Sure, we could’ve researched the Chinese Zodiacs and the significance of the Year of the Dog, but we got sidetracked by these paw-some Bali pups instead. #sorrynotsorry
One of the best things about being in Bali (besides the beautiful beaches, ever-smiling Balinese people, world-class restos and breathtaking culture) is being able to hug a dog every, single, day. Seriously, there are dogs on beaches, dogs in cafes, dogs on streets, dogs riding motorbikes, dogs rocking the dancefloor at Old Man’s, and now, Bali’s dogs have even taken over Instagram.
So as soon as we heard that 2018 marks the Year of the Dog, what better way to celebrate Chinese New Year (and satisfy our [serious] obsession with man’s best friend) than to show off the island’s top dawgs? Get ready to ooh and aww – here are the island’s hottest hounds you’ll want to follow.
Bima the Bingin Beach Dog (the famous beach bum)
Probably Bali’s most famous pooch, Bima is a Golden Retriever living the good life on Bingin Beach. His days are spent strolling the sands taking selfies with adoring fans, catching waves at sunset (followed by a well-earned Bintang), pumping iron at the Bali Training Centre and feasting on healthy bites at The Cashew Tree. Like the world’s pro surfers that visit Bima’s paradisal territory, this beach bum is an island icon.
Follow him: @bima_bingin_beach_dog
Joy the Corgi (the smile-inducing fluff ball)
Aptly named, Joy the Corgi is a smiling bundle of fluff that just so happens to spread joy to whomever her little legs come across. She can be spotted putting smiles on the faces of beachgoers in the Bukit (her fave trotting spots are Pandawa, Nusa Dua and Jimbaran) and she’ll most likely be rocking an adorable accessory from Bali Paws or The Bali Bandana Project. Warning: may cause OCD (Obsessive Corgi Disorder).
Follow her: @joycorgi
Sari the Bali Dog (the humanitarian, the believer)
Like most Bali dogs, Sari is a rescue, found alone on a road between rice fields. But instead of forgetting her roots and basking in fortune (she’s still Sari from the block) she’s put her unfortunate past to good use. She regularly volunteers as an education dog, visiting orphanages and schools to teach kids how to care for Bali’s anjings. Not only that, she’s been a foster sister to 25 puppies and dogs, and in her spare time, she even runs her own online pet store. Sari says “I have a dream. A dream that Bali dogs will no longer suffer. A dream that they will have love, medicine and food. I dream that their precious heritage is recognised.”
Follow her: @sarithebalidog
Prince the Bali Dalmatian (the island’s own Disney Prince)
Bali’s own real-life Disney cutie, Prince the Dalmatian is a sight to be seen indeed. Quite the opposite of 101 Dalmatians, Prince might be the only one of his kind here on the island. You’ll struggle to miss him though, with those perfect round spots on a bright white backdrop, galloping along the glittering sands of South Bali. If you’re lucky enough to meet him, don’t even bother with the unhealthy snacks – this guy is all about tropical fruits and vegetables.
Follow him: @princethebalidalmatiandog
Taco the Beachmutt (the beer-drinking, towel-stealing scallywag)
Too cute for her own good, Taco the Beachmutt is the kind of pup that could get away with murder. A dangerously cute combo of big floppy ears, a goofy smile and that young puppy attitude, we couldn’t care less that this bouncy Golden Retriever stole our beach towel from under us when we first met her. Her talents include fetching rocks, sleeping across the entire bed, begging for food and shaking her soggy coat all over you. But hey, who could stay mad at that face?!
Follow her: @taco_the_beachmutt
Bali Dog Scout (the cover girl)
If you’re familiar with the latest dog fashion in Bali, then you’ll no doubt recognise Scout. She’s the cover girl and mascot for Bali Paws – an adorable new startup selling pet accessories and bandanas to the world’s pooches. Scout is regularly modelling the latest collections, whether it’s a stripy bow-tie for brunch in Canggu, or a custom ceramic bowl to help feed the local strays.
Follow her: @bali_dog_scout
Coconut the Beach Boy (the pint-sized fashionista)
Proving you don’t need long legs to be a fashion superstar, Coconut the Beach Boy is Bali’s pint-sized and oh-so handsome hound that had us at “woof”. He’s got style, he’s got pinch-me-cute floppy ears, and how are those little legs even real?! Follow Coconut for fine doggie fashion, trips around Canggu, and plenty of treats, naps and maybe even a cat encounter.
Follow him: @coconutthebeachboy
Cinta the Walrus (the plus size supermodel)
This plump, Bali-based Rottie is all about the body positive movement. She’s a plus-size supermodel with a big personality to match, and with her thick black coat and big bushy brows, she could easily be strutting the catwalks of Indonesia. However, the only way to get this larger lady to move her tush is by crinkling a bag of chips… If you want to meet Cinta, she’ll be at one of Bali’s best beaches waiting patiently for her human to come in from a surf.
Follow her: @cinta_the_walrus
Mudge in Bali (the short-legged shadow chaser)
Short legs, big heart. Mudge is the potpourri of the dog world – one part Bali dog, a touch of Australian Blue Heeler, and maybe a smidge of Sausage thrown in too. Whatever she is, she’s usually busy chasing the shadows of birds and butterflies, licking strangers’ knee-caps, wagging uncontrollably, or stand-up paddle-boarding on Nusa Lembongan – because those little legs were made for adventuring.
Follow her: @mudge_in_Bali
Lucky the Bali Dog (the “rags to riches” diva)
Lucky by name, lucky by nature. This pampered pooch is a real “rags to riches” story. Lucky left her lonely past as a street pup behind more than two years ago, now living the high life beside the black shores of Canggu. She only sleeps on custom upholstery, she refuses to ride in anything but a car, and yes, she has her own dressing gown for that all important “me-time”.
Follow her: @luckythebalidog
Frankie of Portobello (the Scottish export)
Few Bali-based pooches can say they’ve stepped off the island (due to Bali’s tough export laws), but Frankie of Portobello is one lucky hound. He grew up on the powder white sands of Seminyak, but after traversing the globe he now lives amidst the bright white snowy highlands of Scotland. His coat has transformed from a short haired beach dog to a bear-like ball of fur, and his Insta feed has gone from warung satay dates with Dad, to cosy pub hangs by a warm fire.
Follow him: @frankie_of_portobello
Want to see more of Bali’s top dawgs? Check out @balidog_photography for cute canine snaps, follow @balipaws and @thebalibandanaproject for adorable dog accessories, or donate to one of the amazing charities helping to save Bali’s Street Dogs, namely Bali Pet Crusaders, Mission Pawsible, BAWA, BARC, Jet Set Petz, and the Bali Dog Halfway House.
Have a paw-some Chinese New Year Honeys!
