The Coton de Tulear originates from the island of Madagascar, off the coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. The breed derives its name from the French word coton, meaning "cotton," and from the Madagascan port of Tulear. Tulear was once a popular port of merchant ships sailing the Indian Ocean, and it is believed that around the 15th or 16th century, European merchants introduced various Bichon-type companion dogs to Madagascar. It is probable that the breed evolved from the interbreeding of those Bichon strains. It is presumed that because of their beauty and affectionate personality, these dogs were offered to the King and Malagasy nobles. In the 17th century, the Coton de Tulear was adopted by the ruling "Merina" tribal monarchy, and it was forbidden that anyone other than royalty own the breed. Thus became the breed's prevalent title of "Royal Dog of Madagascar."

The Coton de Tulear was recognized by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 1996.

The first Coton de Tulear brought to Argentina by Mirta Schefini:

* June 1999 - Olena de Cotonbrie bitch from Italy - today Ch.Arg. y Lat.

* December 1999 - Cartoonlan's Nougatinne bitch from France (ingreso al país servida por Multichampión Rifelin Lionn King Finlandia)

* March 2000 - Multichampion Magictail's Armando male from Finlandia

* February 2003 - Cartoonland´s Torero