Use of Morphometric Variables for Differentiating Breed Variations in Turkish Tazi (Sighthound) Population.

Tazi is a Turkish sighthound breed that has not yet been officially recognized by the world canine organization - Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). Research and analysis of morphometric parameters are required in order to write an official breed standard and recognize this breed. Previous research on this sighthound breed has shown only average values of individual morphological parameters and differences in them depending on gender, age or place of origin. However, the premise of this research is that there are several different varieties of Tazi, depending on the proportions of the body. Measurement results of 19 morphometric parameters showed that there are statistically significant differences between three sub-populations of Tazi, one with a format index greater than 100, the other with a format index less than 100 and third with a format index equal to 100. Such results are significant for setting the official breed standard in which the proportions of the body characteristic of this breed should be emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]