Jags Goldie
Last updated: 18th October 2022
Taigan
By
Jags Goldie
Last updated: 18th October 2022
The Taigan or the Kyrgyzdyn Taighany is a breed of medium-sized sighthounds bred for hunting roe deer, ibex, fox, wolf, and marmot. Aside from using its sight, it can hunt prey in the rugged mountainous region of its native land by hearing and scent.
Taigan Pictures
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- Kyrgyz Sighthound
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- Kyrgyz Taigan
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- Kyrgyzdyn Taighany
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- Kyrgyzskaya Borzaya Taigan
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- Taigan Dog
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- Taigan Hound
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- Taigan Images
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- Taigan Photos
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- Taigan Pictures
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- Taigan Puppies
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- Taigan
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- Tajgan
Quick Information
| Other Names | Kyrgyz Sighthound, Tajgan, Kyrgyzskaya Borzaya Taigan |
| Coat | Soft, long, thick, wavy |
| Color | Gray, brown, white, black, yellow, black with white |
| Breed Type | Purebred |
| Category | Hound, Sighthound |
| Lifespan | 10-13 years |
| Weight | 54-73 lbs |
| Size | Medium |
| Height | 23-27 in |
| Shedding | Little |
| Temperament | Alert, intelligent, independent |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
| Litter Size | 6-8 puppies |
| Good with Children | Requires supervision |
| Barking | Can be vocal when required |
| Country Originated in | Kyrgyzstan |
| Competitive Registration/Qualification Information | DRA |
Video: Taigan Dog Running at Great Speed
History
Since the Kyrgyz people have always been nomadic by nature, migrating through different parts of Central Asia and Siberia, it is unlikely that the Taigan has evolved from a single ancestor. Like the Afghan Hound, Saluki, Sloughi, Mid-Asiatic Tazi, and Azawakh, the Taigan is classified as an Eastern Sighthound.
During the 1930s, cynologists started registering the existing dogs in Kyrgyz Soviet Socialist Republic. However, the German invasion of the USSR stopped their efforts in 1941. The first breed standard was laid down by the USSR in 1964. The dogs were mainly used by the hunters who participated in live coursing and delivered the animal fur to kolkhozy (the collective farms).
After the independence of Kyrgyzstan in 1991, the collective farms were shut down thereby forcing the rural community to switch to old nomadic life. While some of them hunted with the Taigan for earning their livelihood, a few sections of the upper class considered the breed as a symbol of national heritage. In 1995, the Kyrgyz Cynologists Council acknowledged a new standard that was officially approved by the Ministry of Environmental Protection’s hunting commission.
Temperament and Behavior
An even-tempered dog that thrives on companionship, the Taigan is devoted to its people. Although it is reserved with strangers, it may show signs of aggression if provoked or handled roughly.
It bonds with its family and usually gets along well with other dogs. Because of its hounding instincts, the Taigan may chase small household pets unless it has been socialized at a young age.
Care
Exercise
Being an energetic, hunting dog, the Taigan needs plenty of regular activities, which unless satisfied might induce destructive behavior. Aside from long walks on a leash, your dog will appreciate one or two sessions of run in a large, fenced yard.
Grooming
Its grooming requirements include brushing the coat every week, bathing when it is dirty, trimming its nails every month, and brushing its teeth once or twice a week.
Health Problems
The Taigan may be affected by health conditions like patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, skin and food allergies, bloating, and cancer.
Training
Be firm and consistent in your training approach and use positive reinforcement techniques.
Socialization
Without early socialization, your Taigan can become shy and fearful. Daily reinforcement through positive introductions to different people and pets is necessary. You may have a friend to come over to your place with his pet. Keep your pet confined in another room until your guests have settled in. Do not allow your friend or his pet animal to approach or touch your Taigan until it makes the first move. Tell your friend to give treats to your pet without making eye contact.
Obedience
Train your puppy to respond to voice commands like sit, stay, down, heel, leave it, and chase. You can sign your Taigan up for dog obedience classes where it will get the opportunity to meet and make friends with other dogs.
Feeding
Give your Taigan a quality dry food that is formulated for medium-sized sighthounds.
Interesting Facts
- The large lung capacity of the Taigan in addition to its thick coat and strong bone structure help it in working in the rough terrain even at altitudes up to 4000 meters.
- A unique feature of the Taigan is a rolled-up ring at the end of its tail. It is actually the jointed vertebras of the ring that do not make it unrollable.
- The Taigan is a versatile sighthound that can run at a maximum speed of 60 km per hour.
