Pet Wiki

Kintamani

Also called Kintamani-Bali Dog, Anjing Kintamani-Bali, Balinese Kintamani, Balinese Mountain Dog, Kinta

Provisionally recognisedFCI group 5Short profile

From Indonesia: Sukawana village in the Kintamani district of Bali.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male15 to 18 kg1
Weight, female13 to 16 kg1
Height, male49 to 57 cm1
Height, female44 to 52 cm1
Sizemedium
alert and watchful
gentle and loyal
intelligent and easy to train
1

Coat and looks how to spot one

medium double coat

A soft undercoat under a harsh outer coat of medium length, shorter on the face. Longer hair forms a ruff around the neck (badong) and a crest over the withers (bulu gumba), both fuller in males.1

Colourswhite (may have biscuit ear tips)blackfawn to deep redbrindle1

Personality what they are like

An alert, clever spitz-type dog that keeps a close eye on its home. It is gentle and loyal with its family, independent in spirit and quick to learn.12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An agile, athletic dog known for climbing; it enjoys regular activity and something to watch over.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The double coat benefits from regular brushing to keep the ruff and outer coat tidy.1

Company who they like around

Affectionate with its own family and naturally territorial, so it makes a good watchdog.2

The story where it all began

The breed comes from the mountain villages of Kintamani in Bali, where dogs have lived for thousands of years. A 1926 ban on bringing foreign dogs to Bali kept the local population isolated, and the Kintamani was developed from these native dogs, shown formally from 1985 and provisionally accepted by the FCI in 2019.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is known as a keen climber with a surprising liking for getting up high.2

  2. 2

    White is the most sought-after colour, ideally with apricot-tipped ears.2

  3. 3

    Old Balinese texts mention a dog called Kuluk Gembrong that may be one of its ancestors.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name comes from the Kintamani region in Bali, Indonesia, where it originated. The name was given after the region of origin of this dog.3

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

KintaManiBaliSukaWanaMountainSpitzClimbWatchLoyalQuickSpirit

A day in the life told by a Kintamani

I wake with the sun and trot to the edge of our yard, perching on a rock to watch over the village. A chicken struts by, and I give a soft bark, letting everyone know I'm on duty. My human calls me for a morning walk along the rice terraces. I bound ahead, sniffing the air and chasing a butterfly. At home, I curl on the veranda, keeping an eye on the gate. When a neighbor passes, I wag my tail but stay alert. After a game of fetch with a coconut husk, I nap in a sunbeam. Life is simple and good.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 362, Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types), Section 5 Asian Spitz and related breeds; accepted on a provisional basis 20 February 2019.4
Indonesia (national)
Recognised nationally since a 1985 dog show supported by Udayana University; the FCI standard calls it Indonesia's national breed.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Kintamani. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Blueberry and Oat Bites

These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • Splash of water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
  2. In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
  3. Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
  4. Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
  5. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
  8. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Kintamani, and at what times?

Feed adult Kintamanis at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent morning and evening times help their digestion. Check the food label for portion sizes and ask your vet for exact amounts.5

What should a Kintamani eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Offer a high-quality dog food suited to your Kintamani's age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and many others listed by the ASPCA. Always consult your vet for a balanced diet.6

How often should I bathe a Kintamani?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but general guidance is at least every three months. Bathe more often if your Kintamani gets dirty or has skin issues, using a gentle dog shampoo.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Kintamani need brushing?

Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing once a week to keep the double coat tidy and reduce shedding. During heavy shedding seasons, you may need to brush more often. Use a brush suitable for double coats.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Kintamani's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 28 days or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail clipper and cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid bleeding. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Kintamani need?

Kintamanis are agile and athletic, so they need daily exercise like walks and playtime. Aim for at least 30 to 60 minutes of activity each day. They also enjoy having a job or something to watch over.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Kintamani's teeth and ears?

Brush your Kintamani's teeth two to three times a week using dog toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check ears weekly for moisture and dirt, especially since they can trap moisture. Never insert anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Kintamani live?

Lifespan varies for each dog, but many medium-sized dogs live around 12 to 15 years. For specific information, ask your vet or a reputable breeder.

Is a Kintamani good with children and other pets?

Kintamanis are gentle and loyal with their family, which can include children if properly socialized. They are naturally territorial, so early socialization with other pets is important. Always supervise interactions.12

Can a Kintamani be left alone?

Kintamanis are independent and can be left alone for moderate periods, but they are alert watchdogs and may bark. Provide mental stimulation and a comfortable space, and gradually accustom them to alone time from puppyhood.12

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI Standard No. 362 Kintamani-Bali Dog fci.beused for origin, history, size, coat, colours, temperament
  2. Wikipedia: Kintamani dog en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history, climbing, colour preference (secondary)
  3. fci.be fci.be
  4. FCI nomenclature: Kintamani-Bali Dog (362) fci.beused for recognition status and group
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.