Taigan

Summary

The Taigan (Kyrgyz: тайган), and also known as Kyrgyz Taighany (Kyrgyz: кыргыз тайганы) (Kyrgyzskaya Borzaya in Russian), Mongolian Taiga dog is a breed of sighthound from Kyrgyzstan. The Taigan is found in the alpine Tian Shan region of Kyrgyzstan on the border with China, it is closely related to the Tazy and the Saluki.[1][2][3]

Taigan
A male Taigan in Bishkek
Other namesTaigan
Kyrgyz Sighthound
Kyrgyzskaya Borzaya
OriginKyrgyzstan
Traits
Colour White, fawns, greys and black.
NotesNationally recognised by the Hunting Commission of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Environmental Protection and by the Russian Kennel Club.
Dog (domestic dog)

As a sighthound, the Taigan predominantly uses its sight and speed to overcome its prey. The breed is known for its extraordinary stamina at altitude, and its versatility whilst hunting. They are capable of following scent trails and also have a reputation for retrieving game. Taigans are often used to hunt in combination with trained bird of prey, especially the golden eagle.[1][3] The Taigan is used to hunt a wide range game including marmot, hare, fox, badger, wildcat, hoofed game such as the ibex and roe deer as well as the wolf.[1][2][3]

The Taigan has medium-length and slightly curly hair, it has a wide range of colours ranging from white and shades of fawn through to greys and black examples.[1] Since the breakup of the Soviet Union the Taigan's numbers have significantly declined, but the Russian Kennel Club has made concerted efforts to ensure the breed's survival, recognising it along with the Tasy, and trying to find good breeding stock of both breeds.[1][2]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e Alderton, David (2000). Hounds of the World. Shrewsbury: Swan Hill Press. p. 120. ISBN 1-85310-912-6.
  2. ^ a b c Fogle, Bruce (2009). The encyclopedia of the dog. New York: DK Publishing. p. 102. ISBN 978-0-7566-6004-8.
  3. ^ a b c Hancock, David (2012). Sighthounds: their form, their function and their future. Ramsbury, Marlborough: The Crowood Press Ltd. p. 150. ISBN 978-1-84797-392-4.

External links edit

  • Association "Kirghizcynology" (Russian)
  • www.taigany.republika.pl (Poland)