Genetic diversity and population structure of the Taigan dog breed

The Taigan is an ancient sighthound breed native to the Tien Shan Mountains in Kyrgyzstan and adapted to hunting at high altitudes and in rough terrain. Previous studies have provided insights into its phylogenetic relationships, but more data are needed to determine whether the Taigan is genetically distinct from related sighthounds. In the present study, we conducted a comprehensive genetic analysis using short tandem repeat markers and high-density single nucleotide polymorphism array data to assess genetic diversity, population structure and differentiation from other sighthound breeds. The analysis showed high polymorphism and an excess of heterozygosity (F = -0.013), indicating a balanced genetic structure. Bayesian clustering identified five genetic clusters among the Taigans, with no dominant lineage, suggesting a diverse gene pool. Principal component analysis and admixture analyses assigned the Taigan to the eastern sighthound group, closely clustered with the Kazakh Tazy. A pairwise F_ST analysis showed only 17 highly divergent single nucleotide polymorphisms. This number is significantly lower than in recognized and well-differentiated breed pairs and suggests that genetic differentiation between Kazakh Tazy and Taigan breeds is minimal under current sampling conditions. Further studies with larger data sets are needed to determine the genetic divergence between the Taigan and the Kazakh Tazy.