Silken Windhound

The Silken Windhound has a uniquely traceable origin, unlike most breeds. In the 1970s, Francie and Chuck Stull of Kristull Kennels identified a gap in the sighthound family and created this breed. By combining folklore research with genetics, they developed a small, longhaired sighthound that’s smaller than a Borzoi but larger than a Whippet, with soft, flowing fur.

Silken Windhounds are small to medium-sized, standing 18-23 inches tall and weighing 33-55 pounds for males, with females slightly lighter. They feature a long muzzle, triangular ears, a slender, aerodynamic body, a deep chest, and a gracefully curved tail.

Known for their friendly and playful nature, Silkens make excellent companions. They are gentle with children and adapt well to living with other dogs and cats when socialized. However, their prey drive makes them unsuitable housemates for smaller animals like rabbits.

These intelligent, trainable dogs excel in activities like obedience, agility, and sports that involve running and chasing. Regular exercise, such as walks or runs, is essential to meet their energy needs, and they thrive in various living environments as long as they stay active.

Silken Windhounds generally live longer than many breeds, often reaching 14-20 years. They are healthy dogs, but regular vet checkups and vaccinations are important for early detection of potential issues.

Despite their luxurious coats, grooming is manageable. Brushing a few times a week prevents tangles and keeps their coat looking its best. Silkens are affectionate and adaptable, making them a delightful choice for dog lovers.

Discover The Charm Of The Silken Windhound Breed

Are you searching for a medium-sized dog with a gentle heart and playful nature? The Silken Windhound might just be the perfect addition to your family. Known for their silky coats, they bring elegance and charm while being wonderful companions.

Yet, many people still don’t know much about this unique breed’s history or traits.

The Silken Windhound is an American sighthound loved for its affectionate personality and beauty. This breed has roots tracing back to Austin, Texas, where it was first developed. Recognized by the United Kennel Club, these dogs thrive in family environments and even perform well in dog sports like lure coursing.

Key Takeaways

• The Silken Windhound, developed in Austin, Texas by Francie Stull in 1985, is a medium-sized sighthound known for its silky coat and gentle personality.
• Recognized by the UKC since 2011, this breed excels as excellent family pets and in dog sports like lure coursing.
• Common health concerns include hip dysplasia, cataracts, bloat, deafness, and ivermectin sensitivity (MDR1 gene). Regular vet care ensures their lifespan of middle to late teens.
• Weekly brushing keeps their coats healthy; they shed less than larger sighthounds like Borzoi and need minimal grooming.
• They adapt well to families with children or pets but require daily exercise and early socialization due to their prey drive.

History and Origin of the Silken Windhound

Transitioning from the introduction, it’s fascinating to explore how the Silken Windhound became the captivating breed it is today. This medium-sized sighthound, known for its elegance, speed, and gentle temperament, traces its roots to a visionary effort by Francie Stull in Austin, Texas.

The Vision Behind the Breed

In the 1980s, Francie Stull, founder of Kristull Kennel, sought to create a unique sighthound that combined the agility and grace of larger breeds like the Borzoi with the versatility and approachable size of smaller breeds like the Whippet. Her goal was to develop a breed that not only possessed remarkable physical beauty but also a friendly and adaptable temperament suitable for family life.

Read More: Understanding Purebred Dogs

The First Litter: A New Beginning

A relatively new breed, the first Silken Windhound litter was born in 1985 at Kristull Kennel, marking the beginning of a new chapter in sighthound history. These early dogs laid the foundation for the breed’s refined traits, including their long, flowing coats, aerodynamic build, and warm, engaging personalities. Careful selection and breeding practices ensured that these qualities became hallmarks of the breed.

Establishing Standards and Promoting the Breed

To safeguard the breed’s integrity and promote its growth, the International Silken Windhound Society (ISWS) was established in 1999. The ISWS played a critical role in defining breed standards and guiding the development of healthy and well-rounded Silkens.

In its early years, controlled outcrossing was used to strengthen the genetic health of the breed, ensuring diversity and minimizing hereditary issues. By 2000, the ISWS officially closed the studbooks, marking a pivotal step toward establishing a distinct and stable breed.

