Kintamani, also known as the Kintamani Bali Dog, is a native breed of the Indonesian Island of Bali. These small to medium-sized dogs are the only breed with international recognition as a dog breed in Indonesia. This rare breed is characterized by a broad face, erect ears, almond-shaped eyes, flat cheeks, foreheads, and a broad face. Many remain feral, but they tend to be amicable towards humans and are often brought home as family pets and watchdogs. They are highly territorial and don’t generally get along with other dogs or animals, but they are incredibly loyal and can display intense devotion toward their owner. While Kintamani dogs make exceptional watchdogs, they are often too vocal and active to make appropriate roommates in small or apartment settings. These breeds are imposing but not threatening, and they maintain an aloof dignity with strangers.
Other Names: Kinta, Bali-Berghund, Balinese Kintamani, Balinese Mountain Dog, Balinese Dog
Breed’s Original Pastimes:Guarding, herding
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
Kintamani Dog History
Kintamani is a rare dog originating from the mountains of the Indonesian Island of Bali. They are believed to originate from the mountains of Kintamani, Bali, Indonesia, which defines the name Balinese dog. These breeds were developed in a quaint community around 3,000 years ago. During those periods, canine ownership was not widespread, so Kintamani dogs were half-wild, freely wandering on the streets. Initially, they were used as field guards until canine ownership became popular, and they eventually became family pets. According to recent DNA analyses, Kintamani dogs have evolved from feral dogs in Bali with a slight change and little loss of genetic diversity. Still, many fanciers believe infusions of other dogs may have taken place in the distant past. Nevertheless, they are most often mentioned as the Kintamani’s ancestors are the Samoyed, Malamute, and Chow breed dogs. In 2006, the breed acquired recognition in Bali under the title “distinct dog breed.”
Kintamani Dog Highlights
Kintamani dogs are relatively similar to the Asiatic breeds and Australian dingo.
Kintamani Dog Personality
Kintamani dogs have a well-balanced rectangular body, a wedge-shaped head, upright-standing, pricked ears, and a sickle tail. In addition, they possess a stunning double-coat with a short, harsh outer coat and a soft undercoat that comes in various colors, including beige, white, black, and brown. This medium-sized spitz-type dog has a naturally elegant appearance and is known for its excellent companionship and lovely personality. They make excellent family pets and are patient with children. Likewise, they tend to be fiercely protective, making them exceptional watch dogs. However, they are territorial dogs who require lots of socialization and training to adapt to your family.
Friendliness Overview
Affection level
Medium to high
Family-friendly
High
Kid-friendly
Medium to high
Pet-friendly
Low to medium
Stranger-friendly
Medium
Adaptability Overview
Good for apartment living
Low
Good to new owners
Low
Sensitivity level
Medium to high
Tolerates being alone
Medium to high
Cold-tolerance
High
Heat-tolerance
Low to medium
Kintamani Dog Physical Features
Head: Kintamani dogs have a flat skull with a bit of a triangular shape and muzzles that are deep and broad, ending in a nose that is either black or dark brown. Also, they have almond-shaped eyes in any shade of brown with a medium-sized, triangular ear set high up on the head. The lips of the Kintamani dog and the rims of the eyes are more darkly pigmented than in some other canine breeds, and they frequently have natural spots of brown or blue inside their mouth.
Neck: A long, harsh outer coat surrounds the neck and withers.
Body: They have a well-balanced rectangular body
Tail: They have a long, sickle tail with a medium height.
Coat: They have a stunning double-coat with a short, harsh outer coat and a soft undercoat.
Color: The most desired coat color is white. The FCI standard also accepts red, fawn (beige), brindle, and black colors. The black mask is preferred in fawn, red, and brindle variations.
Kintamani Dog Temperament
The Kintamani dog has an independent nature, making them very aggressive when other dogs or animals enter their territory. However, they exhibit a caring and affectionate attitude towards their family. In addition, they can quickly get along with kids if socialized and trained from an early stage. Active people will be the best fit for this curious, alert, and energetic dog.
Kintamani dogs have a strong prey drive and may be inclined to chase cats and other small animals. In addition, these breeds are exceptionally proficient at climbing and should not be left to their own devices, even in what may seem to be a securely fenced yard, as they can easily climb over most fences. Finally, their love for water makes them great swimmers.
Kintamani Dog Training
Kintamani dogs are lively, energetic, and highly trainable. They need plenty of everyday activities to be happy, satisfied, and healthy. Their playful temperament makes them an excellent fit for families who are into games, running, hiking, or swimming. You must be patient and consistent enough while training these territorial breeds. However, Kintamani dogs respond well to commands and positive reinforcement. Early socialization and training with people and other pets, obedience training, and crate training can help with their housebreaking and behavioral issues.
Trainability Overview
Easy to train
High
Intelligence
High
Mouthiness tendencies
Low to medium
Barking and Howling tendencies
Medium
Prey drive
Medium to high
Wanderlust tendencies
Medium to high
Kintamani Dog Exercise Needs
Being a Balinese mountain breed, Kintamani dogs require physical exercise to fight boredom and stay in shape. Daily exercising will allow them to revitalize their brains and release extra energy. Small walks twice a day will be sufficient. The amount of physical exercise entirely depends on each dog’s size, age, and health. Without proper training, your puppy may exhibit restless, destructive, or aggressive behavior.
Exercise Needs Overview
Energy level
Medium to high
Exercise needs
Medium
Intensity
Medium
Playfulness
Medium
Kintamani Dog Grooming
Kintamani dog is not a hypoallergenic breed and is a low-maintenance breed that sheds occasionally. Kintamani’s grooming needs are as follows:
Brush their coat regularly to reduce shedding and prevent matting.
Kintamani is a healthy dog, but it is essential to maintain good health care and routine veterinary check-ups.
Health Overview
Overall health
High
Weight gain tendencies
Medium
Size
Medium
Skin and Coat Issues: Proper hygiene and diet are mandatory for dogs with long fur and double coats. Lack of nutrition and hygiene leads to skin and coat conditions.
Musculoskeletal Injuries: Fractures, pulled muscles or ligaments, broken toes, paws, etc., are familiar when slender-legged sighthounds race. Kintamani dogs should be left to stretch their legs and gallop off-leash to maintain a good muscle tone.
Infections: Kintamani dogs are prone to bacterial and viral illnesses such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Vets can prevent viral infection by giving a vaccination based on your dog’s age.
Kintamani Dog Diet and Nutrition
High-protein feeds are usually recommended for Kintamani dogs since they give widely accessible energy without causing weight gain. They need 1.8 cups of everyday food along with meat, cereals, dairy products, and vegetables to ensure proper nutrition. However, it is most suitable to consult with the veterinarian before feeding them anything.
Kintamani Dog Living Condition
Kintamani dogs cannot live in small apartments, as they are meant to roam around and guard their family and the property. Bored, lonely Kintamani dogs may find an undesirable medium to keep themselves active, such as barking or chewing.
Did You Know?
Kintamani is Indonesia’s only breed that has international recognition.
Kintamani dogs are very rare in the United States.
