my mother included. Even today my
earliest memories are of playing with our pack of dogs who were always my trusty playmates and teachers.
On that note, I still have some of the scars from their teaching lessons for doing things that were considered
‘not cool’ in doggy etiquette. Let’s just say that they taught me well.
As you may suspect, my main job in the family growing up was to look after the dogs. In my family that
meant feeding them, cleaning their kennels, assisting with birthing, as needed, and learning to train them to
retrieve ducks as well as flush out rabbits, quail and pheasant. And of course, work with them in the field.
Over the years we had Beagles, various types of hounds, Labrador Retrievers and a Springer Spaniel. The
latter was given to me by my uncle when I was five as “my own dog” to work with; not just another member of
the pack.
When I moved away from Muskoka in 1972 to attend university in
Toronto, my life without a dog began. I always said that as long as I
am going to school and working I would not have a dog because in
my mind it was not fair to the dog. And that doggy dry spell
remained until a few years ago when unbeknownst to me my friends
decided that I was the perfect candidate to become a foster parent
to a four year old female dog that their breeder was bringing in from
Denmark. Apparently, or so I was told, the preferred foster home
was someone experienced with dogs, in particular alphas, no other
dogs and/or kids in the house. It took them two months and lots of
bait before I bit. The clincher was the picture they sent me of the
dog. It was love at first sight for me and my introduction to the
wonderful Coton de Tuléar breed. As they say, the rest is history
and I became the foster mom of Mercedes for Sonja Femia of
Cotton Candy Cotons.
(Maggie & Mercedes at left)
Then this year the opportunity arose for Scruffles (a.k.a. “The
Patriarch”), Sonja’s beloved resident eight and a half year old boy, to
join my family. He just had too many girls in his home that he could
not be mated with and was feeling very very stressed. I had always liked Scruffles when I visited Sonja’s
home since he is just such a “laid back lover rub my belly” kind of guy who got along with Mercedes. I was
so honoured when Scruffles also chose me. Now Mercedes, my little pack leader, had a follower she liked
and more to the point; could boss around. There were a few hiccoughs along the road, but all the kinks were
eventually smoothed out with a little help from me a.k.a., The Master and their Staff.

Page 4
Scruffles
The Coton Malgache Volume 11 Issue 1
Below: Bear
I remember being told that one Coton leads to another Coton et cetera. I am living proof that that saying is
sooooooo true because along came the puppy, Bear, the newest addition to the family. Sonja decided that
she wanted to keep the puppy Bear, but needed to place him so he wouldn’t be stressed by the resident
ladies any more than necessary. So after a period of time I decided to take Bear too. It only took but a few
days for me to be reminded of the energy needed to keep up with an energetic little puppy. Bear is now 11
months old and he is starting to turn the corner of what I will affectionately call ‘the terrible two stage’. My
furniture and rugs are grateful for that as am I. He is such a happy handsome little guy (not that I’m
prejudiced) and I am glad he has joined my merry pack.
As an aside, when I first brought Bear home and carried him into the house to introduce him to Mercedes and
Scruffles it went as I predicted. Scruffles willing greeted the little guy and Mercedes, let’s just say she was
not amused, but with a little coaching came around. By the next day Mercedes and Scruffles were on their
way to teaching him the rules of the house and in particular, his ranking in the pack; third. Now the two boys
play well together and Miss Mercedes sits on the sofa with the royal ‘we are not amused’ demeanor and from
time to time, follows up with a verbal response in the same vain. Despite the fact she is no longer the only
dog in the home she is also pleased, at the same time, to have resurrected her role as leader of the pack, as
she was in Denmark.
I confess that I love my dogs and yes, they are all spoiled. I used to play dress up with our dogs when I was
growing up and as it was pointed out to me recently, I still am today. Each dog has their own rain coat, winter
coat and boots. Then as girls will want to do, Mercedes and I go shopping together in her doggy stroller.
Scruffy doesn’t mind the stroller, but he is not really into it being a guy’s guy and Bear has not been
introduced to this experience at this time. Mercedes, however, sits in the stroller like the little princess she is
and quite enjoys all the admirers she attracts. That is as long as they admire her from a distance. Flattened
hair is so unbecoming to her…..
Well, that about it other than I am also learning how to groom and show these dogs. Having grown up and
being used to working dogs it is really a very different experience. Nonetheless, I find it relaxing and I am
really glad I took the bait to become a foster mom to my Kids. This is a wonderful breed that has
unconditionally won my heart. Well I had best get going. I have two boys sitting patiently looking at me with a
toy in each of their mouths wanting to play toss and fetch with me…duty calls.