Read More: Understanding Dog Clubs

Recognition and Global Popularity

The Silken Windhound achieved a significant milestone on March 18, 2011, when it was officially recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC). This recognition solidified the breed’s status and opened new opportunities for showcasing Silkens in dog shows and competitions.

Although the United kennel club recognized the breed, the American kennel club has not yet officially recognized the breed. Read more: Dog breeds not recognized by the AKC

Today, Silken Windhounds are beloved around the world, with representatives of the breed found in over 24 countries. Their combination of elegance, athleticism, and affectionate nature has made them cherished companions and admired competitors in various canine sports and activities.

The Legacy of the Silken Windhound

The journey of the Silken Windhound reflects the vision, dedication, and passion of its founder and the breed’s enthusiasts. From its humble beginnings in Austin, Texas, to its recognition on a global stage, the Silken Windhound continues to win hearts with its unique charm and enduring appeal.

A dream realized by thoughtful breeding transformed into a beloved global sighthound.

Physical Characteristics of the Silken Windhound

The Silken Windhound is a graceful and athletic breed, renowned for its stunning appearance and well-balanced proportions. Its physical characteristics reflect its sighthound heritage, combining elegance with functionality to create a versatile and agile companion.

Size and Build

Silken Windhounds are small to medium-sized dogs, with a refined yet sturdy build that exudes both strength and elegance. They typically stand 18 to 23 inches tall at the withers and weigh between 33 and 55 pounds for males, with females slightly lighter. Their slender, aerodynamic frames are built for speed and endurance, making them ideal for activities requiring agility and precision.

Head and Facial Features

The Silken Windhound’s head is long and elegant, with a slightly tapered muzzle that gives it a refined, aristocratic appearance. Their almond-shaped eyes are expressive and bright, often reflecting their gentle and intelligent nature. Triangular ears, set high on the head, can either fold back against the neck or stand semi-erect when the dog is alert, adding to their charm.

Coat and Fur Texture

One of the most striking features of the Silken Windhound is its long, silky coat, which is soft to the touch and flows gracefully as they move. The coat is moderately dense, providing protection against various weather conditions without being overly heavy. It comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, ranging from solid shades to intricate combinations, making each Silken unique.

Body Structure

The breed’s body is built for speed and agility, with a deep chest that provides ample lung capacity and a pronounced abdominal tuck that enhances their aerodynamic silhouette. Their backs are slightly arched, adding to their sighthound lineage’s distinct elegance. The limbs are long and lean yet muscular, enabling swift, graceful movement.

Tail

The Silken Windhound’s tail is another distinctive feature, long and feathered with soft hair. It is carried low when at rest but curves slightly outward toward the tip, adding a touch of elegance to their overall profile.

Movement and Gait

Silken Windhounds possess a light, effortless gait that reflects their athleticism and agility. Their movements are smooth and flowing, whether sprinting at full speed or gliding through a casual trot.

Aesthetic Appeal

Overall, the Silken Windhound’s physical characteristics perfectly balance beauty and function. Their luxurious coat, graceful build, and expressive features make them as visually captivating as they are agile and athletic, embodying the essence of sighthound elegance.

Temperament and Personality

Silken Windhounds are gentle dogs with affectionate and playful personalities. They love family activities and thrive in homes filled with warmth. Known for being well-mannered, they adapt easily to family life.

Many Silkens enjoy competitive obedience, therapy work, or playing flyball due to their quick learning ability. Despite their strong prey drive, proper socialization training from a young age helps them coexist peacefully with other pets like small animals.

These medium-sized dogs have soulful eyes that reflect their kind nature. Silken Windhounds usually remain calm indoors but require daily exercise to balance their energy level. Their friendly temperament makes them favored pets among families and first-time puppy buyers alike.

They often form strong bonds with children and show patience during playtime while staying lively yet considerate companions at dog parks or at home with other sighthound cousins like the Borzoi owners may already adore.

Health Considerations

Their gentle temperament comes with a need for proper health monitoring. Common health issues in this breed include cryptorchidism, umbilical hernia, lotus syndrome, cataracts, and deafness.

Rare conditions like hip dysplasia and bloat may also occur but remain less frequent. They can sometimes inherit ivermectin sensitivity due to the MDR1 gene mutation.

