The Silken Windhound is a canine of remarkable elegance and speed, a graceful sighthound developed to be a loving and adaptable companion. With their soft, long-haired coats and gentle nature, this relatively new variety has quickly gained a loyal following. These are beautiful and affectionate animals, offering a perfect blend of athletic prowess and a calm, snuggly demeanor at home. This type of pet is truly a unique addition to any family looking for a graceful and loving animal.
All About This Graceful Sighthound
This graceful and elegant animal was developed in the United States. It is a relatively modern variety, created to be a versatile companion with a gentle temperament and beautiful, flowing coat. This canine has a unique combination of speed and show-ring beauty, making it a popular choice for families and enthusiasts of performance sports. These pets thrive on human companionship and are known to be very affectionate.
Vitals and Life Span
Height
18-23.5 inches
Weight
9-25 kg
Life Span
12-18 years
Group
Sighthound
Origin
United States
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Personality Traits
Ratings (1–5). This bright and social animal forms strong bonds with its people. These are the key characteristics for this type of canine.
History and Origins of the Silken Windhound
The history of this line is a modern story of dedicated breeding. This sighthound was developed in the United States during the late 1980s by Francie Stull. She aimed to create a smaller animal with the gentle nature and long coat of a Borzoi, combined with the smaller size and athletic build of a Whippet. This deliberate mix led to the creation of the first Silken. The first litter was whelped in 1985, marking the start of this elegant canine’s journey.
Foundation (1980s)
Francie Stull begins the work of creating a new type of canine, aiming for a small, long-haired sighthound with a great temperament. The original program combined Borzoi and Whippet lines.
The First Litter (1985)
The very first litter is whelped. The foundation lines included the beautiful, graceful Borzoi and the speedy Whippet, resulting in an animal that was both beautiful and fast.
1999: ISWS Formed
The International Silken Windhound Society (ISWS) is formed and standards are adopted, laying the groundwork for formal recognition and management. The studbook was closed and DNA verification began in 2000.
2011: UKC Recognition
On March 18, 2011, the UKC officially recognizes this variety, allowing it to compete in sanctioned show and performance events. While still not recognized by the AKC, they have a devoted following.
Physical Characteristics
This is an elegant and athletic sighthound with a distinctive look that sets them apart. Their most prominent feature is their beautiful, long-haired coat, which is soft and silky. This is a medium-sized canine with a streamlined build designed for speed and agility. Their graceful physique is a testament to their heritage.
Coat and Color
One of the most defining characteristics is the long, flowing, silky coats. The coat can be slightly wavy and has a soft texture, without being overly thick. They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including solid colors, particolors, and brindles. Grooming is necessary to keep the fur in good condition.
Build and Size
This is a medium-sized animal, weighing between 35-55 lbs. Males typically stand between 18.5 and 23.5 inches at the shoulder, with females slightly smaller. Their streamlined and athletic build allows them to reach impressive speeds. Their graceful appearance is a trademark of the variety.
Understanding Temperament
The temperament of a Silken is what makes this a wonderful companion. They are known for their gentle and biddable nature. They are truly companion animals that thrive on being close to their human families. Their personality is often described as serene indoors, but playful outdoors. This personality is perfect for families that can provide plenty of love. They are great with children and other pets.
💖 Affectionate and Loyal
These are true love bugs. They love nothing more than to curl up on the sofa with their humans. These animals will follow you from room to room just to be near you, a testament to their loyal nature.
🧠 Intelligent and Eager to Please
This variety is highly intelligent and very eager to please, which makes them easy to train. They respond best to positive reinforcement. Their biddable nature makes them a great choice for new owners. You’ll find that training one is a rewarding experience.
🚨 Sighthound Instincts
As a true sighthound, they possess a strong prey drive. They were developed to chase small game by sight, and this instinct remains strong. They should never be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas.
👨👩👧👦 Gentle Family Companion
Their gentle and patient disposition makes this an excellent family pet. They are known for being patient with children and other animals, provided that early socialization has been a priority. They’re suitable for many types of families.
Training & Socialization
Training is typically a pleasant experience. This type of canine is known for being intelligent and eager to please. They respond well to positive, reward-based training methods. Early socialization is crucial for a pup to grow into a confident, well-adjusted adult. Exposing your young one to a variety of new sights, sounds, and people is essential. These intelligent animals excel at various sports, including lure coursing and agility.
💡 Key Training Tips
Use Positive Reinforcement: This is a sensitive pet that responds best to praise and treats. Harsh corrections are not effective.
Provide Mental Stimulation: An intelligent animal needs a mental workout. Puzzle toys can prevent boredom.
Safety First: Due to their strong chase instinct, it’s essential to train them to be reliable on a leash and only allow them to run freely in fenced areas.
Start Early: Begin training and socialization as soon as you bring your new pup home.
A reliable harness and leash are non-negotiable for a sighthound. Their powerful chase instinct means you need a secure and comfortable way to manage them on walks, ensuring they can’t slip away if something catches their eye. This is a key part of responsible ownership for this type of canine.
