Poo-ton (Poodle & Coton de Tulear Mix) Dog Breed: Info, Pictures & Care

A mix between a Miniature Poodle and a Coton de Tulear, the Poo Ton is a designer breed that's taken the world by storm. They're incredibly adorable and as close to hypoallergenic as any dog can be, making them the dog of choice for many people with allergies.

Furthermore, they're extremely fun and love to be a part of the action, making them outstanding family dogs.

But what exactly goes into caring for a Poo Ton, and how do you tame the stubborn streak that they sometimes have? We break down everything that you need to know here and help you decide if a Poo Ton is the right dog to add to your home.

Poo Ton Characteristics

Poo Ton Puppies

Poo Ton puppies are extremely affordable. If your Poo Ton puppy has two purebred parents, the puppy's price normally will go up. If you have a second or third-generation Poo Ton puppy, then the price will drop significantly.

Poo Tons are great family-friendly dogs and are very smart and easy to train. They're also great for people with allergies since both of the parent breeds are hypoallergenic. Poo Ton puppies need a balanced diet, exercise, and mental stimulation to grow into healthy and happy dogs.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Poo Ton 🧠

If you're looking for a loving and playful dog, the Poo Ton is an outstanding choice. Furthermore, they're extremely smart, which means you can train them to do just about anything!

They're the epitome of a family dog and a lap dog, although they don't mind running around to keep up with the family! Just remember that they like to be the center of attention and don't do well with long separations. They're prone to separation anxiety and do better in a home where they have constant companionship.

Are These Dogs Good for Families 👪

The Poo Ton is an outstanding family dog! However, due to their small size, you do need to be careful with them around smaller children, who can fall on them or otherwise accidentally hurt them.

This is especially likely because your Poo Ton will want to stay in the mix of things despite their size. Fortunately, they're not the tiniest dogs out there, so they can handle a few accidents here and there.

Still, you should always supervise smaller children around pets to prevent injuries to both the child and the pet.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets 🐶 😽

While you still need to socialize them properly, the Poo Ton typically gets along great with other pets. You shouldn't have any problems introducing them to other dogs, cats, or pets.

But just like you need to be careful with your Poo Ton around smaller children, you need to be careful with them around larger dogs as well. The Poo Ton sometimes forgets their small size, and a larger pet can easily step or fall on them and injure them without meaning to.

Things to Know When Owning a Poo Ton

While a Poo Ton is a relatively easy dog breed to care for, there are a few basic care requirements that you should be aware of before purchasing one. We broke them down for you here. This way, you know exactly what you're getting yourself into before you bring one home.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Due to their small stature, the Poo Ton doesn't need to eat a ton of food to get all the nutrients that they need. Depending on your Poo Ton's size, they need between 1 and 1 ¼ cups of high-quality kibble each day.

Don't skimp on the quality of the food, or else you'll end up spending more on medical bills down the road which could potentially shorten your Poo Ton’s overall lifespan. You can supplement their kibble diet with treats but don't overdo it.

If you buy your food and treats in bulk, you should be able to get high-quality food for your pup while spending $15 to $20 a month.

Exercise 🐕

While the Poo Ton has a decent amount of energy, their smaller size means that it's not overly challenging to meet their exercise needs. We recommend that you take them for a daily walk that totals ½ to 1 mile, and from there, ensure that they have plenty of toys to play with in the house.

Fenced-in yards are not required, but your Poo Ton would likely enjoy the extra space to roam. If you don't have a yard, we highly recommend adding in a second shorter walk sometime during the day.

Training 🎾

The Poo Ton is an extremely intelligent breed, which means there are few tricks that they can't pick up. However, their intelligence can also lead to a bit of a stubborn streak on their part.

The best way to get around this is to keep training sessions short, stay consistent, and use positive reinforcement. Poo Tons want to please their owners, and the more positive attention that you give them, the more it will reinforce positive behaviors.

Grooming ✂️

While most of the care requirements for a Poo Ton are straightforward and easy, when it comes to grooming, they do require a little extra work. They have a curly coat that doesn't shed, which means you need to brush them daily to keep mats from forming.

You also need to take them to a groomer every 2–3 months to keep the length of their hair in check. Next, you need to keep up with typical grooming requirements, like nail trimming, as needed and brushing their teeth a few times a week.

Keeping up with their oral hygiene might be a pain until your dog gets used to you brushing their teeth, but it can end up saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in dental work.

Health and Conditions 🏥

While the Poo Ton is comparatively healthier than either of their purebred parents, there are still conditions you need to keep an eye out for. If you notice any of the following conditions in your Poo Ton, you need to take them to a vet as soon as possible.

Male vs. Female

There aren't that many differences between a male and female Poo Ton, but there are two that you should be aware of. First, while most of their size comes down to their Poodle parentage, males tend to be larger than females from the same litter.

Second, males tend to need more attention while females are more independent. This doesn't mean a female Poo Ton won't be a lap dog; it just means that they'll likely need less attention than males.

Of course, this also comes down to your dog's personality, and it's certainly possible to have a more independent male Poo Ton and a clingy female.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Poo Ton

1. They Are (Almost) Completely Hypoallergenic

When you're getting a designer breed dog, they can inherit traits from both parents. Since both Poodles and Cotons de Tulear are considered hypoallergenic dogs, you can rest easy knowing that your Poo Ton will inherit that trait.

No dog is 100% hypoallergenic, since they all produce some dander. But both of these breeds produce a lot less, so if you can't handle many pets because their dander aggravates your allergies, a Poo Ton might be just what you've been looking for!

2. They Are Extremely Intelligent and Trainable

In a similar way that you know your Poo Ton will be hypoallergenic, you know that they'll also be extremely intelligent and trainable. Both parent breeds are among the most intelligent dog breeds out there, so be sure to take the time to train them and give them toys to challenge them intellectually!

3. They Are Also Known as Tonapoos and CotonPoos

While the name Poo Ton is by far the most popular, people will sometimes refer to these dogs as Tonapoos or CotonPoos. Since they're not an AKC registered breed, there's no official correct or incorrect name.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a small hypoallergenic dog, then a Poo Ton might be exactly what you've been looking for. They're great family-friendly dogs and are extremely intelligent and easy to train.

Essentially, if you want a comparatively low-maintenance dog, a Poo Ton is an outstanding choice. If you're simply looking for another pet to add to the family, Poo Tons make a great second pet to add to your home!

Just ensure that you're ready to make a long-term commitment because these pups can live for a staggering 16 years!

See also:

• Wire Poo

• Woodle

Featured Image Credit: Pisqels, Pixabay