Instructions
Look at the color of the puppy. All Maltese puppies are white. Coton puppies can be white, black and white, or tri-colored. Therefore, if the puppy is not all white it is definitely a Coton, but if it is all-white it could be either breed.
Feel the puppy's coat. Coton puppies' coats are cotton-like and Maltese puppies' coats are smooth and silky to the touch.
Observe the position of the puppy's ears. Maltese dogs have ears that are low-set on their heads. Coton de Tulears have ears that are set high, towards the top of their heads.
Check the puppy's muzzle. Maltese puppies have muzzles that are tapered, so they are wider at the base than at the nose, but Coton puppies have straight muzzles.
How Can I Tell the Difference Between a Maltese Puppy & a Coton Puppy?
Maltese and Coton, or Coton de Tulear, dogs both belong to the Bichon family. As adults, Maltese dogs have an extremely long and silky coat, whereas Cotons have mid-length fur, so it is not hard to tell the difference between the two. However, as puppies, both breeds have shorter coats and are relatively similar in appearance, so it can be hard to tell the difference between a Maltese puppy and a Coton puppy.