Telomian
Malaysian Telomian
The Telomian takes its name from the Telom River in the jungles of Malaysia. Similar in appearance to the Basenji, this breed completes and important task for their tribesmen. They are excellent climbers, which is essential as their owners live in raised huts that can only be reached by ladder. The dogs have the job of killing any pests present in these small homes, such as rats and snakes. Although they are fed by their tribe, they are also capable of finding food for themselves, even fishing from nearby streams.
Telomian Standards
- none
- 15-18"
- 18-28 lbs
- medium-sized, primitive breed
- upright, prick ears
- medium length tail
- blue/black tongue
- short, smooth coat
- black and tan
- black and white
- fawn and white
History of the Telomian
The ancestry of the Telomian is unknown, it is a primitive dog that still manages to cling to life in remote tribal territories inside Malaysia. They first arrived in the United States in 1963 when anthropologist Orville Elliot sent a pair to be studied by canine expert J.P. Scott. They were bred in 1970 and a second pair arrived in 1973. However, the breeding pool remains extremely small and there seems to be little interest in establishing them outside of their homeland.