Height - The ideal height for bitches is 9 to 10 inches and for dogs is 10 to 11 inches. A tolerance of ½ inch below the minimum ideal height or 1 inch above the maximum ideal height is allowed but not preferred. Disqualification - any bitch less than 8½ inches or taller than 11 inches in height; any dog less than 9½ inches or taller than 12 inches in height. The minimum height disqualification does not apply to puppies under 12 months of age. Substance - Weight - The Coton de Tulear is a sturdy small dog and should never appear fragile. The ideal weight for bitches is 8 to 13 pounds and for dogs is 9 to 15 pounds. When dogs are judged equal in type, proportion, coat and movement, the bitch/dog within the ideal height and weight range is to be given preference. Proportion - The height measured at the withers is two-thirds the length as measured from point of shoulder to point of buttocks. This proportion creates a rectangular outline. Specimens should never appear long and low.

The head is short and triangular in shape when seen from above. The length of the head (nose to occiput) in relationship to the length of the body (point of shoulder to point of buttock) is 2 to 5. Expression - The expression is lively, intelligent, inquisitive, alert and happy. The Coton’s “joy of life” is displayed in their expression. Eyes - The eyes are rather rounded, dark brown or black in color, lively, set wide apart with the inner corners and the outer corners on the same level. The rims of the eyelids are completely pigmented in black. Severe Fault - An overly large or bulging eye is a severe fault as is an almond shaped, obliquely set eye. Disqualifications - Eye/s of any color other than brown or black. Total lack of pigment on the eye rim(s). Ears - The ears are pendulous, triangular, set high on the skull and attached above the line of the eyes. They are fine at the tips, carried close to the cheeks and reach to the corners of the lips. The ears are covered with white hairs or with some traces of grey (mixture of white and black hairs giving a light grey appearance) or light tan (mixture of white and light tan hairs.). Skull - The skull as seen from the front is slightly rounded. It is rather wide in relation to its length. The superciliary arches are only slightly developed. There is a slight frontal groove. The occiput and crest are only slightly accentuated. The zygomatic arches are well developed. Stop - The stop is slight. Cheeks - The cheeks are lean. Muzzle - The muzzle is straight. The length of the muzzle in relationship to the skull is 5 to 9. The muzzle as seen from the front must be rather large and capacious with a strong chin. Nose - At the end of the nasal bridge, the nose continues as an extension of the same line. The nose has the shape of a rounded triangle, is completely pigmented in black with the nostrils well-open. Disqualification - Total lack of pigment on the nose. Lips - The lips are fine, tight, and completely pigmented black. Disqualification - Total lack of pigment on the lips. Flews - The flews are tight. Teeth - The teeth are well-aligned, strong, white. Complete dentition is preferred with the exception of the PM1 and the M3. Bite - The bite is a scissor or level bite without losing contact.