Page 5
We wish everyone all the best for 2011.
Sincerely,
Maggie, Mercedes, Sruffles and Bear
At Right: Bear
What a handsome fellow!
Below: The entire family
The Coton Malgache Volume 11 Issue 1

Page 6
New Member: Gloria Gray
The Coton Malgache Volume 11 Issue 1
Gloria Gray lives in Haliburton, Ontario which she says is truly “God’s country” and where she met the first
love of her life and soul mate, Rick. Here’s how Gloria came to meet another love of her life, her Coton,
Timothy:
Now my love was always Bichons. While up at a garden center one day, a lady told me of the Cotons. She
also told me of Karen Black, the breeder, so I studied the line first and remembered I had groomed a Coton
while I lived in Cornwall where I was taught to how to groom dogs. This beautiful little boy came right to me
as soon as I met all of Karen’s little darlings, and proceeded to sit on my lap the whole time and it was my
second love at first sight (Rick being the first). Timothy, the Coton, was almost 4 months old when I got him
as a play mate for Mindy my Bichon. I am still learning a lot about this line from other breeders. Karen holds
the breeding right to Timothy. Although one day I may wish to show and possibly breed , it will have to be
with another dog. However, my little boy and I play and enjoy each other every single day together.

Page 7
Below: Does Santa have anything for ME?
At Right: Timothy loves to play hide and
seek in the plants!
The Coton Malgache Volume 11 Issue 1
Timothy and his playmate, Mindy, the Bichon
Below: Timothy dressed for Hallowe’en

Page 8
The Coton Malgache Volume 11 Issue 1
Payzac Nina Ricci's Trip to Oklahoma
Submitted by Joanne Mouryas, Payzac Kennel
At the end of June in 2006 I made the long trip to Alicante,
Spain to pick up my wonderful boy Caton of Woodland
Cottage. A lady named Brenda from Oklahoma had also come
for Caton's two sisters, Meisie and Ceilie. Brenda and I met in
Spain and since then have become good friends. In late 2007,
Brenda became sick and could no longer take care of her three
Cotons, Caton's two sisters and a little stud named Cotonnerie
Marquis De Bronson who had come to live with them one
month after her trip to Spain. I offered to take the three dogs
so Brenda and her 71 year old friend Margaret drove for four
days from Oklahoma to Toronto to bring me her precious
babies. Since then whenever one of my girls would give birth
to a Bronson baby, Brenda would say that she would love to
take one. She often told me that she was living her dream
through me since she was not able to breed the loveable
Coton.
On Monday, Nina Ricci, Bronson's little daughter made the long
trip home from Toronto to Oklahoma to her new mama and
papa. Brenda could not travel so she sent her groomer Crystal
to pick up little Nina. Nina slept in a pink Sherpa bag
underneath the seat on two different planes and did not make
a peep. Brenda emailed me a note right after Crystal dropped
Above: Crystal & Nina
her off. Her email read, 'Nina has arrived and she is
perfect! She is the most beautiful little girl that I have ever
seen." Two days later she wrote, "We realized today that Nina didn't come from Canada, but she came
straight from HEAVEN!"
Nina has a 10 year old Bichon brother
named Marceau and a three year old
Coton sister named Hannah. Both have
welcomed her with open paws. Brenda
has sent me many photos and you
cannot see the floor for all the
toys. Nina has made herself at home.
Left: Precious Nina with Marceau

Page 9
Right: Little lamb, Nina
Below:
The Three Muskateers
The Coton Malgache Volume 11 Issue 1

Page 10
The Coton Malgache Volume 11 Issue 1
Ode to the dogs from Christophe Guidon
I had always disliked dogs. Big, small, brown, fluffy, my neighbour's husky howling all week-end long … I
especially questioned their reliability after being bitten by one of my friend's dog (which I still picture in my
mind as having the size and the shape of a white lion). And of course, to me, they lost all comparisons to the
self-maintenance, mice-catcher and lovingly purring cats.
Hence my hesitations when I was invited 1½ years ago to spend the week-end at the Prayal-Brown's.
My mind was quick at doing the maths; two breeds = … I'm gonna be surrounded by dogs !! Word of my
phobia was transmitted to the hostess, Marie-France, and arrangements were made for my arrival: only one
coton would be allowed near me at all time. The welcome was warm, the dog (adequately named Surprise)
polite: no barking, no drooling, just wanting to be patted and to sit on my lap. That, I could handle!
Coincidentally (or was it really ?) there also was a little space in the living-room with a recent litter: six cute
little puppies trying to cuddle and bite my finger. My week-end was most enjoyable and rendezvous was taken
for me to come back and try to handle more dogs.