Community efforts among breeders actively track these concerns. This medium-sized dog breed has an impressive lifespan ranging from the middle to late teens. Routine veterinary care helps detect early signs of potential problem.

Common Concerns

Silken Windhounds are typically healthy, but some health concerns can affect them. Early awareness helps owners provide better care for their dogs.

1. Hip dysplasia affects this breed and may cause mobility issues. Regular veterinary check-ups help manage it early.
2. Bloat is a risk due to their deep chests, which requires immediate vet attention if symptoms occur. Feeding smaller meals can reduce the chance of bloat.
3. Sensitivity to Ivermectin caused by the MDR1 gene is common in Silken Windhounds. Testing for this gene helps plan safe medication use.
4. Cryptorchidism, where one or both testicles fail to descend, is possible in male pups and might need surgery for correction.
5. Umbilical hernias sometimes appear at birth but often resolve naturally or require minor surgery if persistent.
6. Congenital conditions like lotus syndrome may rarely appear but require specialized care when present.
7. Deafness and cataracts have been documented in some cases and can impact their quality of life without proper management or care plans provided by veterinarians.

Regular check-ups with a trusted vet ensure these concerns receive prompt attention before serious complications arise!

Lifespan

A Silken Windhound typically lives into their middle to late teens. This makes them one of the longer-lived dog breeds, with proper care and attention playing a key role in their longevity.

The breed benefits from active health monitoring within its community. Regular veterinary medicine checkups help reduce potential health risks and manage common concerns early.

Training and Trainability of the Silken Windhound

The Silken Windhound is an intelligent and eager-to-please breed, making training a generally positive experience. Their sighthound heritage means they are independent thinkers, so training should focus on consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement techniques. Reward-based methods using treats, praise, and play work best to keep them engaged and motivated.

While they are quick learners, Silkens can sometimes become bored with repetitive tasks. Incorporating variety into training sessions—such as agility exercises or obedience games—keeps their minds active and prevents monotony. Early socialization is crucial to help them adapt to various environments and interact confidently with other animals and people.

Silken Windhounds excel in activities like lure coursing, agility, and rally obedience, showcasing their athleticism and responsiveness. With proper guidance, they can master commands and thrive as well-mannered companions in any setting.

Read More: Crate Training 101

Exercise and Socialization

Building on proper training, regular exercise keeps this medium-sized breed happy and healthy. Silken Windhounds enjoy moderate activity like daily walks or playtime in secure areas.

They also need space to sprint occasionally since most sighthounds love chasing things. A backyard works well, but they can adapt to apartment living with consistent outdoor time. Keeping them active prevents boredom and destructive behavior.

Socialization training during puppyhood is crucial for a well-mannered adult dog. Exposing them to different people, other dogs, and various environments helps prevent shyness. These efforts shape adaptable pets that interact calmly with children, other animals, or busy settings.

Training sessions combining short obedience drills or games enrich their social growth while stimulating their sharp minds too.

Read More: Puppy Socialization Checklist

Living with a Silken Windhound

Silken Windhounds thrive in homes that balance comfort with outdoor activities. These medium-sized dogs love running in open spaces but also enjoy relaxing indoors. They adapt well to families, especially those who share their active lifestyle.

Their gentle temperament makes them perfect for children, fostering strong bonds through play and cuddles. Unlike larger sighthounds like Borzoi, they require less space and maintenance.

Their behavior around other pets is typically calm as long as they receive socialization training early. While affectionate companions, Silken Windhounds may chase things due to their sighthound instincts.

Daily exercise keeps them happy and prevents boredom-related issues. A secure yard or regular walks ensures a stress-free environment for this well-mannered breed.

Best Environment

These dogs adapt well to small apartments with proper exercise. Daily walks, combined with playtime, can meet their high energy needs. A fenced yard offers them space to run freely but isn’t necessary for thriving.

They thrive in calm households due to their gentle nature. Regular interaction fosters trust and builds social skills. Their medium-sized frame makes them ideal for homes of all sizes.

Behavior towards Children

Silken Windhounds thrive in family settings and often form strong bonds with children. Their affectionate and gentle nature makes them well-suited for homes with kids. They display positive behaviors, like wagging tails and relaxed body language, which indicate their comfort around little ones.

