Taigans help protect livestock from wolves that cause major losses. These are not ordinary puppies. They are Kyrgyz Taigans. Every sprint and sharp turn made by these eight-month-old dogs is part of their training. In the past, our ancestors trained hunting dogs using live prey, but today Taigans are trained with specially prepared hides.
Erkin Iskender uulu, Taigan breeder:
We train young puppies this way to develop their speed and hunting skills. In the past, our ancestors used to train them on wild animals. Today, in order to protect wildlife, we train them using hides. The Taigan is a heritage passed down to us from our ancestors.
Erkin Iskender uulu lives in a mountainous area at an altitude of 2,200 metres above sea level. Here, encounters with wolves and jackals are common, and attacks by predators can cause significant losses to livestock owners. For this reason, Taigans are not only valued as a cultural heritage and hunting companion, but also play an important role in protecting livestock from predators.
Erkin Iskender uulu, Taigan breeder:
We raise livestock, so we need Taigans. There are many wolves and jackals in this area. In a single winter, they can kill 15–16 head of livestock. When you calculate the losses, they can amount to millions of soms. Taigans help us protect our animals from these predators.
At Erkin’s yard, there are currently seven Taigans. He has already given three of them to his younger brothers.
Erkin Iskender uulu, Taigan breeder:
From a very young age, Taigans sould be raised alongside sheep and goats. Otherwise, they may chase and even bite livestock when the animals start running. Such incidents have happened before. Taigans have a very strong bite, which is why proper training and socialization are essential from an early age.
The Kyrgyz Taigan has its own unique qualities. Breeders pay attention to its body structure, speed, courage, and hunting abilities. To keep his dogs in top condition, Erkin feeds them meat throughout the year, regardless of the season, purchasing it himself and ensuring they receive proper care and nutrition.
Erkin Iskender uulu, Taigan breeder:
I mostly feed them raw meat, even with the skin on. We also prepare jarma, a traditional Kyrgyz barley drink, and give them milk. I bring the meat from the district center, which is about forty kilometers away. My wife often jokes that I take better care of my Taigans than I do of her.
The Kyrgyz Taigan has not lost its importance even today. However, Erkin believes that greater efforts are needed to preserve this valuable breed and ensure that it is passed on to future generations.
Erkin Iskender uulu, Taigan breeder:
I would not say that the Kyrgyz Taigan is being neglected. However, stronger support would certainly help. In Kazakhstan, they are being showcased at international exhibitions and even promoted for UNESCO recognition. If more competitions and events were organized here, more young people would take an interest in Taigans and their preservation.
Since ancient times, the revered Taigans have served as helpers to herders and companions to hunters. They are an ancient and valuable breed of animals.