The Kintamani is a breed of dog that is from the Indonesian island of Bali.  The breed is still fighting to be recognized by any major kennel club; however it has been recognized by the Indonesian Cynologique Association.  Still virtually an unknown breed outside of Bali, little information is available, and the Kintamani still has mysteries to reveal to the outside world.

    Kintamanis are spitz-type dogs, thought by some to be related to the Chow Chow.  They have the appearance of many other Asian breeds, its looks shared with many Chinese and Japanese breeds.  Their ears are pricked and tails curl and are carried along the back.  The long fur of the Kintamani is normally solid and either white, black, and tan. 

    It is widely believed that the Kintamani is a descendent of the Chow Chow.  This belief comes from a Chinese man moving to Bali in the 1400s.  He brought his Chow Chow with him and they settled in the mountainous region of Kintamani.  The dog interbred with the local animals creating the original Kintamani.  However, more recent studies are showing that it is more likely that the Kintamani (as well as the feral Bali street dogs) are more closely related to the Dingos of Australia, which have been separated from the Asian Dingos for at least 5000 years.  However, undoubtedly the Kintamani was developed from several different types of breeds.

    As few Kintamani have been imported to other countries, little is known about the temperament of the breed.  Many are kept on farms in Bali, used as watchdogs, and pups can be sold for a small income to the farmer.  Some sources report that the breed is aggressive, particularly towards other dogs.  Although it also seems that the Kintamani is a popular companion in their homeland.