Early socialization is key to ensuring smooth interactions and teaching proper play habits.

These medium-sized dogs show patience while playing but should always be supervised around very young children due to their energetic bursts. Silken Windhound loves engaging as companion animals and can also shine as therapy dogs because of their calm demeanor.

Regular exposure to a variety of situations helps nurture these traits further, making them ideal for households with growing families.

Behavior towards other Pets

These medium-sized dogs have a milder prey drive compared to other sighthounds. This makes them excellent for homes with other pets, including cats or smaller animals. Proper socialization early on ensures they remain well-mannered in multi-pet households.

Regular exercise and consistent training help maintain their sociable behavior around other members of the household. They adapt easily to mixed breed families due to their gentle temperament and calm nature.

Grooming Needs

Silken Windhounds require weekly brushing to keep their silky coats free from tangles and matting. Their grooming needs are minimal, as they are typically clean dogs by nature. A pin or slicker brush works well for maintaining their medium-length fur and preserving its shine.

Unlike other breeds with dense undercoats, this breed sheds less but benefits greatly from regular coat care. Their shorter-coated Whippet-like build also means fewer dirt-and-debris issues compared to larger Borzoi types.

Maintain ear cleanliness and check nails monthly to ensure overall hygiene.

Nutrition and Feeding

Plan meals for a medium-sized Silken Windhound based on its energy levels. This breed often has average-to-high exercise needs, so choose a diet that supports this activity. High-quality dry kibble with lean protein sources like chicken or fish works well.

Include essential fats and fiber to maintain digestive health.

Consulting a veterinarian is important to address specific feeding needs or any existing health problems. Puppies from the first litter may require food formulated for growth, while adults need balanced portions to prevent overfeeding.

Avoid diets meant for smaller breeds like the shorter-coated Whippet, as they may not meet nutritional requirements fully recognized by major kennel clubs such as the United Kennel Club.

Where to find a Silken Windhound Puppy

The International Silken Windhound Society (ISWS) maintains a trusted breeder list. This resource includes breeders like 24K Silken Windhounds, Aeracura Silken Windhounds, and Amethyst Silken Windhounds.

Rescue organizations also offer opportunities to adopt these medium-sized dogs. Contact a rescue group specializing in windhound breeds for available options. Choose wisely by researching both breeders and rescues thoroughly before deciding to bring one home.

Dog Breeds Similar to the Silken Windhound

Some dog breeds share traits with the Silken Windhound in appearance and personality. These sighthounds are known for their agility, grace, and gentle nature.

1. Afghan Hound
   Afghan Hounds have long, flowing coats like Silken Windhounds but are larger. Both breeds show elegance and a calm demeanor indoors.
2. Borzoi
   Borzois resemble Silkens in their slender build and hunting instincts. They grow taller than Silkens but also adapt well to home life.
3. Whippet
   Whippets share a medium-sized frame and athleticism with this breed. They have shorter coats but remain extremely powerful runners.
4. Greyhound
   Greyhounds match the Silken Windhound’s graceful look and speed. They weigh more yet display the same well-mannered temperament.

Conclusion

The Silken Windhound shines as a family-friendly and playful sighthound. Its silky coat, medium size, and gentle nature add to its appeal. With proper care, training, and love, this breed thrives in welcoming homes.

It suits active families or pet lovers seeking an affectionate companion. Explore resources like the ISWS or local breeders for more details about this charming dog!

FAQs

1. What is a Silken Windhound, and how does it differ from other breeds?

The Silken Windhound is a medium-sized dog known for its shorter coat, resembling a Whippet in appearance. It is well-mannered and recognized by the United Kennel Club but not yet by the American Kennel Club.

2. Are there specific health conditions to watch for with this breed?

Silken Windhounds are generally healthy dogs but may be prone to certain genetic health conditions. Regular check-ups can help maintain their overall well-being.

3. Who developed the Silken Windhound breed?

Francie Stull, founder of Kristull Kennel, created the Silken Windhound by carefully combining traits of sighthound breeds like Borzoi and Whippets to achieve their unique characteristics.

4. What defines the breed standard for Silken Windhounds?

The breed standard highlights their graceful build, shorter coat, medium size, and friendly temperament as key features that make them stand out among other sighthound types.