Not so Blacky and Whitey.

Nothing on Bali is simply black and white, except for many Bali Dogs who are simply named according to their respective color.  There are a plethora of Brownies Blackys and Whiteys, as of yet there hasn’t been a rush on Stripey, usually Anggrek meaning literally orchid or flower, is bestowed upon such a beautifully colored animal.  There are many traditional names given to the Islands very own ancient canine, but most of them are now being replaced with more modern names, as the next generation become more influenced by all things foreign, much to the chagrin of many elders. 

Upon first hearing after enquiring from a local person as to what their dog is named, the simplicity of such an obvious identification can be somewhat stupefying, especially when compared to such elaborate and thought out references and labels given to most foreign canines.  Whitey, Blacky and Brownie now seem so appropriate economical and eminently sensible, unfortunately strict and stringent political correctness prevents the usage of such simplicity with our human counterparts.

And just as so many things on Bali are not simply black and white, the existence and future for Bali people and their unique dog will be most certainly shaped and colored by a growing foreign flavoring. 

Will the Bali Dog become a Hybrid Street Hound, mating with, emanating from and over time evolving into some new age foreign and unrecognizable local variation?  One can only speculate on what simple names will be given to these, ‘anjing Bali baru’.

  

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