The Balinese Street Dog has been part of the day to day life and community of every Balinese compound, Banjar, Desa and onwards since the beginning of time.
Wrongfully maligned as being an unwanted and unnecessary part of Bali there is very little understanding of the role that the Bali Street Dog has played, and continues to play in the complexities of life on Bali.
"Where ever you see Balinese man you will see Bali Dog"
These words have been told to us many times, by Balinese who are living true to their culture and who are environmentally aware of the fragile balance of their island home.
The words are true. In the vast majority of cases, where you have a Balinese you will eventually see a Bali Dog. But why?
Bali Dogs are not pets, the relationship they have with Balinese people does not fit into the cultural context of Western life. This is difficult to interpret and is often misinterpreted as the Balinese not wanting or not caring about their Bali Dogs. Nothing could be further from the truth.
If Balinese people did not want Bali Dogs then why are they still on the island? The Balinese have repelled every single intruder that has affected their way of life. Do you think for one minute that if the Bali Dog was such a pest and risk to society and culture that they would let them continue to exist?
The average Balinese compound will have 5 - 6 Balinese Dogs. No one within that compound will generally claim ownership of these animals. So if you walk around Bali asking 'who's dog is this?' You will come away thinking the island is full of strays that no one owns or cares for.
Bali Dogs are not strays, they are not homeless. 90% of the free roaming dogs you see on the island have a home.
Balinese do not classify ownership of pets in the way that Westerners do. If you ask people where a dog 'stays' then you will generally get a thumb gesture in the direction of the compound that the dog calls it's home.
Wrongfully maligned as being an unwanted and unnecessary part of Bali there is very little understanding of the role that the Bali Street Dog has played, and continues to play in the complexities of life on Bali.
"Where ever you see Balinese man you will see Bali Dog"
These words have been told to us many times, by Balinese who are living true to their culture and who are environmentally aware of the fragile balance of their island home.
The words are true. In the vast majority of cases, where you have a Balinese you will eventually see a Bali Dog. But why?
Bali Dogs are not pets, the relationship they have with Balinese people does not fit into the cultural context of Western life. This is difficult to interpret and is often misinterpreted as the Balinese not wanting or not caring about their Bali Dogs. Nothing could be further from the truth.
If Balinese people did not want Bali Dogs then why are they still on the island? The Balinese have repelled every single intruder that has affected their way of life. Do you think for one minute that if the Bali Dog was such a pest and risk to society and culture that they would let them continue to exist?
The average Balinese compound will have 5 - 6 Balinese Dogs. No one within that compound will generally claim ownership of these animals. So if you walk around Bali asking 'who's dog is this?' You will come away thinking the island is full of strays that no one owns or cares for.
Bali Dogs are not strays, they are not homeless. 90% of the free roaming dogs you see on the island have a home.
Balinese do not classify ownership of pets in the way that Westerners do. If you ask people where a dog 'stays' then you will generally get a thumb gesture in the direction of the compound that the dog calls it's home.