Pet Wiki

Telomian

Also called Telomian Dog

Rare breedShort profile

From Malaysia, from villages along the Telom River in the rainforest of the Malay Peninsula, where it was kept by the Orang Asli.1

At a glance the quick version

Weight8.2 to 12.7 kg1
Height38 to 48 cm1
Sizemedium

Wikipedia gives 8.2-12.7 kg without splitting by sex.

remarkable climber
affectionate with people
lively and alert
1

Coat and looks how to spot one

short coat

A lightly built, agile primitive-type dog with short hair, upright ears and a curled tail.1

Coloursredyellowpiebaldwith or without black mask1

Personality what they are like

An active, people-loving dog with a spirited, terrier-like character.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High; an energetic, athletic dog that loves to climb and explore.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short coat needs very little grooming.1

The story where it all began

The Telomian lived with the Orang Asli in the Malay rainforest, where it was kept as a pet and hunting dog and helped keep rats and snakes away. Anthropologist Dr Orville Elliot sent a pair to the United States in 1963 and another pair in 1973, and all American Telomians descend from those four dogs.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is famous for climbing, because the homes it lived in stood on stilts and were reached by simple ladders.1

  2. 2

    Females usually come into season only once a year rather than twice.1

  3. 3

    The breed has its own distinctive call.1

  4. 4

    Every Telomian in the United States traces back to just four imported dogs.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the Sungai Telom valley in Pahang, Malaysia, where anthropologist Dr. Orville Elliot first documented them in 1963.2

Name ideas for your new friend

KancilRimbaBintangLompatMatahariCepatSungaiAwanGelapPanasHujanTikus

A day in the life told by a Telomian

I am a Telomian. My day starts with a stretch and a climb onto the roof to watch the sunrise. Then I dash through the garden, chasing butterflies and exploring every nook. I love greeting my humans with a wagging tail and a playful bow. After a game of fetch, I nap in a shady spot. In the afternoon, I dig a small hole and sniff the earth. When the family gathers, I hop onto a lap for cuddles. Life is a joyful climb.

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

Recognised by the official bits

Malaysian Kennel Association
Considers these village dogs a type rather than a recognised breed.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Telomian. 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

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

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 Telomian, and at what times?

Feed your Telomian at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Sticking to set times helps their digestion, and you can ask your vet for a schedule that fits your dog's age and activity.3

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

A balanced dog food is best for your Telomian. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, garlic, and raw meat or bones. Always check with your vet about safe treats and portions.4

How often should I bathe a Telomian?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets dirty. The short coat is easy to care for, so a gentle dog shampoo is all you need.5 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Telomian need brushing?

Brush your Telomian once a week to keep the short coat healthy and remove loose hair. Furry Diary's plan recommends weekly brushing, which is quick and easy for this breed.5 Pet Wiki plan

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

Trim nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part), and use a dog nail trimmer. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demo.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Telomian need?

Your Telomian is an energetic, athletic dog that loves to climb and explore, so daily walks and play are a must. Furry Diary's plan suggests daily exercise to keep this active breed happy and healthy.1 Pet Wiki plan

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

Brush your Telomian's teeth daily with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Never push anything into the ear canal. Furry Diary's plan includes weekly ear checks and daily brushing for best care.5 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Telomian live?

Telomians are a healthy breed, and with good care they often live 12 to 15 years. Senior years usually start around age 8, so regular vet checkups are important as they age. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Telomian good with children and other pets?

Telomians are people-loving and spirited, so they can be great with children if socialized early. Their terrier-like character means they may need careful introductions to other pets. Ask a good breeder for tips on your specific dog.1

Can a Telomian be left alone?

This active, people-loving breed may struggle with long periods alone. They thrive on company and can become bored or anxious if left too often. For specific advice, talk to your vet or a good breeder.1

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. Telomian - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields
  2. says.com says.com
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

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