Heat is the deciding factor. Bali heritage dogs and short-coated mixes cope with humidity, tick load and long warm nights far better than heavy-coated northern breeds, which need air conditioning and cannot be walked between mid-morning and late afternoon.

Rabies vaccination is non-negotiable and must be recorded. Ask for the book, check the date of the last dose, and confirm the vet who administered it. Tick-borne disease is the other constant here — ask what preventative the dog is on and when it was last given.

Meet the dog where it lives and watch it around traffic, other dogs and people. Street-rescued adults often settle beautifully but need a secure gate for the first months, and a puppy taken from its litter before eight weeks will carry behavioural gaps you will spend a year correcting.