Page 11
The Coton Malgache Volume 11 Issue 1
And everything went upwards from this moment on. During my following visits, my tolerance to dogs (which
quickly became my eagerness to be close to them) soared. First the rest of the cotons (Fine !). Then the largersized
Polonais (Easy for me !). Even the massive Doberman when going to dinner at their friend's (Piece of
cake !).
Looking back on these events, I know this was a defining moment, a turning point for me. These dogs were
calm, relaxing, cheerful, always happy to see you, begging for pats or food left-overs from your plate. No
wonder they are used for therapy sessions: they can bring you in a state of serenity and happiness by their sole
proximity.
I am utterly thankful to
Marie-France and her
daughter Sophie for
introducing me to such nice
creatures as well as helping
me overcome my phobia: I
can now foresee myself as a
potential dog-owner.
Christophe literally
surrounded by
Cotons and
the much larger
Polski Owczarek Nizinny
(PONs)
Or
Polish Lowland
Sheepdog

Page 12
JUSTICE!
Submitted by Diane Benaroch
The Coton Malgache Volume 11 Issue 1
The other night, as usual in my house, 8:00 p.m. means that the “teenagers “ are all going to bed with their last
outside visit and then into their crates with a cookie. Vega is older and stays up later with us to watch TV. Ceasar
Millan is her favourite program!
All is going well, a few praises, one teeth cleaning cookie and I close the light. A few minutes later, Tulea who is now 6
months old, starts to cry… one of these little cries that goes straight to your heart and makes you want to run back to
immediately and hug her. But I know better.
I waited a long 5 minutes and decided that because she is still young, maybe she needs to go back for another wee
wee. I saw her drink a lot of water at dinner time. I go back to my room and pick Tulea up without saying anything…
Idon't want this to become a bad habit. Once outside, Tulea looks at me with her deep round eyes, and for sure she
doesn’t need to go again. So back to the room and good night AGAIN.
As soon as I closed the door, Tulea starts crying again. This time I tell myself that Tulea is becoming very spoiled and it
is "all my fault"! So I stick to my guns, and wait 5 minutes, then another 3 minutes. All of a sudden, I jump up and say
to Jacob my husband: "Now I think
I know how smart Tulea really is!!!
I go back to the room, open the door and I give Tulea "ONE COOKIE" and one only to her… and not to Keano and Flora!
I leave the room, close the door, AND NOT A
WORD. SILENCE IS BACK!
When I first put the dogs in their crates, I
ONLY had two cookies left in my doggy
bag . Tulea was digging into her blanket and
did not care (or so I thought!) about her
USUAL COOKIE. So I did not give her
one…..so here is the conclusion to this
story. My little Tulea knows exactly what
she wants out of life and I can never let her
down. I could end up in the middle of a dog
revolution, complete anarchy or only God
knows what…because let's face it - our
Cotons de Tulear have very high IQ and they
want justice!!!
Diane Benaroch gives the very smart and
fair-minded Tulea a big kiss!

Page 13
The Coton Malgache Volume 11 Issue 1
American Coton de Tulear Association 2010 Specialty
By Diane Benaroch
On December 11, 2010, we were invited by the American Cotton De Tulear Association to participate in their National
Coton de Tulear Specialty in Bellevue, Washington. Since this Specialty was being organized by my friend Beverly
Kohler (and others), how could we not take part in this event? Beverly has shown her beautiful Cotons in Canada and
she has demonstrated such enthusiasm towards our breed.
We left in the dark of the night on Saturday for our first journey to the USA. I brought my whole family including my
sister Helene (visiting from Montreal) and my 5 months old female “Cotonfield Flora.” We had no idea how long it
would take and leaving the dogs at home is out of the question for us.
After a two-hour drive, we finally arrived at the Embassy Suites Hotel. The first thing I noticed as we walked into the
hotel was the thick light carpet! How my 7 month old Keano and my 5 month old puppies would love to believe that
these carpets are part of their playground!
As we walked into the ballroom where the event was being held, we were immediately greeted by Patricia Enright,
Diane Rinella, Debbie Nemrow and, of course Beverly. We received the program and lots of smiles and found a spot in
the corner. Many USA champions where coming and I felt that this event was perhaps “beyond” us.
The morning went on in a very friendly atmosphere. Coffee, dog stories, hand-shakes and laughter quickly filled the
room. Jessica Smith, my handler had left the last CKC show to come and help me. I showed my 7 month old
“Cattledrivers Keano” and Jessica showed Ch. Cotonnerie Vega.
Prior to the event, the main focus is “BRUSHING” which keeps my dogs calm and helps with my anxiety! We practiced
a little back and forth in the hallway of the hotel before going into the ring. We had brought our huge Coton poster from
Canada. The hotel guests would stop and say “Oh wow, what kind of dogs are these?”
Above: Beverly Kohler with Ch. Sugar Bay’s Anything
Goes Clouseau: Best Opposite of Breed
Below: A. Dering & Versace

