The Kintamani dog is gentle around people, yet retains enough assertive behavior to render it a noteworthy, but not vicious, watchdog.

Breeders often confine the dogs to colder, dark caves near the Kintamani volcano, insisting it an essential step in developing the thick white coat.

The desired physical traits of the Kintamani dog include erect ears, forwardly curved tail held at the midline, medium to longhaired coat, almond-shaped brown eyes, and black skin pigment.

While most dog breeds are averse to climbing or heights, Kintamanis will climb across roofs, trees, or spend parts of the day happily seated or sleeping atop a garden wall; this arboreal nature is a likely inheritance from the New Guinea singing dog, a very active and arboreal type of canine.

The Kintamani are light-footed and move freely, smoothly and lithely, and will alert or bark when confronted with an unfamiliar sound or sight.