The World Dog Show 2025 concluded on August 10 in Helsinki, marking the debut of the Kazakh Tazy on the international stage. For the first time, Kazakhstan’s national breed competed at this level and immediately gained recognition, winning seven major championship awards.
Steppe Spirit Captivates Judges and Breeders
The Kazakh national team drew the attention of leading judges, breeders, and experts, representing a major step toward global recognition of this unique hunting dog of the Great Steppe.
The Union of Dog Breeders of Kazakhstan presented eight top Tazy at a national stand designed as a semi-yurt adorned with traditional ornaments. The display served as both a celebration of the breed and a cultural highlight, attracting visitors who posed for photos, picked up informational booklets, and asked questions about the dogs.
Foreign breeders and heads of national clubs expressed interest in the breed’s history, results of genetic studies, working qualities, and health. Many requested training materials and details on how to purchase puppies.
“The reaction of international experts confirms that our Tazy dogs occupy a worthy place in the world dog-breeding arena… The whole world has now learned about and become interested in the Kazakh Tazy breed. We are proud to have presented not only a unique hunting dog, but also a cultural symbol of Kazakhstan,” said Bauyrzhan Serikkali, chairman of the Kazakh Kennel Union.
He added that the Union is ready to cooperate with foreign clubs and kennels, providing comprehensive information about the breed.
Ahead of the exhibition, members of the Kazakh diaspora and compatriots in Finland attended a special presentation of the Tazy. Recognized as one of the treasures of the Zhet Kazyna (Seven Treasures), it was a memorable cultural highlight for them during the World Dog Show.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated the Kazakh dog breeders on their success in Helsinki, sending a telegram to the Union.
From National Law to FCI Recognition
Efforts to preserve and promote the Kazakh Tazy and Tobet breeds began in 2023, when a relevant law was signed on the president’s instructions. That spring, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was tasked with promoting the breeds internationally.
In August 2023, the Union of Dog Breeders of Kazakhstan became a full member of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and gained the right to represent national breeds. In May 2024, a single-breed exhibition in Astana saw FCI experts examine 100 Tazy dogs.
On September 3, 2024, in Amsterdam, the FCI provisionally recognized the breed and granted Kazakhstan the status of standard holder. Full recognition is expected no earlier than 2034, provided that breeding and participation in world competitions continue actively.
President Tokayev has instructed officials to further strengthen the status of national breeds, making them a hallmark of Kazakhstan on the international stage.
