Researchers map genetic diversity and origin of Kazakh Tobet dog breed
On October 4, 2024, a team of researchers from Kazakhstan published a paper in Scientific Reports magazine aimed at studying the genetic diversity and origin of the Kazakh Tobet dog breed, Kazinform News Agency reports.

According to Kazakhstan’s Science and Higher Education Ministry, the study carried out at the Institute of Genetics and Physiology looks at the genetic diversity and origin of the Kazakh Tobet dog breed.
As earlier reported, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan signed the law on January 3, 2023, aimed at preserving Kazakh dog breeds, with a focus on global recognition of Tazy and Tobet breeds.
The study analyzed short tandem repeat data of 107 Kazakh Tobet dogs from different regions of Kazakhstan and Mongolia as well as whole genome sequencing data of two Kazakh Tobet dogs.
The results revealed the breed has a complex genetic structure characterized by seven different clusters, indicating a high genetic diversity of the Kazakh Tobet.
The neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree showed its common genetic origin with the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Turkish Akbash breed.
It was highlighted that the study’s results provide an important genetic basis for the ongoing efforts to improve the Kazakh Tobet breed, to ensure its preservation as an independent genetic lineage and to recognize the breed on an international level.
As earlier reported, Kazakhstan is to celebrate Tazy and Tobet Dogs Day on September 3.