The Kintamani dog is a medium-sized primitive-type breed native to Bali, Indonesia. They are the first and only breed from Bali to be officially recognized and are considered to be the Republic of Indonesia’s national dog. They are perhaps amongst the purest of breeds, with little genetic crossing over the centuries, and are not really found in any significant quantity outside of their native Bali (as of yet).
These dogs tend to be gentle around people and have been part of Balinese village life for centuries. They possess an independent spirit, but when part of a family they display a natural inclination for guarding their territory and their pack. While well known in their home country where they are a common family pet, they are not so well known abroad yet. They only recently gained recognition and acceptance to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 2019, where they have been provisionally entered into Group 5 ‘Spitz and primitive type’, Section 5 ‘Asian Spitz and related breeds’ without the need for a working trial.
With acceptance here, the charming and locally famed breed are likely to gain further international recognition, but acceptance to international kennel clubs will only come if the population of these dogs becomes more widely exported.
History & Origins Of The Kintamani Dog
The Kintamani dog has long roamed the volcanic regions of the island, particularly around Mount Batur in the Kintamani region. More specifically than that, the FCI claim that their exact origins come from the Sukawana Village within the region. Traditionally, these dogs lived semi-feral lives and to this day, many of them live amongst the Bali street dogs from which they are developed. Their history is steeped in Bali’s culture, where they were often seen as guardians and companions. The breed has been naturally selected over centuries, adapting to the local environment and lifestyle, virtually unaltered genetically from species from abroad. This is thanks to a ban on the import of foreign dogs in 1926 to prevent and control rabies.
The exact genetic origins are a bit hazy, but we do know that the breed has developed over around 3000 years, when their original ancestors are believed to have been brought to the island. They have roamed and bred virtually unaltered since, making them potentially one of the purest primitive breeds. While they may look somewhat like a mix between the Samoyed and a Malamute, they are in fact more closely related to the Australian Dingo than any other recognized Asian or European species.
There are historical references in ancient Balinese documentation (Lontar Bali), that mention the Kuluk Gembrong (translates to ‘bushy dog‘) and it is believed that these ancient dogs may hold the genetic key to the origin of the Kintamani Dog.
The breed has yet to be recognised by many of the International Kennel Clubs, and although now spread out from Bali, they are almost exclusively found to this day, on the Indonesian Islands. In 2018 the first breed standard was published and in 2019 they were provisionally accepted by the FCI as an official breed.
Quick Facts About The Kintamani Dog
- Loyal and Protective: Kintamani dogs are exceptionally loyal to their families and are natural guardians, always vigilant and protective of their home. They are usually approachable and friendly to most people, but may be territorial or wary particularly of any strange dogs they don’t recognize.
- Energetic and Agile: These dogs are active and agile, used to spending lots of time outdoors. They love to join you on your travels and activities, particularly climbing and exploring.
- Independent and Intelligent: Known for their intelligence, Kintamani dogs are quick learners but have an independent streak that requires consistent and firm (but not harsh) training.
- Adaptable: They adapt well to different environments, particularly thriving in areas with ample space to roam.
- Healthy and Hardy: Generally a robust breed, Kintamani dogs have a good lifespan with minimal health issues, benefiting from regular vet check-ups and a healthy lifestyle.
Characteristics Of The Kintamani Dog
This breed is officially recognized as Anjing Kintamani-Bali in the FCI breed standard, but it does have a host of other names that it goes by in Indonesia. This sort of reflects its nature, having been developed from the stray and feral dogs that roam the island.
You may hear them go by Balinese Kintamani, Balinese Mountain Dog, Balinese Dog or the Bali-Berghund. Internationally, they are known as the Chien de Bali – Kintamani in French, or the Kintamani-Bali-Hund in German. In Spanish they are called the Perro Kintamani-Bali, and in English they are usually simply referred to as the Kintamani dog. The only widely known nickname for these dogs, which is pretty universal, is the ‘Kinta,’ Their distinctive characteristics include their strong territorial instincts and strong bonds with their families.
Kintamani Dog Puppies
Kintamani dog puppies typically come in litters of three to five. Like all puppies, they should remain with their mother and littermates for at least eight weeks to develop essential social behaviors. Once in their new home, socialization and training should start quickly for this breed to prevent potential behavioral issues as they grow.
