# Telomian

Also known as: Malaysian Telomian, Telomian Dog
- **Group:** Spitz & Primitive (FCI group 5)
- **Size:** Medium
- **Origin:** Malaysia
- **Temperament:** Active, Affectionate, Agile, Clever, Alert

The Telomian is a village dog from the rainforests near the Telom River in Malaysia, famed for climbing ladders and hunting rats and snakes. It is not a formally standardised breed.

## Overview

The Telomian is a pariah-type dog found in remote villages near the Telom River on the Malay Peninsula.

It is active, affectionate and terrier-like in spirit, and is kept by the Orang Asli as a pet and a hunting companion.

## History

Telomians lived in stilt houses reached by primitive ladders, which gave them their remarkable climbing skills. They earned food by killing rats and snakes and by catching their own prey.

In 1963 an anthropologist sent a pair to the United States for study, and a second pair followed in 1973. All Telomians there descend from these four dogs. The Malaysian Kennel Association says they are pariah dogs, not a breed.

## Appearance

A lean, agile dog with erect ears, a curled tail and a short coat in red or yellow. Some are piebald and a few have a black mask.

## Temperament

Telomians are active, clever and affectionate with their people, with a terrier-like temperament. They are good hunters and have a distinctive call.

## Care and exercise

They need plenty of exercise, mental challenge and a secure garden, because they climb and chase small animals. Grooming is minimal.

## Ratings (1 to 5)

- Energy: 4
- Exercise needs: 4
- Grooming: 1
- Shedding: 2
- Trainability: 3
- Barking: 3
- Good with children: 3
- Good with other dogs: 3

Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/telomian
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telomian · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q37464
Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.