Silken Windhound Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Silken Windhound?

Unlike some other dogs, the Silken Windhound is a relatively new breed that has a relatively short history and origin. The first Silken Windhound litter is said to have been made by Francie Stull. He was a Borzoi breeder who decided that he wanted to create medium-sized dogs with silky coat that was easily maintained.

He crossed Whippets with Borzois, and in 1985, the first litter containing a Silken Windhound puppy was created. He continued to breed the Silken Windhound dog; however, it wasn't until 1998 that they were given their name. In 1999, the International Silken Windhound Society was formed, and in 2001, a breed standard was adopted.

The American kennel club has yet to recognise the new breed, but in 2011, the breed was recognized by the United kennel club. The popularity of the Silken Windhound has steadily increased throughout the years, and you see them at dog parks a lot more often.

Who are Silken Windhound dogs best for?

Silken Windhounds should be in a family that is ready to shower them with the same amount of love and affection that they will want to give back. They are high-energy dogs that love long walks, so if you don't think you will be able to find the time for this, then it might not be the right choice for you.

The Silken Windhound temperament has been described as being gentle and affectionate. They enjoy being around loved ones for as much time as possible and don't like being left alone for long periods of time.

They are also easily trained and respond well to positive reinforcement, and because they are very intelligent, they need a decent amount of mental stimulation daily. This means fun games and challenges that you can incorporate whilst training them to be obedient.

How much grooming does a Silken Windhound need?

They have long silky coats that can be in a variety of colours and patterns. Despite having such a luscious coat, they actually don't require a lot of regular maintenance to keep their shine. You will be pleased to know that Silken Windhounds don't actually shed a lot compared to other breeds.

This means that they only need to be brushed a few times a week to keep their dog hair silky smooth. Silken Windhounds enjoy exploring the outside world, which can mean they might get somewhat muddy on walks. You should give them a bath if they are very dirty; otherwise, a good wash once a month will suffice.

Do Silken Windhound bark much?

Silken Windhounds do not have a strong tendency to bark very often. They are an example of a dog breed that will opt for a friendly greeting instead of barking at strangers. This does not make them very good guard dogs, but it also means you won't be woken up in the night to your dog shouting at people in the streets.

Do Silken Windhound bite?

Silken Windhounds are not very aggressive dogs at all. It is very unlike for them to bite even if they are annoyed. Nevertheless, the best way to avoid biting ever becoming a habit is to train them when they are young to not bite.

What is the temperament & personality of a Silken Windhound?

The Silken Windhound has a gentle and loving temperament. They love to be around the people they consider family and become very attached. For this reason, it's best that they aren't left on their own for long periods of time. This can stress them out and all-around isn't good for their health.

They are good at adapting to different lifestyles and can live happily in smaller homes and even apartments. As long as they get the daily exercise they require, they will be happy to snuggle up on the couch for the rest of the day.

What is the weight & size of a Silken Windhound?

The size of Silken Windhounds can vary in size quite considerably. They can range from somewhere between 45 and 60cm in height. Male Silken Windhounds are also bigger than their female counterpart. On average, the weight of a male is somewhere between 14 and 24 kg. For females, they average around between 9 and 22 kg.

How much training does a Silken Windhound need?

The Silken Windhound is a clever breed that is relatively easy to train as a result. You can train them to be obedient and follow your commands. They are very affectionate and like to please their owners, so it shouldn't be too difficult to train them.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Silken Windhound?

Much like other pets, the Silken Windhound is susceptible to a number of genetic health problems. One of the more concerning conditions is something called lotus syndrome which usually surfaces at a young age. Affected puppies usually don't live for very long after birth.

The most important thing to remember is to get them immediate medical attention if you notice something is not right with your furry friend.

What is the lifespan of a Silken Windhound?

The lifespan of the Silken Windhound can vary quite significantly. They can last anywhere between 12 and 20 years. Most will live to 14 years, and some can live beyond 20 years old.

How much should you feed a Silken Windhound?

The recommended feeding requirements match that of a medium-sized dog that requires moderate to high exercise. Figuring out the portion sizes can be difficult, so you should seek the advice of a veterinarian who will point you in the right direction.

What is the price of a Silken Windhound in Australia?

The average puppy price of Silken Windhounds ranges from around $2000 to $2500. The most important thing to remember is to find a reputable breeder that can provide the health records of both parents.

Don't forget about the dogs living in a rescue group who are also looking for a loving family to take them in. You will be providing a much-needed home for a gentle dog, and it can be a much cheaper option.