For those looking to bring a Kintamani puppy into their home, the cost can vary, and they are very hard to find outside of Indonesia. On Bali, these pups can go for as little as 200,000 Rp, which is the equivalent of around £10 GBP or $12 USD. For perspective, a Golden Retriever in Indonesia will fetch for around 5,000,000 Rp (£250 GBP or $360 USD). To purchase these dogs in Europe or the United States would require import and is likely to be much more expensive due to their rarity internationally. Finding a reputable breeder will require lots of patience and research.
Appearance
The Kintamani dog has a medium-sized build with a well-proportioned and muscular body. They have a strong neck, well set into the body and a confident, alert nature. Their eyes are almond-shaped and can vary between black or brown. The ears are medium-sized, triangular, and stand erect, enhancing their vigilant expression. A defining characteristic is their thickly plumed tail, which curls upward, sometimes fully.
Males generally stand 19-22 inches (49 to 57 cm) tall, while females are slightly smaller, measuring 17-20 inches (44 to 52 cm) tall. The FCI advise that the ideal height in the breed standard, is 53 cm for males and 48 cm for females, with a tolerance of 4cm either above or below. There is obvious sexual dimorphism with males noticeably larger than females. Their weight typically ranges from 29-40 pounds with males again the larger of the two.
| Male | Female | |
| Height | 49–57 cm (19–22 in) Ideal is 53 cm to Withers | 44–52 cm (17–20 in) Ideal is 47 cm to the Withers |
| Weight | 15–18 kg (33–40 lb) | 13–16 kg (29–35 lb) |
Coat
The Kintamani’s coat is double-layered, providing insulation and protection. The outer layer is of medium length, straight and harsh, while the undercoat is shorter, with a softer and dense consistency. The neck and withers have longer hair, with a ruff around the neck that is more defined on males than females.
Color
Kintamani dogs come in four main colors that are accepted in the breed standard. These are – white, black, fawn and brindle, but in each of these colors there are different markings that are acceptable. Here’s each broken down by the FCI guidelines.
- White – This is the most desired color of coat, favored by breeders on Bali. With (preferred) or without biscuit/apricot coloured ear edge. Nose should be black or brown
- Black – Full black is preferred but a small amount of white on the chest, toes or tip of tail is allowed. Nose should also be black.
- Fawn – Various shades accepted, from light fawn to deep red. White markings conforming to the same rules as the black variety are permissible and the nose should again, be black. A black mask is also preferred with this color, but not required.
- Brindle – Same base as the fawn color, in shades from light fawn to deep red, but the brindle type will also have dark or black stripes. Same white marking as above are permissable, and a black mask is preferred but not required. The nose should also be black.
Temperament
These dogs are known for their fiercely territorial and protective nature. They are loyal and gentle to their family but can be quite aloof with strangers. They have a high prey drive and may not get along with smaller pets, particularly other dogs that they are not familiar with. However, they can be quite easy to train, especially when you start early. They are watchful dogs and this translates very well into guarding roles.
Lifespan
The current understanding, is that Kintamani dogs typically live between 12 to 14 years, with proper care and a healthy lifestyle.
Known Health Issues
From what we know at the moment, Kintamani dogs are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions, including:
Hip Dysplasia – This genetic condition affects the hip joint, potentially leading to arthritis or lameness.
- Treatment: Weight management, controlled exercise, and anti-inflammatory medications are common treatments. Severe cases may require surgery.
Skin Issues – Kintamani dogs can suffer from skin allergies or infections, which can cause itching and discomfort.
- Treatment: Regular grooming, proper diet, and veterinary care can help manage and prevent skin issues.
Dental Problems – Dental issues, such as periodontal disease, can affect Kintamani dogs if their teeth are not regularly cleaned.
- Treatment: Regular teeth brushing and professional dental cleanings are essential for maintaining dental health.
Daily Life
Food and Diet
An average adult Kintamani dog needs about one and a half to two and a half cups of high-quality dry food daily, preferably divided into two meals. Portions should be adjusted based on the dog’s activity level to maintain a healthy weight.
Puppies require more frequent meals to support their rapid growth and high energy demands. A premium puppy food, formulated for medium breeds, should be the mainstay of their diet, focusing on animal protein and essential nutrients like DHA, calcium, and phosphorus for proper development.
