Tuvan shepherd dog (Tuvan guard dog or kadarchy yt) of the Tyva Republic

The purpose of the study is to assess the population of dogs of the Tuvan shepherd breed group of primitive aboriginal breeding, living in the Kyzyl, Kaa-Khem, Ulug-Khem and Mongun-Taiginsky kozhuuns of the Republic of Tuva to identify the most similar pedigree livestock and mestizos close to them in terms of breed. Tasks: 1) to obtain morphometric characteristics of dogs; 2) to give a visual description and assessment of dogs; 3) compare the obtained data with the standard of the Tuvan Shepherd Dog breed; 4) to give suggestions on the possibility of preserving the livestock. The study was conducted in the Republic of Tyva. The material for the work was morphometric measurements of dogs of this breed group obtained in 2018-2021. A total of 22 native dogs (14 males and 8 females) were examined and measured. The measurements were taken using standard methods and instruments. Each measurement was taken three times with an interval of one minute between measurements. The average value was considered the final result. An eye assessment and description were also given. Subsequently, the obtained characteristics were compared with the existing official standard of the Tuvan Shepherd Dog breed No. 1.54 WKU (dated February 11, 2014). The majority (75 %) of female Tuvan shepherd dogs of primitive aboriginal origin meet the established WKU standard. At the same time, 50 % of males have a height at the withers below the lower limit. Almost all lack pronounced sexual dimorphism. This can be explained by the lack of a balanced diet for dogs and the conditions in which they are kept. Also, the development of short stature is affected by the miscegenation of dogs and the lack of directed selection work with the available livestock. At present, in the Republic of Tyva, the main population of Tuva shepherd dogs living in shepherds' camps and in settlements of remote kuzhuuns of the republic does not meet the ISS breed standard (WKU). The solution to this issue could be the importation of breeding stock of dogs from private kennels into the republic and the conduct of purposeful painstaking selection work with this material.