By 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

Quick Information

Other NamesKyrgyz Sighthound, Tajgan, Kyrgyzskaya Borzaya Taigan
CoatSoft, long, thick, wavy
ColorGray, brown, white, black, yellow, black with white
Breed TypePurebred
CategoryHound, Sighthound
Lifespan10-13 years
Weight54-73 lbs
SizeMedium
Height23-27 in
SheddingLittle
TemperamentAlert, intelligent, independent
HypoallergenicYes
Litter Size6-8 puppies
Good with ChildrenRequires supervision
BarkingCan be vocal when required
Country Originated inKyrgyzstan
Competitive Registration/Qualification InformationDRA

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.

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