Poo-Ton

Not that much is known about the Poo-Ton’s origins apart from the fact that they are a hybrid breed and a combination between a Coton de Tulear and a toy or miniature purebred Poodle.  The Coton de Tulear originated in the African island nation of Madagascar and is related to the Bichon Frise and the Maltese.  The name comes from the breed’s cotton-like coat as well as from the seaport city of Tulear (now known as Toliara). It is believed the Coton's ancestors were brought to Madagascar in the 16th and 17th centuries on pirate ships where they were used as ratters. Royalty in Madagascar became fond of the cute, sweet-natured little dogs and were the only people allowed to keep Cotons. They are still known today as the "Royal Dog of Madagascar" and even appeared on a postage stamp in 1974. Dr  Robert Jay Russell is credited with bringing the breed from Madagascar to the United States in 1973. The Coton de Tulear became a fully recognized breed of the American Kennel Club in 2014. Although they always appear primped and preened, toy Poodles are incredibly intelligent, adept at performing tricks and skilled swimmers. They were developed for hunting waterfowl and although regarded as the national dog of France, actually originated in Germany.  They were referred to in Germany as “pudel” or “pudelin”, meaning to splash in the water while in France they were known as “chien canard or caniche,” indicating their duck-hunting qualities. There are different theories on the breed’s ancestry which are said to be curly-coated dogs of central Asia that traveled west with tribes of Goths to eventually become a German hunting animal.  Others say the dogs travelled from Asia to Portugal in the 8th century with the Moors. The Standard Poodle is the oldest of the three varieties, and was later bred down to the miniature and toy sizes. Barbara Streisand, Elizabeth Taylor and Priscilla Presley are among celebrities who have owned Poodles.