Silken Windhound Dog Breed Information, Puppies & Breeders

Are you considering adding a Silken Windhound to your family as a pet? This breed is known for their graceful, elegant appearance and gentle, affectionate personality. Silken Windhounds are a relatively new breed, first developed in the 1980s, and are a cross between a Borzoi and a Whippet. They are a medium-sized dog, ranging from 18 to 30 pounds, and have a silky, soft coat that comes in a variety of colors. If you are looking for a loyal and loving companion who is also athletic and energetic, a Silken Windhound may be the perfect pet for you.

Breed Category: Hound
Country of Origin: United States
Average Size:46-60 cm
Average Weight:11-18 kg
Average Life Span: 12-14 years
Grooming Requirements: Moderate
Exercise Requirements:High

History and Origin

The Silken Windhound is a relatively new breed of dog that was developed in the United States in the 1980s. The breed was created by Francie Stull, who was looking to develop a sighthound that was smaller than the Greyhound but still had the grace and elegance of the breed. Stull began by crossing Borzoi, Whippet, and Sheltie breeds, and eventually developed the Silken Windhound.

The Silken Windhound is a small to medium-sized sighthound that stands between 18 and 23 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 25 and 65 pounds. The breed has a long, silky coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, white, cream, red, and blue. The Silken Windhound is known for its grace and elegance, as well as its speed and agility.

The Silken Windhound was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1999 and is now recognized by several other kennel clubs, including the American Kennel Club. The breed is still relatively rare, but it is gaining popularity among dog enthusiasts who appreciate its beauty and athleticism.

The Silken Windhound is a friendly and affectionate breed that is known for its loyalty and devotion to its owners. The breed is also intelligent and trainable, making it a good choice for obedience and agility competitions. The Silken Windhound is a relatively low-maintenance breed, requiring only occasional grooming to keep its coat looking silky and shiny.

The Silken Windhound is a healthy breed with few genetic health problems. However, like all breeds, it is important to choose a reputable breeder who screens their breeding stock for genetic health issues. The breed has a lifespan of between 12 and 15 years, and with proper care and nutrition, can live a long and healthy life.

In conclusion, the Silken Windhound is a beautiful and graceful breed that was developed in the United States in the 1980s. The breed is a sighthound that is smaller than the Greyhound but still possesses the elegance and speed of the breed. The Silken Windhound is a friendly and affectionate breed that is known for its loyalty and devotion to its owners. The breed is relatively low-maintenance and has few genetic health problems. With proper care and nutrition, the Silken Windhound can live

Size and Breed Category

The Silken Windhound is a breed of dog that is known for its slender and graceful appearance. They are classified as a small to medium-sized breed, with an average height of 18-24 inches and a weight of 25-55 pounds. Their body is lean and athletic, with a long and narrow head that tapers towards the nose. The Silken Windhound has a silky coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, white, cream, and red. They are a sighthound breed, which means they were originally bred for hunting and chasing prey. Despite their hunting background, they are now primarily kept as companion animals due to their affectionate and loyal nature.

The Silken Windhound is a member of the sighthound family, which includes breeds such as the Greyhound and Whippet. They are a relatively new breed, having been developed in the United States in the 1980s. The breed was created by crossing various sighthound breeds, including the Whippet, Borzoi, and Sheltie. The result is a breed that is both elegant and athletic, with a gentle and affectionate personality. The Silken Windhound is a versatile breed that excels in various activities, including lure coursing, agility, and obedience. They are also well-suited to apartment living, as they are a relatively quiet breed that does not require a lot of space to exercise.

Fur Length and Colour

The fur of the Silken Windhound is typically long and silky, with a fine texture that is soft to the touch. The length of the fur can vary depending on the individual dog, but it is generally longer around the neck, chest, and tail. The fur is also known for its natural shine, which gives the dog a sleek and elegant appearance.

The Silken Windhound can come in a variety of colours, including black, white, cream, red, and silver. Some dogs may also have markings or patterns on their fur, such as spots or stripes. The colour of the fur can also vary in intensity, with some dogs having a more muted or faded appearance, while others have a bold and vibrant colour. Overall, the fur of the Silken Windhound is a defining characteristic of the breed, and is often admired for its beauty and softness.

Termperament and Trainability

Silken Windhounds are known for their friendly and affectionate temperament. They are loyal and devoted to their owners, making them great family pets. They are also known to be good with children and other pets, making them a great addition to any household. However, they can be reserved with strangers and may require proper socialization to prevent shyness or fearfulness. Silken Windhounds are also known for their high energy levels and require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them highly trainable. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods and can excel in obedience, agility, and other dog sports. However, they can be sensitive and may require a gentle approach to training.

Silken Windhounds are generally easy to care for. They have a silky coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. They are a relatively healthy breed with few genetic health issues. However, they may be prone to certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and proper nutrition can help prevent these issues. Silken Windhounds are also known for their love of cuddling and may enjoy spending time on the couch with their owners. They are adaptable to different living situations and can do well in apartments or houses with yards. However, they may be prone to separation anxiety and may require proper training and socialization to prevent destructive behavior when left alone.

Known Health Conditions

Silken Windhounds are a breed that is generally healthy, but like all dogs, they are prone to certain health conditions. One of the most common health issues that Silken Windhounds face is hip dysplasia. This is a condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to arthritis and pain. It can be caused by genetics, poor nutrition, or injury. Silken Windhounds with hip dysplasia may have difficulty walking, running, or jumping. Treatment options include medication, physical therapy, and surgery.

