Kazakhstan celebrates Tazy and Tobet Day

Kazakhstan is paying tribute to its national dog breeds, the Tazy and Tobet, by establishing a special day in their honor. On Sept. 3, the country celebrates its first Kazakh Tazy and Tobet Day.

New holiday on the calendar

Tazy hounds are traditionally considered part of the «Zheti Kazyna» (Seven Treasures of the Kazakh People). Along with the Tobet wolfdog, these dogs have accompanied the people of the Great Steppe for centuries.

«As a national dog breed, the Tazy is an integral part of the cultural heritage of our people and their traditional way of life. It is one of the seven treasures of ‘Zheti Kazyna,’ embodying loyalty, agility and strength. For centuries, Tazy and Tobet dogs have been faithful companions of people in the Great Steppe, and today they continue to connect us with the history and traditions of our ancestors, with their reverent attitude toward the nature of their native land,» Aibek Smadiyarov, press secretary for the president of Kazakhstan, wrote on his Telegram channel.

In recent years, efforts to preserve Kazakhstan’s national dog breeds have been promoted at the state level. The country adopted a law on the preservation and reproduction of Kazakh dog breeds and became a full member of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).

What has been done for the Tazy?

In 2024, the Tazy received preliminary international recognition, with Kazakhstan officially recognized as the breed’s country of origin.

Kazakh Tazy dogs are currently participating in major international exhibitions. The country is also expanding its breeding base, and construction of the National Center for Kazakh Dog Breeds is nearing completion.

According to Smadiyarov, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed the government to intensify efforts to preserve the Tazy and promote the breed internationally. Officials in the Akorda view the establishment of a separate day for the Tazy and Tobet as another step toward popularizing Kazakhstan’s national dog breeds.

Kazakhstan also uses Tazy hounds as diplomatic gifts to strengthen ties with other countries. Two years ago, for example, Tokayev presented two Tazy puppies to French President Emmanuel Macron.