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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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| Standard
Head:
Elongated and wedge shaped. Eyes: Almond shaped and dark in color. Ears:
Short, broad and set low. Muzzle: Long and narrow. Nose: Black and
self-colored according to coat. Bite: Scissor or level. Neck: Medium
length and well arched. Top-line: Level. Chest: Deep and broad, with
chest down to the elbows. Body: Robust, but not massive. Legs: Forelegs
are absolutely straight with perpendicular pasterns. Hind legs slope
slightly and appear straight when viewed from the rear. Feet: Round,
with hard pads and arched toes. Tail: Set high, and moderate length.
Movement: Swift, but agile. Temperament: Energetic, free-spirited, with
good movement.
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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
REGISTRY *None
GROUP * Southern
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Faults Note * Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully decended into the scrotum.
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Copy right © Dutch Kenstaff Staffordshire Bull Terrier ® All rights reserved |
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Telomian 
History 
