Telomian

COUNTRY: Malaysia
WEIGHT: 18-28 pounds
HEIGHT: 15-19 inches
COAT: Short, smooth
COLOR: Any shade of sable, with white in Irish pattern or piebald, occasional black mask
GROUP: Southern


As pets of the aborigines, the Telomians were an integral part of their lives, protecting the villagers from snakes. The dogs were sight hunters of small game and caught fish in the midst of a stream. These natives ate mostly tapioca, rice and a small amount of fish and fruit, a diet shared with their pets. The masters' huts were built on six-to-eight foot stilts, and the Telomians climbed the ladders to the quarters to sleep. Entering first, a dog chased out and killed any snakes and small animals that had taken up residence during the family's absence. Today, the breed retains that climbing agility and is difficult to confine.
The breed reached the public eye in 1963 when anthropologist Dr. Orville Elliot discovered specimens protected by aborigines in the jungles of Malaysia. The Telomian was named for the Telom River near their source. Due to increased access to the jungles, the little dog's lifestyle was changing and threatened. The natives communicated their concern for their beloved dogs to the doctor and his wife. To prevent dilution or extinction of the breed, the Elliots obtained a pair.
Dr. Elliot sent this pair to Dr. J.R Scott, at Jackson Laboratory in Maine, for inclusion in his study on animal behavior. They were bred in laboratory situations until their introduction to the public in 1970 by research assistant Audrey Malone Palumbo. That year the Telomian Dog Club was formed and became interested in obtaining another pair of dogs, as the current stock was intensely inbred. Elliot once again traveled to Malaysia to search for a pair, which arrived in 1973.
The Telomians carry many similarities to the Basenji and other pariah dogs: the wrinkled brow, almond eyes, light square body structure and annual estrus cycle. They vocalize in the same manner—a unique howl/growl/crowing effect.
Telomians love to play and run, needing to work off energy, making them excellent pets for children. Similar to their playmates, they are attracted to almost anything—balls, sticks, fris-bees, toads, skunks. A characteristic of the breed is the use of their paws, opening doors, holding toys and chewbones, much like a human infant.
They require a maximum amount of human handling at four-to-eight weeks of age, starting earlier than the peak socialization period of other breeds. Without this bonding, they remain aloof to people and unable to adjust to new situations. If socialized, Telomians become marvelous and fascinating friends.
Mostly companion dogs, they are lure-coursed and do well in coursing trials. At 35 mph, they are swift competitors. The Telomian Dog Club, based in the United States, helps place Telomian puppies in appropriate homes. All Telomians existing today in America stem back to only two original pairs.