Page 14
Cattledrivers Castle
Keano
Editor’s Note:
Apologies to Diane Benaraoch who
submitted this article for the
December 2010 newsletter but it was
somehow missed.
Chris
The Coton Malgache Volume 11 Issue 1
The rules of the show were explained to us and we all
appreciated that. The tension is climbing! Dr. Vandra L.
Huber arrived for the class at 10:00 am. A very elegant lady
indeed with a marvelous smile. All went very well and I am
very proud to say that Vega won the Best of Breed. My little
Cattledrivers Castle Keano won because he was the only
puppy. Just the same, he did such a good job and stayed
focused through the whole class. I was so happy for Beverly
Kohler who won Best Male with Ch. Clousseau. We had
never received such a pretty Orange Rosette and also two
huge bags of gifts from the ACTA CLUB. We can ad a
“BISS” to my Canadian Champion Cotonnerie Vega.
We would like to thank the ACTA CLUB for their hard work
and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors. I
think that we can all be very proud of our Canadian-bred
Cotons de Tulear.
Below:
Diane’s sister, Helene, with
A Cotonfield puppy

Page 15
The Coton Malgache Volume 11 Issue 1
Cotonnerie Vega BISS
In the ring at the ACTA
2010 Specialty

Page 16 The Coton Malgache Volume 11 Issue 1
About Us….
Advertising Rates
Coton Malgache
Colour B/W
Make your cheque or money order payable to CCTC. Fees for US and overseas
1/4 page ……. $35 $20
subscribers are payable in US funds.
1/2 page ……. $60 $40
The opinions expressed in the Coton Malgache are those of the authors and do not
Full page ….. $120 $80
necessarily reflect those of the publisher.
Business card $15 $10
The articles in the Coton Malgache belong to their authors and cannot be reproduced
either in whole or in part in any form without written permission of the author.
Ads may be submitted as camera ready or in draft.
Draft text must be clearly typed.
Photos should be clear and in sharp contrast to ensure
quality reproduction.
CCTC Executive
Cheques should be made payable to the CCTC.
President: Barb Canduro
Email: tissacs@hotmail.com 705-743-4862
www.coton.ca
Advertising is available on our website.
*
Sponsor Advertising
$25 per calendar year for a business card
$45 per calendar year with a live link to a website
*
Breeder Directory
Members Only
Litter Announcements
$15 per litter for 3 months
$10 per ad for one older dog
*
Contact Marie-France Prayal
polana@ns.sympatico.ca Tel. 902-757-0826
Denis Carriere founded the Coton Malgache Publication in 1994 so that breed
fanciers might share their mutual interest. The club’s aim is to support, educate
and advise owners, members and prospective owners about the Coton de Tulear.
All members of the CCTC will abide by a code of ethics that will govern the
breeding and prosperity of these lovely animals, protecting and preserving the
qualities of the Coton de Tulear, and striving for its betterment.
CCTC publishes the Coton Malgache quarterly in March, June,
September and December. We encourage your submissions! Please do not hesitate
to send photos of, and articles about your Cotons. Photos will be returned upon
request if you include a S.A.S.E.
Deadline for the
June 2011 Coton Malgache is
May 10, 2010.
Please send all submissions for the Coton Malgache to:
Email: chriswasy@shaw.ca
Subscriptions to the Coton Malgache are included with a CCTC membership.
Vice-President - Joanne Mouryas
Email: payzackennel@hotmail.com 416-282-9253
Secretary: Paul Cote
Email: pacote@eastlink.ca 705-753-1383
Treasurer & Eastern Director: Marie-France Prayal
Email: polana@ns.sympatico.ca 902-757-0826
Quebec Director: Louise Simard
Email: info@passioncoton.ca 418-678-2812
Ontario Director: Barbara Fenn
Email: barbfenn@rogers.com 416-483-0780
Western Director: Diane Benaroch
Email: Benaroch@telus.net 604-856-6627
Newsletter Editor
& Membership Coordinator: Chris Wasylishyn
Email: chriswasy@shaw.ca 604-876-7106