As Kintamani dogs age, their dietary needs change. Senior dogs typically require fewer calories but still need a nutrient-rich diet to maintain their health. Transitioning to a senior dog food blend is advisable, with portion sizes adjusted based on their activity level and metabolism.
Exercise
Kintamani dogs are relatively easy to care for when it comes to exercise. They will be happy with two or three short walks per day, but are also capable of much more. Given their agility and love for the outdoors, more strenuous activities like climbing and exploring new environments are ideal to fit into the schedule, but they don’t need this every day. They are also pretty good at swimming so getting the occasional dip is a treat for them too.
Due to their territorial nature, it’s a good idea to exercise them in secure areas where they won’t encounter other dogs, as they can be dominant and protective. They will be fine off the leash around animals that they know, but around unfamiliar dogs, it’s best to have them secured. Homes with large, fenced yards are ideal, providing ample space for them to roam and play in addition to their daily walks.
Family Compatibility
Despite their independent nature, Kintamani dogs are affectionate with their families and enjoy being part of family activities. In a secure and inclusive home environment, they often display a playful and gentle side with their loved ones. Due to their size and energy, it’s important to supervise interactions with young children to ensure safety for both the dog and the kids.
Kintamani dogs can coexist peacefully with other pets if they are properly socialized from a young age. However, their territorial instincts mean they might be wary of unfamiliar dogs, and careful introductions are recommended. They may also chase smaller animals due to their prey drive, so supervision is necessary.
These dogs are best suited for homes with ample space. Preferably a large yard where they can play and explore freely. While they could possibly adapt to apartment living, their energetic and vocal nature would make it challenging. A committed owner who provides sufficient outdoor exercise and mental stimulation might be able to make it work, but it wouldn’t really be a good fit for them or the dog. Consistent training and socialization are key to successfully integrating a Kintamani dog into family life.
Training & Socializing
Training a Kintamani dog is essential due to their intelligence and independent nature. They are quick learners and easy enough to train, but can be stubborn in their independence and when this is strong it can make training a bit more of a challenge. Consistency is key, and while it is best to start young, even older dogs, rescues and strays taken in can adapt well to family life and pick up skills. Ideally, you should start with basic commands and good manners to manage their strong-willed personality.
Proper socialization is really important, especially if you want them to get on well with other pets. They are usually pretty good with humans, including children, well natured and even affectionate. But they are very territorial and don’t like other dogs coming into their territory. They will make their presence known and it won’t be quiet. Any intrusion to your property will be met with barking to alert you, but they won’t be aggressive toward humans like they might toward other dogs.
Grooming
Their medium length, double coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. Weekly should do, but during shedding seasons, more frequent grooming is needed. A pin brush, comb should suffice, but a deshedder can be useful during the season. Occasional baths will keep their coat clean and healthy and nails should be monitored and clipped before getting uncomfortably long.
Breed Traits
| Positive Traits | Negative Traits |
| Easy to train | Not hypoallergenic |
| Very loyal and protective, but should never be aggressive | Can be very independent and self governing, especially if having grown up amongst street dogs |
| Gentle nature when well trained | May not get on well with other dogs, very territorial |
| Tend to be good off the leash in trusted places | Very rare outside of Indonesia, and only recently standardized, so not a huge amount known about the breed |
Breed FAQs
Do Kintamani dogs get along with other pets?
They have a fairly active prey drive, and are likely to chase cats and other small animals. They can also be very aggressive and territorial towards other dogs, particularly those they don’t know or don’t like. They can get along with other pets though, if socialized properly from a young age. It’s more of a challenge if you take in an older dog.
Are Kintamani dogs good with children?
Yes, they tend to get on well with children, especially when socialized early. Interactions with younger children should be supervised though, due to their prey drive. They will happily play with older children though and are generally affectionate and gentle.
Summary
For now, the Kintamani Dog is exceptionally rare to find outside of Bali and the other Indonesian Islands. They are fairly easy to train but have a strong independence. Their territorial nature can make them a problem around other dogs, but it also serves them well a a guard dog, alert and vocal to any disturbance in their territory. This ancient breed has freely roamed the island of Bali for centuries, often living side by side with humans, either as part of the family or as a lodger. They are spirited and free, but if given a loving home, they offer much in return.