At Merci Cotons, this all began as a dream that blossomed into a passion in 2015. My name is Melissa Mercer, a retired RN and now a dedicated breeder, with a heart for family, friends, and, of course, my Cotons. My Cotons de Tulear share my home and my life every day, each with their own charming personality, making my life full of joy, companionship, and laughter.

They are deeply intuitive, often climbing into my lap to share affection and offer comfort, showing a unique understanding of human needs.

My journey into breeding began with a beloved Maltese named Scarlett, whose memory led me to seek out a similar, endearing breed. The Coton de Tulear's clownish, playful personality captivated me immediately. My search for the perfect companions connected me with respected breeders in Europe, including Brigitte Jespersen, whose wealth of knowledge and guidance became a cornerstone in my journey. Visiting Europe, where the Coton de Tulear originated, I gained invaluable insights into the breed, further enriching my understanding of how to raise, nurture, and present these wonderful dogs. I'm proud to have brought back several Cotons from Europe, each with lineage and attributes that support the breed's beauty and intelligence.

Each of my Coton’s are trained for Conformation by me personally. They have earned many titles that honor their exceptional qualities. I am a limited breeder, and my dogs are family members in every sense, raised in a loving, home-centered environment rather than a kennel. My goal is to provide puppies that will bring joy and companionship for a lifetime to carefully selected families who understand and appreciate the breed's unique traits.