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.21
how to spot oneKazakh Tazy coat and colours
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.21
Coloursall shades of yellowgreywhiteblackwith possible black overlay, tan or white markings2
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
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
by countryIs the Kazakh Tazy legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Kazakh Tazy in the 44 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Checked 2026-11-05. Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
how busy a day looksKazakh Tazy exercise needs
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.12
the hands-on bitsKazakh Tazy grooming and care
The short coat needs little work; an occasional brush and a check of the fringed ears is enough.2
where they are happiestKazakh Tazy at home
An active home with access to safe, fenced areas where it can stretch out and run.1
who they like aroundKazakh Tazy with people and other pets
Can hunt alone, with other dogs or alongside hunting birds, and bonds with its own people while staying aloof with strangers.21
where it all beganKazakh Tazy history
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 2024.21
for the dinner tableFun facts
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
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
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
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.
the official bitsRecognised by
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
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
the things everyone asksOwner questions
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.8Pet 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.8Pet 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.8Pet 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.12Pet 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.8Pet 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.21
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.21
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.