Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) President Tamás Jakkel. During the meeting, the two sides discussed preserving the unique gene pool of the Kazakh Tazy and Tobet dog breeds and strengthening their positions on the global stage.
Global recognition
One of the key points of the meeting was the international status of the Tazy, a traditional Kazakh dog breed. Tokayev expressed gratitude to Jakkel for the FCI General Committee’s preliminary recognition of the breed in September 2024.
The president emphasized that the Tazy has historically been one of the seven sacred treasures of the Kazakh people, known as the «Zheti Kazyna.» Thanks to extensive and systematic work, including targeted legislation, approximately 4,000 specimens of the breed have been officially registered in the country’s Unified Stud Book.
New dog center and national holiday
Tokayev also announced that a national dog center will soon open in the Zhetysu region. It will become the main venue for breeding work, as well as scientific and canine support.
Furthermore, to strengthen the status of the breeds, Kazakhstan will celebrate Kazakh Tazy and Tobet Day on Sept. 3.
International community assessment
In turn, Jakkel thanked the president for his personal attention to cynology issues. He noted that the country’s efforts to preserve national breeds have earned the respect of the international community.
«I’m very pleased that this breed has allowed Kazakhstan to take a worthy place in the global cynological community. I have also asked Mr. President for the support of your specialists,» Jakkel said, adding that when a president supports something positive, it benefits all citizens.
According to the FCI chairman, he was the judge who awarded the first World Winner title to a Tazy at a show in Helsinki last year. He called this event a major achievement, following a long journey and significant efforts by the Union of Cynologists of Kazakhstan, and emphasized that each such breed is an integral part of national cultural heritage.
In addition, Jakkel praised the garden at the Akorda residence, where a Tazy sculpture stands. He also said he was pleased to learn that Tokayev himself owns dogs of this breed.
At the end of his visit, the international expert will take part in judging at a dog show, where, for the first time in his career, he will see 60 Kazakh Tazy dogs at once — a moment expected to be one of the highlights of his trip.
It is also worth noting that for President Tokayev, Tazy dogs have become an important tool for promoting Kazakhstan’s diplomacy. In 2024, during Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Astana, he presented him with two Tazy puppies. In 2025, during an official visit to Paris, Tokayev met the dogs again, which now feel at home in the Élysée Palace.
