On September 4, 2024, the International Canine Federation (FCI) General Committee granted preliminary recognition to the Kazakh Tazy as an official dog breed, with Kazakhstan designated as the breed’s standard holder.
This decision marks a significant milestone in the efforts to officially recognize the Kazakh Tazy on an international level. According to the Presidential Administration of Kazakhstan, this preliminary recognition is the final step before full international acknowledgment.
Key Developments
FCI President Tamás Jakkel extended his congratulations to Kazakhstan, highlighting the crucial next ten years for the breed. During this period, health tests and data collection will be essential to ensure the Tazy’s well-being and secure its global recognition.
Since 2022, Kazakhstan’s Presidential Administration, under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has made the recognition of the Kazakh Tazy a top priority. Their comprehensive efforts included legislative changes, scientific research, and organizing breeding shows and exhibitions.
International breed registration requires endorsement by national cynological organizations with full FCI membership. Kazakhstan’s Union of Cynologists achieved this status in August 2023, enabling the nation to declare its national dog breeds on the international stage.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Bauyrzhan Serikkali, President of Kazakhstan’s Union of Cynologists, expressed pride in the achievement, noting the Tazy’s profound historical and cultural significance to Kazakhstan. The breed, with a history spanning over 4,000 years, is a symbol of Kazakhstan’s rich heritage.
In a gesture of international diplomacy, President Tokayev gifted two Tazy puppies to French President Emmanuel Macron in February. Additionally, Kazakh pop star Dimash Kudaibergen received a Tazy last year.
The Tazy represents a vital aspect of Kazakhstan’s cultural legacy, featured in the Zheti Kazyna, which embodies the values and ideals of traditional nomadic life. The term “Tazy” translates to “swift” or “fast,” reflecting their natural hunting abilities and dignified demeanor.
Preservation Efforts
The Tazy’s history traces back to the Soviet era when hunting was crucial to Kazakhstan’s economy. The breed faced near extinction in the post-war years but was preserved thanks to dedicated enthusiasts. Today, there are several thousand Tazy dogs in Kazakhstan, though the threat of losing unique cultural traits remains due to globalization and urbanization.
In 2022, Kazakhstan committed 1.4 billion tenge (approximately US$3 million) to the preservation and reproduction of the Tazy and Tobet breeds. This investment underscores the nation’s commitment to maintaining its rich cultural heritage through the preservation of these historic breeds.
