Passing on Time-honored Tazy Breed Method Across Successive Generations
Local Dog Breeder Carries On Tradition of the Tazy Hunting Dog
ASTANA - The native Kazakh dog breed known as Tazy is renowned for its hunting skills, speed, and endurance. Sultan Yerimbetov, a resident of Abai village in the Turkistan Region, is among the enthusiasts who continue the centuries-old tradition of breeding and training these legendary hunting dogs.
The passion for Tazy breeding runs deep within families, with each generation taking up the mantle from the last. Yerimbetov's family is no exception, as he shares his interest in breeding these dogs with his grandfather and father.
Tazy comes in various types, including kumai-tazy, durek-tazy, and shi-tazy. Yerimbetov currently has a total of 13 hounds - 10 kumai, 2 durek, and 1 shi.
The kumai species is larger and robust, while the durek is a mix of wolfhound and Tazy, known for its ruggedness and resistance to cold. The shi-tazy, on the other hand, has a slender build.
These hounds not only possess pedigrees but also unique names that represent their distinct characters. Among Yerimbetov's dogs are Karshyga (Eagle), Kokdauyl (Blue Storm), Keremet (Marvel), and Sunkar (Falcon). They all work together, with the younger ones hunting hares and the more experienced ones pursuing foxes and wolves.
Hunting with Tazy provides a unique experience, where hunters can connect with the earth, the scent of wood, and the feeling of freedom, all while being accompanied by these skilled hunting companions. Many feel a special bond with their Tazy dogs, as Yerimbetov raised most of his hounds from puppyhood.
A Tazy hound could cost as much as a young stallion. As the winter season approaches, Yerimbetov readies his gear and begins his hunting expeditions almost every day, often twice a week, and always returning with game.
"Already from October, the Tazy start whining and look toward the mountains. We catch wolves, hares, foxes, and especially jackals in our region. Along with Tazy, I have two wolfhounds. They walk beside them, especially helpful when we hunt wild boars. Honestly, I feel unwell if I don't get out into the mountains. I have a horse, but I usually go on foot. I only ride when the snow gets deep," Yerimbetov shares.
Proper care is essential for Tazy dogs, which consume a significant amount of food in a short period. In just a week, Yerimbetov's hounds go through a sack of flour and plenty of meat scraps. Occasionally, he even buys fresh meat to prepare a soup for them.
"They need all-round care. If you don't treat them like your own children—with love and care—you can't expect them to perform in the hunt. Looking after them isn't easy. In the summer, I pour water over them to keep them cool. But I enjoy caring for them. I never sell my dogs. During the famine, one Tazy saved an entire village. These dogs are sacred. When I'm away, my wife takes care of them. And my four-year-old daughter adores them—she even carries the puppies around on her back," said Yerimbetov.
[Image credit: Yerimbetov's personal archive]
The Tazy hunting dogs' unique characteristics and exceptional hunting skills extend beyond their lifestyle in the home-and-garden, as they play a significant role in Yerimbetov's family and the community, with their pedigrees and names reflecting their distinct personalities. Pets like these Tazy hounds are cherished family members for Yerimbetov, who takes great care of them and values their hunting abilities, treating them no differently than his own children.
