Telomian
Also called Telomian Dog
From Malaysia, from villages along the Telom River in the rainforest of the Malay Peninsula, where it was kept by the Orang Asli.1
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Wikipedia gives 8.2-12.7 kg without splitting by sex.
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
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
Recognised by the official bits
- Malaysian Kennel Association
- Considers these village dogs a type rather than a recognised breed.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Telomian. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
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.2
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.3
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.4 Furry Diary 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.4 Furry Diary 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.4 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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.4 Furry Diary 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. Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Telomian - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.