Kazakh Tazy
kah-ZAK TAH-zee
Kazakhstan· The Kazakh steppe
The Kazakh Tazy is an ancient Central Asian sighthound, provisionally recognised by the FCI in 2024. For centuries it has coursed hare, fox and other game across the open steppe, running by sight and working in partnership with mounted hunters — and, in older times, alongside trained eagles.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Medium to Large
Exercise needs
High, with chances to run
Home size suited to
Rural home
Grooming frequency
Occasional brushing
Coat length
Short
Sheds
Moderate
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Town or country
Country
Garden size needed
Large, securely fenced garden
Where it comes from
Origins of the Kazakh Tazy
Kazakhstan's ancient steppe sighthound, provisionally recognised by the FCI in 2024.
- Region
- The Kazakh steppe
- Climate it was bred for
- Harsh continental steppe
- Original job
- Coursing hare and fox on the steppe
The long read
About the breed
The Tazy is a lean, deep-chested, long-legged hound built for speed and endurance in harsh continental conditions, with a short coat and light feathering on the ears and tail. It holds an honoured place in Kazakh culture, where fine hunting dogs were traditionally treasured family possessions. Documentation in English remains limited while recognition is provisional, so details may change as more is published.
Registry note: the FCI accepted the Kazakh Tazy on a provisional basis, which means the standard is still settling and details may change before definitive recognition. We will keep this page updated as more is published.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Energy
4/5
Settles well once exercised.
Barking
2/5
Rarely vocal without cause.
Grooming
1/5
Wash-and-go coat.
Sociability
2/5
Aloof with strangers, devoted to its own.
Independence
4/5
Independent thinker; tolerates being left to it.
Trainability
3/5
Capable, with consistent fair handling.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Head
Long, narrow and dry, with a slight stop.
Colours & patterns
Recognised coats
Which coats the standard accepts — and which are simply popular.
Fawn
Standard colour
Reported regional colouring; accepted colours are still being formalised.
Black & Tan
Standard colour
Reported regional colouring; accepted colours are still being formalised.
Timeline
History & development
Centuries past
Steppe courser
Tazy hounds coursed game for nomadic hunters across the Kazakh steppe, often working with mounted hunters and eagles.
1900s
Cultural icon
The breed remained a treasured element of Kazakh hunting culture, with celebrated bloodlines passed between families.
2024
Provisional FCI recognition
The FCI accepted the Kazakh Tazy on a provisional basis in 2024.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Deep-chested and racy, built for speed and endurance.
- coat
- Short and smooth with light feathering on ears and tail.
- ears
- Set high, hanging, with light feathering.
- eyes
- Large, dark and expressive.
- gait
- Elastic, fast and enduring gallop.
- head
- Long, narrow and dry, with a slight stop.
- size
- Medium to large; precise figures are still being formalised by the registry.
- tail
- Long, low-set, with a light brush, carried in a curve.
- colour
- Reported in a range including fawn, red, black-and-tan and white-marked patterns; accepted colours are still being formalised.
- muzzle
- Long and strong, with a large nose.
- temperament
- Independent, sensitive and bonded to its handler; keen hunting instinct.
- general appearance
- A lean, athletic sighthound of classic coursing lines — deep chest, tucked-up loin and long legs; full published details are still limited while recognition is provisional.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
Data
Watch closely
Provisionally recognised; no published health surveys yet.
Sighthound care
Watch closely
Lean build — watch weight, thin skin and anaesthesia sensitivity.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Kazakh Tazys added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Kazakh Tazy
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Kazakh Tazy illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Kazakh Tazy Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Kazakh Tazy illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Kazakh Tazy Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Kazakh Tazy illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Kazakh Tazy Mug
Ceramic mug with the Kazakh Tazy illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Adjustable Harness (S/M/L)
Fully adjustable chest and girth straps — no fixed sizing.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
Watch the full Kazakh Tazy video
Breed deep-dives, history and honest ownership talk. New film every week.
Watch now