Kazakh Tazy

Print my Pet · 20. October 2026 · 3 min čítania·Aktualizované 20.10.2026

In Kazakh oral tradition, the Tazy is considered one of the people’s “seven treasures”, according to its FCI standard. It hunts alone, in groups or with birds of prey, a particularly prized skill. Outside Central Asia, few people know it even today.

FCI	Group 10 (Sighthounds), Section 1 Long-haired or fringed Sighthounds, Standard No. 372, without working trial, provisionally recognised
Country of origin	Kazakhstan
Height at the withers	Desirable height: males 63 to 70 cm, females 58 to 65 cm; a deviation of 2 cm is acceptable if proportions and overall harmony are maintained
Weight	Not specified in the FCI standard
Life expectancy	No reliable study figure found (N/A)
Coat	Soft and close-fitting, short on the body, with undercoat in winter; feathering on ears (“burka”), legs and tail
Colours according to the standard	Yellow from pale fawn to red, all shades of grey, white, black; black overlay, pale tan points, small white markings and a mask are among the permitted features; brindle, merle, piebald and liver brown disqualify

A hunter of the steppe

According to the standard, the Tazy was originally found throughout Central Asia. Images of Tazy-like dogs appear in rock carvings from the end of the Iron Age (2nd century BC to 5th century AD) through to modern times. Unofficial estimates put the population at only around 3.000 Tazy, no more than 350 of them with pedigrees extending to the fourth generation (Perfilyeva et al. 2023).

A newcomer to the FCI breeds

The FCI provisionally recognised the Kazakh Tazy on 3 September 2024; no German version of the standard is available. According to the FCI, until definitive recognition the breed cannot receive a CACIB, the certificate towards the International Beauty Champion title. Titles such as World Winner or Section Winner are still possible, and pedigrees carry the FCI logo.

On a branch with the Saluki and Afghan Hound

A genetic study from Almaty places the Tazy as a distinct breed on a branch with ancient eastern sighthounds such as the Saluki and the Afghan Hound. The researchers reported high genetic diversity and found no substantial inbreeding (Perfilyeva et al. 2023). A second paper by the same group found a mean genomic inbreeding value of 0,057.

Relaxed at home, determined in the field

The standard describes a balanced, agile temperament, quick to assess situations and make decisions. It can be somewhat reserved with strangers, while in everyday life it is calm and unobtrusive, with great self-confidence and no tolerance for rough treatment. When hunting, it is passionate and enduring. It searches by sight and scent, and some even retrieve.

Fringed ears and a winter undercoat

Soft, wavy hair on the ears forms the so-called burka, extending 5 to 6 centimetres beyond the ear. Brush the ears, feathering and paws regularly to prevent mats, and expect more hair around the home during the change between summer and winter coats.

Health: limited evidence

No studies of disease in the Tazy were found, and it does not appear in the British longevity analysis by McMillan and colleagues. Low inbreeding is a good sign, but does not replace health examinations. Ask breeders about examinations of the parents.

Would a Tazy suit you?

It suits experienced sighthound owners who can provide a peaceful home and proper opportunities to run. It is the wrong choice for beginners, households with small pets and anyone seeking a dog without hunting instincts. Anyone who gets one holds a piece of Kazakh history on the lead.

Find out whether a rare hunting sighthound such as the Tazy fits your everyday life with the breed quiz; our book “Welcher Hund passt WIRKLICH zu dir?” (book in German) explores the subject in greater depth. If a puppy is joining the household, get help from the free Puppy Starter Pack. And to celebrate your Tazy’s burka ears, explore our dog portraits and the poster in a wooden frame.