Telomian

Malaysian breed that climbs ladders. Primitive breed with unique climbing abilities and independent nature.

Photo of a Telomian

Photo: The original uploader was Mariomassone at English Wikipedia. (CC BY-SA 3.0), via Wikimedia Commons

Telomian characteristics

TraitRatingHow common
SizeMedium33% of breeds
Energy levelHigh
TrainabilityMedium48% of breeds
FriendlinessMedium34% of breeds
Good with childrenMedium
Grooming needsLow24% of breeds
SheddingMedium40% of breeds
BarkingMedium41% of breeds
ProtectivenessHigh22% of breeds
AdaptabilityMedium41% of breeds
Typical lifespan13 years
HypoallergenicNo

“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.

Is the Telomian right for you?

The Telomian is a moderately built dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. In terms of temperament, it usually does well with children given socialization and supervision and is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home. Day to day, the Telomian needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.

Exercise and daily routine

The Telomian needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. With high energy and very high athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Telomian to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.

Grooming, shedding and upkeep

The Telomian asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.

Temperament and training

The Telomian picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice and barks a moderate amount, usually with reason. It is very self-sufficient and content on its own for longer stretches, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.

What stands out about the Telomian

Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Telomian genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.

What a week with a Telomian actually costs you

ExerciseAround an hour to ninety minutes of daily exercise, and it will notice when a day is skipped.
CoatOccasional brushing is enough.
Time aloneCopes with being alone better than most breeds, within reason.
NoiseAverage for a dog — it will bark at the door and at things it dislikes.

Where the Telomian fits — and where it does not

Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.

HouseholdVerdictWhy
Apartment livingGood fitHigh energy and medium barking travel well into a flat.
Families with young childrenDependsMedium child tolerance: fine with supervision and older children, less so with toddlers.
First-time ownersDependsManageable for a committed beginner who takes training seriously from week one.
Homes with catsDependsHigh prey drive. Introductions need managing, and a bolting cat triggers exactly the instinct this breed was selected for.
Long working daysGood fitVery high independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds.
Allergy householdsDependsNo low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme.
Wanting a watchful dogGood fitHigh protectiveness. Socialisation decides whether that reads as steady or reactive.

Perfect for

Things to consider

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Telomian good with children?
The Telomian can be good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Does the Telomian shed a lot?
The Telomian has medium shedding.
How much exercise does the Telomian need?
With high energy, the Telomian needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation — long walks, runs or active play.
How long does the Telomian live?
The Telomian typically lives around 13 years.
Can the Telomian live in an apartment?
The Telomian can live in an apartment provided it gets enough daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Is the Telomian easy to train?
The Telomian picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
Can the Telomian be left alone during the day?
The Telomian is very self-sufficient and content on its own for longer stretches. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.

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