Kazakh Tazy

Also called Tazy, Tazi

A balanced, confident dog that sizes up situations quickly.

Size	Large
Weight	20 to 35 kg (44 to 77 lb)males 32 to 35 kg, females 20 to 30 kg1
Height	55 to 72 cm (22 to 28 in)males 60 to 72 cm, females 55 to 65 cm2 1
Coat	Short coat with fringes
Origin	Kazakhstan, Central Asia.3 1
Group	FCI group 10

Provisionally recognisedShort profile

calm and self-assured at home

fast with great stamina

playful and alert

2 1

Personality what they are like

A balanced, confident dog that sizes up situations quickly. It is reserved with strangers and quiet around the house, but becomes quick, agile and passionate once the hunt begins.2 1

Coat and looks how to spot one

short coat with fringes

A lean, fast sighthound with short body hair of about 3 cm and very little summer undercoat, plus soft, wavy feathering on the ears, legs and tail.2 1

Coloursall shades of yellowgreywhiteblackwith possible black overlay, tan or white markings2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Kazakh Tazy. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. It was bred to run long distances across the steppe and can keep up a steady 12-15 km/h, so it needs daily running in a safe, enclosed space.1 2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short coat needs little work; an occasional brush and a check of the fringed ears is enough.2

Home where they are happiest

An active home with access to safe, fenced areas where it can stretch out and run.1

Company who they like around

Can hunt alone, with other dogs or alongside hunting birds, and bonds with its own people while staying aloof with strangers.2 1

The story where it all began

Dogs of Tazy shape appear in Kazakh rock carvings from as far back as the Iron Age, and the breed was used to hunt hares, foxes, wolves and hoofed game. It is counted among the traditional 'seven treasures' of Kazakh heritage. Numbers fell sharply in modern times, and Kazakhstan has worked to revive the breed, which the FCI provisionally recognised in 2024.2 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
An old saying holds that a Kazakh would swap 47 horses for one good Tazy.1
2
Pairing a Tazy with a hunting bird of prey is considered an especially prized way to hunt.2
3
It is one of the 'seven treasures' of Kazakh culture.2
4
A national Tazy show was held in 2014 to raise awareness of the breed.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The Tazy, also known as the Kazakh National sighthound, is a breed of sighthound hunting dog originating from Kazakhstan. The breed has been officially recognized as the national heritage of Kazakhstan.4

Name ideas for your new friend

AqQaraAltynKókBarysSunkarZhorghaDashZoomSteppeHunterSwift

A day in the life told by a Kazakh Tazy

I wake with the sun, stretching my long legs. My human opens the door and I bound into the yard. The air smells of earth and distant herds. I circle, then break into a steady lope - 12 kilometers per hour feels like walking to me. I chase a butterfly, but it's too quick. After an hour, I return, panting happily. Inside, I lie by the window, watching. A stranger comes? I stay still, assessing. My human gives a scratch behind my fringed ears. Perfect. Evening: I curl at their feet, ready for tomorrow's run.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard no. 372, Group 10 Sighthounds, Section 1 long-haired or fringed sighthounds; recognised on a provisional basis 9 March 2024 (English standard published September 2024).3
AKC / UKC / CKC: Not recognised.1

How many fewer than 300 purebred dogs1 5

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Kazakh Tazy, and at what times?

Adult Kazakh Tazies do best with at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Feed at consistent times each day, and always follow the food label and your vet's advice for amounts.6

What should a Kazakh Tazy eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, never give these to your Tazy.7

How often should I bathe a Kazakh Tazy?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to keep the short coat healthy.8 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Kazakh Tazy need brushing?

Brush your Kazakh Tazy once a week to keep its short coat and fringed ears looking neat. This also helps remove loose hair and keeps the skin healthy.8 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Kazakh Tazy's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and use a proper dog nail trimmer.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Kazakh Tazy need?

This breed needs daily running in a safe, enclosed space, it was bred to cover long distances at a steady pace. Daily walks and play are essential to keep it happy and healthy.1 2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Kazakh Tazy's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste only. Check ears every two weeks and clean gently without pushing anything into the ear canal.8 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Kazakh Tazy live?

The lifespan of a Kazakh Tazy varies, so ask your vet or a good breeder for specific information. Senior years usually start around age 7, so regular vet checkups are important. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Kazakh Tazy good with children and other pets?

Kazakh Tazies bond closely with their own people but are reserved with strangers. Their temperament with children and other pets depends on early socialization, so introduce them carefully and supervise interactions.2 1

Can a Kazakh Tazy be left alone?

This breed is quiet around the house and can be left alone for reasonable periods, but it needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. If left alone too long, it may become bored or anxious.2 1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.