Kazakh TazyCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the breed's area of origin was the whole of Central Asia. On the territory of Kazakhstan, the hunting sighthound has been known since ancient times, and its history is tied to the life of the nomadic peoples. Images of tazy-type dogs appear in rock drawings from the late Iron Age to the 17th–19th centuries.

The Tazy is mentioned in the oral folk tradition of the Kazakhs, “Zheti Kazyna” (“Seven Treasures”), and is considered one of the seven treasures of the Kazakh people, a symbol of loyalty and friendship. Wikipedia says that in nomadic times it was prized because it could catch wolves, and that a Kazakh was said to have given 47 horses for a single Tazy.

How the breed developed

• Antiquity – Tazy-type dogs appear in rock drawings in Central Asia.
• 17th–19th centuries – The tazy still appears in rock drawings.
• 2014 – A Tazy show is held in Astana to make the breed better known.
• September 2024 – The FCI provisionally accepts the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile, so the rating is based on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a well-proportioned dog of medium to above-medium size, with lean, very well-developed muscles and a harmonious, elegant and graceful appearance.

General appearance

On the body the hair is soft, smooth and short, about 3 cm on the loins; in summer it has almost no undercoat, while in winter the undercoat can be abundant. On the ears, soft, wavy hair forms fringes, the so-called “burka”, which hang 5–6 cm below the ear.

The accepted colours are yellow, in all shades, from light fawn to red, all shades of grey, white and black. Black shading, light markings and small white patches on the muzzle, forehead, neck, chest, feet and tip of the tail are allowed.

The standard describes it as balanced and agile, with great speed in judging a situation and making decisions. It can be somewhat reserved with strangers. At home it is calm and unobtrusive, very self-confident, and does not tolerate mistreatment.

When hunting it is passionate, easy to handle, fast and very hardy over long distances. It can hunt alone, in a group or together with birds of prey.

Tips for effective training

• Be gentle. It does not tolerate mistreatment.
• Keep it on the lead. Its sighthound instinct makes it chase anything that runs.
• Let it run safely. Only in fully fenced areas.
• Socialise it from a young age. It is somewhat reserved with strangers.

Wikipedia says it can run long distances at 12–15 km per hour. It needs exercise every day and, from time to time, a free run in a safe place.

Tips for a balanced life

• The fence must be high.
• Protect it from the cold: in summer it has very little undercoat.
• Do not leave it unsupervised with small animals.

Coat and skin care

The short, soft coat is brushed once a week. The fringes on the ears and legs are combed so that they do not tangle.

Common health problems

There are no published health studies for the breed and no known breed-specific diseases. Wikipedia says the breed has high genetic diversity. As with any sighthound, it is worth watching for:

Other care

• Check its paws after running.
• Check for ticks after outings in nature.
• Trim the nails regularly.

An active sighthound needs good-quality food and more energy during hunting periods.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day.
• Do not let it run right after a meal.
• In sighthounds the ribs are easy to see; the important thing is that it is not too thin.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• One of the “seven treasures”. The Kazakhs consider it one of the seven treasures of their people.
• More than a dog. Wikipedia says it was taboo to call it just a “dog”.
• 47 horses. A Kazakh was said to have given 47 horses for a Tazy.
• It hunts with birds of prey. The standard particularly values hunting alongside birds.
• A rare breed. Wikipedia says there are fewer than 300 purebred dogs.

“Zheti Kazyna”

In the oral folk tradition of the Kazakhs, “Zheti Kazyna” (“Seven Treasures”), the Tazy is one of the seven treasures of the people, a symbol of loyalty and friendship.

Is the Tazy the same as the Saluki?

No. Wikipedia says it resembles the Saluki, but it is a different, related breed.

How big does it get?

Males measure 63–70 cm and females 58–65 cm at the withers.

Is it officially recognised?

The FCI provisionally accepted it in September 2024.

What did it hunt?

Hare, foxes, hoofed game and, in the past, wolves.