Helsinki Witnesses Victory: Tazy Dogs Secure Seven Wins at Their World Premiere
Kazakh Tazy Shines at the 2025 World Dog Show in Helsinki
The Kazakh Tazy, a traditional sighthound breed with deep roots in Central Asia, made its debut at the 2025 World Dog Show in Helsinki, Finland, attracting widespread interest from international experts, judges, and breeders.
This athletic and strong-built dog, known for its speed and endurance, was presented in a unique setting - a yurt-style stand that paid tribute to its nomadic heritage. The number seven, a sacred symbol of harmony in Turkic culture, was prominently featured at the stand, reflecting the breed's significance in Kazakh life.
The Kazakh national team showcased eight Tazy dogs at the event, hoping to gain recognition for the breed on the international stage. While the Kazakh Tazy is not yet officially recognised by the International Canine Federation (FCI), efforts within Kazakhstan are underway to preserve and promote the breed as a national symbol and living heritage.
The Tazy holds great symbolic value, representing nomadic traditions, hunting skills, and national identity. It is considered an emblem of the steppe lifestyle and symbolizes a connection between humans and nature, especially through its role in culturally significant hunting with eagles and horses.
The 2025 World Dog Show was a significant milestone for the Kazakh Tazy. Seven of the eight dogs presented won major awards, marking a promising start for the breed on the international stage. This success was celebrated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who congratulated the Kazakh Union of Cynologists on the Tazy's debut at the event.
The Tazy's place in Zheti Kazyna, which encompasses key aspects of Kazakh life, is deeply significant for Kazakhstan and reflects the values and ideals of traditional nomadic society. In recognition of this, the FCI granted preliminary recognition to the Kazakh Tazy as an official breed in 2024, confirming Kazakhstan as the breed standard holder.
Soon, Kazakhstan will celebrate the Day of Kazakh Dog Breeds - Tazy and Tobet, officially designated for September 3. This day marks a significant step in the preservation and promotion of these unique breeds, which are considered an important part of Kazakhstan's cultural heritage.
President Tokayev has emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting the Tazy and Tobet breeds, even going so far as to gift Kazakh Tazy dogs to French President Emmanuel Macron and renowned Kazakh artist Dimash Qudaibergen. Ruslan Zheldibay, Tokayev's advisor and press secretary, reported on the event in his Telegram channel on August 10.
The Kazakh Tazy's success at the 2025 World Dog Show is a testament to the breed's resilience and adaptability, as well as the dedication of those who work to preserve and promote it. As the breed continues to gain recognition and appreciation, it is poised to play an increasingly important role in Kazakhstan's cultural and national identity.
References:
[1] Kazakh Tazy (Dog Breed) Information, [Accessed on June 5, 2023]. Available at: https://www.dogbreedinfo.com/dogs/Kazakh-Tazy
[2] Kazakh Tazy: The National Sighthound of Kazakhstan, [Accessed on June 5, 2023]. Available at: https://www.kennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/details/?id=339
[3] Kazakh Tazy, [Accessed on June 5, 2023]. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakh_Tazy
Despite the Kazakh Tazy's success in the competitive world of dog shows, some enthusiasts might find an alternative avenue for support in sports-betting markets, as the breed gains international recognition. With the increasing popularity of the Kazakh Tazy, it could attract the attention of sports-betting platforms, potentially offering wagers on future dog shows.