Another health condition that Silken Windhounds may experience is eye problems. This breed is prone to developing cataracts, which can cause vision loss. Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, and can be caused by genetics, injury, or age. Other eye problems that Silken Windhounds may experience include progressive retinal atrophy, which can lead to blindness, and dry eye syndrome, which can cause discomfort and irritation. Treatment options for eye problems in Silken Windhounds may include medication, surgery, or lifestyle changes.

Openness to Strangers

Silken Windhounds are known for their friendly and welcoming nature towards strangers. They are a breed that is always eager to meet new people and make new friends. With their gentle and affectionate temperament, they are quick to warm up to anyone who shows them kindness and attention. Their open and sociable nature makes them a popular choice for families with children, as they are patient and gentle with kids of all ages. Silken Windhounds are also known for their loyalty and devotion to their owners, and will often follow them around wherever they go.

Despite their friendly nature, Silken Windhounds can be quite reserved and cautious around unfamiliar dogs. They are not aggressive by nature, but they prefer to take their time getting to know other dogs before they feel comfortable playing and socializing with them. This can make them a bit standoffish in dog parks or other social settings, but with proper socialization and training, they can learn to be more confident and outgoing around other dogs. Overall, Silken Windhounds are a loving and affectionate breed that thrives on human companionship and interaction. Their open and welcoming nature makes them a joy to be around, and they are sure to win the hearts of anyone they meet.

Playfulness Level

The Silken Windhound is a highly playful breed that loves to engage in various activities. They are known for their energetic and lively nature, making them a great companion for families with children. These dogs are always up for a game of fetch or a run in the park, and they thrive on physical activity. Their playful nature also makes them great at agility and obedience training, as they are eager to learn and please their owners. Overall, the Silken Windhound is a fun-loving breed that brings joy and excitement to any household.

Despite their playful nature, Silken Windhounds also have a calm and gentle side. They are affectionate dogs that love to cuddle and be close to their owners. This makes them great lap dogs, as they enjoy nothing more than snuggling up with their humans. However, they are also independent and can entertain themselves if necessary. They are not overly demanding and are happy to relax and take it easy when their owners are busy. Overall, the Silken Windhound is a well-rounded breed that combines playfulness with affection and independence.

Suitability as a Pet for Children

Silken Windhounds are a friendly and affectionate breed that can make great pets for children. They are known for their gentle nature and love to be around people. With proper training and socialization, Silken Windhounds can be great companions for kids. They are also relatively low-maintenance dogs, requiring only moderate exercise and grooming. Silken Windhounds are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. Overall, Silken Windhounds can be a great choice for families with children who are looking for a loyal and loving pet.

Exercise Needs

Silken Windhounds require a moderate amount of exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. As a sighthound breed, they have a natural instinct to chase and run, so regular opportunities to stretch their legs are important. A daily walk of at least 30 minutes is recommended, but they will also benefit from additional playtime in a secure, fenced area where they can run freely. Silken Windhounds also enjoy participating in activities such as lure coursing, agility, and obedience training, which provide both physical and mental stimulation. It is important to note that they are sensitive to extreme temperatures, so exercise should be adjusted accordingly in hot or cold weather.

In addition to physical exercise, Silken Windhounds also require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and training sessions can all provide mental challenges for this intelligent breed. They also thrive on human companionship and enjoy spending time with their owners, whether it be cuddling on the couch or going for a hike. Silken Windhounds are adaptable to different lifestyles, but they do best in homes where they have access to regular exercise and mental stimulation. With proper care and attention, they make loyal and loving companions.

Suitability for a Multi-Pet Family

Silken Windhounds have a gentle and friendly nature, making them a great companion for other pets in the household. They are known to be sociable and enjoy the company of other animals, including cats and dogs. Their calm and easy-going temperament allows them to adapt well to different environments and personalities. With proper socialization and training, Silken Windhounds can form strong bonds with other pets and become an integral part of the family.

Housing Requirements

Silken Windhounds require a living space that is large enough to accommodate their active nature. They need a minimum of 30 square meters of space to move around freely. The space should be well-ventilated and have enough natural light. The living area should be free from any sharp objects or hazardous materials that could harm the dog. Additionally, the living space should have a comfortable temperature, as Silken Windhounds are sensitive to extreme temperatures. They require a warm and cozy environment during the winter months and a cool and airy space during the summer months.

Silken Windhounds require a comfortable sleeping area that is separate from their living space. The sleeping area should be cozy and warm, with a comfortable bed that is large enough to accommodate their size. The bed should be made of soft and comfortable materials that provide adequate support for their joints. Additionally, the sleeping area should be free from any sharp objects or hazardous materials that could harm the dog. Silken Windhounds require a quiet and peaceful sleeping environment, away from any noise or distractions that could disturb their sleep.

Summary

Silken Windhounds make great pets for those who are looking for a loyal and affectionate companion. They are known for their gentle and calm nature, making them suitable for families with children or elderly individuals. They are also relatively low maintenance, requiring only moderate exercise and grooming. Additionally, their small size makes them ideal for apartment living. Overall, the Silken Windhound is a wonderful pet for those who are looking for a loving and easy-going companion.

Silken Windhound Dog FAQS