Taigan Dog Basics

When you see the Taigan Dog for the first time, you may have difficulty distinguishing between this breed and other sighthounds like the Saluki or the Afghan Hound. This breed has the typical sighthound appearance with a slender build and long, narrow head and he also has the excellent stamina and endurance of a sighthound. This breed is able to achieve speeds up to 60 km/h and its hunting abilities are much more versatile than the average sighthound.

The Taigan Dog is a type of sighthound that can achieve speeds up to 60 km/h.

Origin

The origins of the Taigan Dog can be traced back to the indigenous people of Krgyzstan who used them for their hunting and guarding skills. Legend has it that the Taigan is descended from the mythical bird dog, hatching from an egg that was stolen from the next of the highland vulture known as Kumai. The puppy grew to become the savior of the indigenous people, rescuing them from the terror of the local wolves. The Taigan was thus declared a national treasure.

Pedigree

The exact origins of the Taigan Dog are unknown but it may share some of its heritage with other sighthound breeds like the Azawakh, Saluki, Afghan Hound, and the Sloughi.

The Taigan Dog is a gentle and even-tempered breed that would never intentionally harm anyone.

Food/Diet

As a medium- to large-breed dog, the Taigan Dog should be fed a high-quality dry food formulated for large breeds. The Taigan Dog is also a hunting breed with high energy levels, so he may respond well to an active or working breed formula.

Training

An intelligent breed, the Taigan generally responds well to training – particularly positive reinforcement training. This breed is naturally strong-willed and independent but can also become obedient when treated with respect. This is not the kind of dog that will tolerate Alpha Dog training. The Taigan can be used as a guard dog or watchdog and can also be trained for hunting.

Weight

The Taigan Dog is a large dog, standing 23 to 27 inches inches tall and weighing anywhere from 55 to 73 pounds at maturity. Males of the breed tend to be larger than females.

Temperament/Behavior

The Taigan Dog is a gentle and even-tempered breed that would never intentionally harm anyone, but they do not tolerate rough handling or disrespect. This breed is intelligent and independent, though he can form strong bonds with family. This dog generally gets along with other dogs but may chase cats and small household pets. The Taigan prefers older children, though some do perfectly well with children of all ages. Early socialization may help the Taigan to get along with cats and other pets.

Common Health Problems

The Taigan Dog is a fairly healthy dog by nature, though they are prone to certain health problems. Some of the health problems most likely to affect this breed include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, cancer, skin allergies, and food allergies. As a deep-chested breed, the Taigan Dog may also be prone to bloat and, as a hunting dog, may also be prone to muscle injuries.

Life Expectancy

The average lifespan for the Taigan Dog is between 11 and 13 years.

Exercise Requirements

The Taigan Dog has excellent stamina which is part of what makes it such a great hunting breed. These dogs need a great deal of daily exercise and will develop destructive tendencies if their exercise needs are not met. In addition to a long daily walk, the Taigan will appreciate having time and space to run in a fenced yard or open outdoor area.

An intelligent breed, the Taigan generally responds well to training.

Recognized Clubs

The Taigan Dog is not currently recognized by the AKC, nor by any other major breed clubs.

Coat

The Taigan Dog is similar to other sighthounds in appearance, having a slender build and a narrow head. This breed has a long, soft, and thick coat that develops a downy undercoat during the winter. The Taigan comes in a wide range of colors including black, white, grey, yellow, and brown, often with white marks intermixed.

Puppies

The average litter size for the Taigan Dog is likely similar to other sighthounds, around 6 to 8 puppies. Because the Taigan has a bit of an independent nature, early socialization and training for puppies is highly recommended. Taigan puppies tend to grow quickly but you should make an effort to control their growth so they do not develop musculoskeletal issues later in life. It is recommended that you feed your Taigan puppy a large-breed puppy formula until he almost reaches his adult height, then switch to a large-breed adult or working breed formula.

Photo credit: Julian Popov/Shutterstock; Anke van Wyk/Shutterstock