Preservation and restoration of the endemic breed of the Kyrgyz borzoi, known as the taigan, has major historical and ethnographical significance. This breed of hunting dog, whose bloodline can be traced to a group of eastern borzoi, originated from the time of antiquity and served the early nomadic people of the mountains. For these early people, existence was based on raising cattle and hunting as a supplement. Hunting provided additional nourishment. And the harvest of fur provided the currency for trade and barter for all the essentials that the nomads did not produce themselves: grain, cloth, spices. In the absence of powerful and efficient hunting arms, the aid of the dog was most necessary for this task. The contribution of the taigan was not only as a proficient hunter of game animals, but also its tenacity in destroying wolfs, a direct threat to cattle raising. So, the taigan served its human master in major aspects of his survival.

The importance of the dog to the nomad people demanded strict breeding, to foster qualities essential for the harsh conditions of existence. The mountain nomads needed very hardy, unpretentious, exceptionally maneuverable dogs with more tenacity than the wolf. Hence, through selection of the borzoi, the unique pedigree of the taigan was developed and its qualities were speed, endurance, maneuverability, loyalty, ferocity to win, and adaptability to the high mountains.

With advances in agriculture and firearms, the population of taigan began to decline. This in part is a reflection of the transformation of the nomad to a more settled existence; the abandonment of taigans by their human breeders, and occasional localized campaigns to exterminate stray dogs.

Though cattle farming in Kyrgyzstan remains in distant, mountainous districts, the descent of the farmer in to the valley for the winter poses a conflict to the taigan. In the low lands, the taigan is less needed, and unable to cope with the modern life. Condemned to cages and chains, a dog once free is placed under shock and distress. When before it could roam for great distances in the mountains, in settlements it is confined to short and leashed walks at best. In the mountains where the taigan is the essential partner of man in the mountains, in the city the taigan is a burden, requiring high maintenance.

All borzois are able to secrete large amounts of adrenaline very quickly. This explains their explosive nature, especially that of the taigan. Adrenaline must be spent constantly to avoid high levels. In the absence of activity, heightened irritability and sometimes depression are the consequences. Constant and long walks become a requirement for the maintenance of the animal in the city, while freedom was its caregiver during its life with the mountain nomad.

Accordingly, it is important to rely on the breeding knowledge of the nomads. Unique breeds of domestic animals have been produced by nomads. For example, Arab and Agaltekinsky fast horses, almost all borzoi dogs, etc.

Generally, nomads had two breeds of dogs to suit two separate purposes: 1) for hunting, 2) for guarding and shepherding. The first dog helped to acquire essentials- meat, furs, etc- and to also kill harmful beasts – wolfs, big wild cats, jackals. The second kind of dog guarded the herds and helped to find lost domestic animals. The first kind of dog is borzoi and the second dog is the sheep dog. Almost every nomadic people had these breeds. For example, Kyrgyz people have the Kyrgyz borzoi taigan and the Kyrgyz sheep dog.

The taigan is a national treasure, bequeathed to us from our great ancestors. The taigan is celebrated in many legends and national stories. In the epos “Manas, which has existed for more than 1000 years, there is mention of the taigan as an entirely developed breed. And also the taigan is found in ancient Chinese, Arabic, and Western sources. There is no doubt about the antiquity and historical significance of this breed.

Migration of the Kyrgyz was very long and wide (around all of Central Asia and Siberia). Accordingly, breeding of dogs had to conform to constantly changing conditions. The taigan absorbed very many good qualities of borzoi dogs. There are unique and universal traits of all borzoi. Taigan, however, also has qualities which other borzoi do not have. These additional qualities are adaptability to the high-mountains and the ability to be trained, as well as intellectual sociability with people. Since cattle farming presupposes wide pastures with sparse population, people began to choose clever dogs for the purpose of social companionship. The taigan is very smart dog and has great psychological compatibility with people.

Kyrgyz people love and appreciate the taigan. For all my life, I have never heard any criticism about the taigan from hunters and cattle farmers. Every Kyrgyz man will defend the merits of the taigan. If you say to a Kyrgyz that taigan is a useless dog, you will not befriend him.

During difficult times of hunger and catastrophe, the taigan was a reliable helper and acquirer. The taigan doubles the productivity of the hunt. When in its own environment, the taigan requires little maintenance. It is capable of catching its own food, even wild fowl. The taigan is also discerning, able to understand what kind of game is necessary to give to its human master and what he prefers to eat. This quality has been nurtured through the ages.

Lately the taigan has been the target of much stock-jobbing, which harms the breed. There are various clubs, nurseries, and paid pedigree hunts, all on commercial basis. We are not against commerce, as long as it does not harm and dilute the breed. The main source of this harm comes from the export of taigan, mainly through illegal channels, and the emergence of dogs abroad that are no longer pure-breeds. Worse yet is the claim by dilettantes who pose these mixed-breeds as true taigans. Some people explain the disappearance of the breed as stemming from the absence of tribal breeding and corresponding documentation. This is not true. Currently, in Kyrgyzstan there is a sanctioned framework: Republic Cinologic council, section of tribal dog-breeding, regional sub-sections of pedigree hunting dog-breeding. This framework places the breeding of tribal dogs under strict control. This has been the Republic’s response to defend the breed, and to preserve its pedigree standard.

Since 1994, there is decree that imposes controls on the export of taigan. This is breed unique and endemically. We are not against spreading of pure breed dogs. Since there are very few specialists in this area, it is necessary to prohibit contraband export. To export the taigan, one must now obtain permission of state and with consideration of breed development. On 18 June 1998, Kyrgyzstan adopted “Law concerning introduction in action of code Kyrgyz Republic about administrative activity”. In Part II of this law, chapter 15, Article 156 announces “Violation of rules due to breeding, maintenance and acquisition of Kyrgyz taigan .... which involves administrative fine from one to five minimum pays”.

The breed taigan has great significance in the history and culture of Kyrgyzstan. We are not against cooperation, but we must defend our national treasure against dilettantism and avidity of contraband. If someone poses cross-breed as pure-breed, they are in violation of the law. This article has been intended as an introduction to the taigan. Later articles will familiarize the reader with greater detail.