PAYTON PERRY Customized Dog Harness and Leash
Perfect for sighthounds with strong chase instincts who need secure control during walks. A harness prevents neck strain and offers better control.
View on AmazonHealth Considerations
These animals are generally healthy with a long lifespan of 12-18 years. However, like all dog breeds, they can be prone to certain conditions. Responsible breeding practices and genetic screening can help minimize these risks. One of the most significant common health concerns is a genetic mutation called MDR1, which can cause a severe reaction to certain veterinary medicines. Another is inherited eye conditions, like CEA (Collie Eye Anomaly). Regular check-ups are vital.
🟡 Moderate Concerns
MDR1 (Multi-Drug Resistance 1): This genetic mutation can cause an adverse reaction to certain common medicines. A simple cheek swab can test for this gene.
CEA (Collie Eye Anomaly): This is an inherited eye disease that can affect vision. Breeders should screen their animals for this condition.
General Care
General care involves a combination of grooming, exercise, and mental stimulation. Their long, silky coats require regular attention to prevent matting. A thorough grooming session two to three times per week is usually sufficient. This is a very active and playful animal that requires daily exercise. A brisk walk or a chance to run in a safely fenced area is essential. They cannot be trusted off-leash due to their strong prey drive, so providing access to secure areas is critical.
Exercise Requirements
Daily Activity
These canines need a mix of moderate-intensity activities like brisk walks and opportunities for off-leash running in safe, fenced areas. This helps to satisfy their natural instincts.
Mental Stimulation
As intelligent animals, it’s important to keep them mentally engaged with training, puzzle toys, and games. This helps to prevent boredom and keeps their minds sharp.
Grooming Your Silken
Their beautiful, long coat requires routine brushing to keep it tangle-free. It’s important to brush regularly to remove loose fur and prevent mats, especially behind the ears and on the legs.
A quality grooming brush is the most important tool for any owner. It’s essential for maintaining their silky, flowing coat and preventing uncomfortable matting. Regular brushing keeps their coat healthy and looking its best.
MalsiPree Pet Grooming Brush for Dogs/Cats
This versatile brush is perfect for managing the long coat. It effectively removes tangles and loose undercoat, preventing mats and keeping their hair silky.
View on AmazonNutrition & Diet
Proper nutrition is vital to the health of these animals. It’s important to choose high-quality food that meets their needs at every life stage. Portion control is essential to prevent obesity. For guidance, you can also review a list of the Top 10 Dry Dog Food.
Feeding Guidelines
- Puppies: A young pup should be fed multiple small meals throughout the day with a formula for young canines.
- Adults: An adult should be fed one to two meals per day. The amount will depend on their size, metabolism, and activity level.
- Seniors: As this type of canine ages, its metabolism may slow. Switching to a senior formula can help manage weight.
Finding a Puppy
Because this is a relatively new type of canine, it can be hard to find a young one. It’s important to connect with the International Silken Windhound Society (ISWS), which can provide a list of reputable sources. A good breeder will prioritize health and temperament and will be happy to answer your questions. While it is rare to find a purebred in a shelter, you may find one through a sighthound rescue organization.
Rescuing a Silken
- A Rare Find: It’s unlikely to find a purebred in a shelter. Your best bet is to contact the ISWS or a sighthound rescue.
- Save a Life: Rescuing an animal is a rewarding experience and provides a home for a pet in need.
Finding a Reputable Source
- Research: Find a reputable source through the ISWS and make sure they screen for common health concerns.
- Patience: You may be placed on a waiting list for a young pup. Be prepared to wait for a quality provider.
Consider rescue first — you can save a life and find a wonderful companion!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Silken Windhound?
This is a medium-sized sighthound developed in the United States. They are known for their elegant appearance, long-haired silky coats, and gentle temperament, making them wonderful companions.
Are they good with families and children?
Yes, these animals are known for their patient nature, making them excellent family pets. Their affectionate personality means they thrive on human companionship and form strong bonds with all members of the household.
How much exercise does one need?
This type of canine requires daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. This includes a mix of brisk walks and opportunities to run freely in securely fenced areas. They are adaptable and can be content with regular activity, but their instincts mean they crave a good run.
Do these sighthounds have a strong prey drive?
Like most sighthounds, these animals have a strong prey drive. They are quick and agile and may chase small creatures. For this reason, it’s crucial to always keep them on a leash when not in a secure area.
What is the cost of a puppy?
The cost for a young one can vary widely depending on the breeder, pedigree, and location. It’s important to budget for this initial cost as well as ongoing veterinary care, high-quality food, and other supplies over the animal’s life. A reputable source can provide an estimate.
Making the Right Choice
This animal is a true companion that offers a unique combination of elegance and grace with a gentle, loving personality. They are excellent for families and individuals who can provide them with the love, training, and exercise they need. While a young pup may be difficult to find due to their rarity, the journey is rewarding. This type of sighthound truly shines as a devoted member of the family.
