The term Malagasy is used as a noun and adjective for something of Madagascar. For example, the language spoken is called Malagasy and the people are referred to as Malagasy.
Malagasy coton vs European coton
The differences between these two varieties is the breed standard and the population size. They are NOT two different breeds as some breeders claim. Embark Veterinary DNA testing has proven they are the same breed.
Breeders of the Malagasy Coton de Tulear follow the CTCA breed standard, the first Coton de Tulear breed standard defined in the USA. This standard closely resembles how the breed was developed originally in Madagascar and allows for all color variations. The population size of the Malagasy Coton is relatively low compared to the European Coton population.
All other breeders of the Coton de Tulear follow the French standard (FCI) or a similar standard, which calls for a smaller all white dog.
The Malagasy Cotons bred in the USA are a combination of Cotons imported to the USA directly from Madagascar, and also from Cotons imported to the USA from European countries, whose ancestors were the first Cotons registered with the Federation Cynologique International (FCI). Most of the national kennel clubs worldwide except USA, Great Britain, and Australia are affiliated with the FCI; the largest international federation of kennel clubs and is based in Belgium.