Silken Windhound Dog - Facts, Pictures & Questions

The Silken Windhound is a graceful and elegant sighthound breed developed in the United States during the late 20th century. Known for their silky, flowing coats and lithe, athletic builds, these dogs are prized for both their beauty and gentle nature. Silken Windhounds are friendly, intelligent, and affectionate, making them excellent companions and family pets. They possess great speed and agility, reflecting their sighthound heritage, and they enjoy running and playing outdoors. Despite their athleticism, they are also content to relax indoors with their families, offering a perfect balance of energy and calm.

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Quick Top 10 Facts about Silken Windhound

SCIENTIFIC NAME	Canis lupus familiaris
CLASSIFICATION	KINGDOM: Animalia PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Carnivora FAMILY: Canidae
SIZE	Height: 18–24 inches (45–61 cm) Weight: 20–55 pounds (9–25 kg)
SPECIES	Domesticated dog breed developed from Borzoi and Whippet ancestry; bred for companionship and sporting ability.
APPEARANCE	Silken Windhounds have long, flowing, silky coats and slender, athletic builds. They have expressive eyes, a graceful gait, and an overall elegant appearance, similar to miniature Borzois.
LIFE SPAN	Typically 12–17 years
HABITAT	Domestic; thrives in a household setting with access to outdoor areas for exercise. They do well in both urban and rural environments.
DIET	Omnivorous; high-quality commercial dog food or a balanced homemade diet. Requires protein-rich meals suited to their active metabolism.
NATURAL PREDATORS	As a domesticated breed, they have no natural predators, though they should be protected from larger wild animals and traffic hazards.
COUNTRY	United States (origin), now found in North America and Europe.
GESTATION PERIOD	Approximately 63 days
CONSERVATION STATUS	Not applicable (domesticated breed)

Amazing Facts About Silken Windhound

1. A Modern Breed

The Silken Windhound was developed in the 1980s and 1990s by crossing Borzois and Whippets to create a smaller, silky-coated sighthound.

2. Silky Coats

Their name comes from their uniquely soft, flowing coat that feels like silk and comes in a wide range of colors and patterns.

3. Great Family Dogs

Known for their gentle and affectionate temperament, Silken Windhounds make excellent family pets and are good with children and other animals.

4. Fast and Agile

These dogs inherit the speed of their sighthound ancestors and excel in lure coursing, agility, and other dog sports.

5. Low Maintenance Grooming

Despite their long coats, Silken Windhounds require only moderate grooming thanks to the non-matting texture of their fur.

6. Very Intelligent

Silken Windhounds are smart and eager to please, making them easy to train with positive reinforcement techniques.

7. Rare but Growing

While still a relatively rare breed, their popularity is growing, particularly among sighthound enthusiasts and families.

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8. Hypoallergenic Qualities

Though not officially hypoallergenic, many people with mild allergies tolerate Silken Windhounds well due to their coat type.

9. Long Life Span

Compared to other sighthounds, Silken Windhounds enjoy a longer-than-average lifespan of up to 17 years.

10. Independent yet Loyal

These dogs are both independent thinkers and devoted companions, enjoying both playtime and cuddle time with their humans.

The Silken Windhound: An Elegant and Adaptable Companion

The Silken Windhound is a fascinating breed, renowned for its elegance, speed, and affectionate nature. Despite being a relatively recent breed, its graceful appearance, loving temperament, and athletic abilities have made it extremely popular among dog enthusiasts. Originally developed as a hunting dog, the Silken Windhound has since proven itself as an excellent companion and an active participant in various dog sports.

Origin and History of the Silken Windhound

The Silken Windhound first appeared in the United States during the 1980s. Breeders aimed to combine the speed and elegance of traditional sighthounds with a more docile and loving temperament. Unlike many classic sighthound breeds with deep historical origins, the Silken Windhound was carefully bred for its blend of athleticism and companionship.

Development and Purpose of the Silken Windhound

The Silken Windhound was developed by crossing Salukis, Borzois, and Whippets. These sighthounds were selected for their exceptional hunting abilities, graceful physiques, and friendly dispositions. The breed was initially intended as a hunting dog, especially suited for chasing smaller prey, such as rabbits and hares. The goal was to produce a dog that combined beauty, agility, and loyalty.

Modern Popularity and Recognition

Over time, the Silken Windhound gained popularity as a versatile family companion and a competitive sports dog. Today, organizations such as the American Sighthound Field Association (ASFA) and the United Kennel Club (UKC) recognize the breed. Its blend of elegance, agility, and affectionate nature has made it a beloved choice for many dog owners.

Physical Characteristics of the Silken Windhound

The Silken Windhound is admired for its stunning beauty, combining the agility of a sighthound with the silky coat of a companion dog. Below are some of the breed’s most notable physical traits:

Weight and Size of the Silken Windhound

Silken Windhounds are medium-sized dogs, standing between 18 and 22 inches (46 to 56 cm) at the shoulder. Males typically weigh between 30 and 45 pounds (13 to 20 kg), while females generally weigh between 25 and 40 pounds (11 to 18 kg). Males tend to be slightly larger than females, but both sizes are well-suited for various activities.

Coat and Colour of the Silken Windhound

The Silken Windhound’s coat is one of its most defining features. The long, silky coat provides a flowing, elegant appearance and comes in a variety of colours, including black, blue, fawn, cream, red, and shades of brindle or parti-colour. The coat is smooth and lustrous, though its texture can range from soft to slightly wavy. This unique coat makes the breed stand out in any crowd.

Head and Face Features of the Silken Windhound

The Silken Windhound has a delicate, slender head with a slight taper, contributing to its graceful look. Its almond-shaped, usually black eyes give it an alert and gentle expression. The breed’s ears, which are typically semi-erect or upright, add to its elegant appearance. These ears often fold down when the dog is relaxed, but they lift when the dog is alert.

Tail and Movement of the Silken Windhound

The Silken Windhound is renowned for its fluid movement and graceful gait. When relaxed, the dog’s long, silky tail is often held low or slightly curved, but it rises and arches beautifully when the dog is in motion. The breed’s smooth, effortless stride makes it a joy to watch, especially when running at full speed.

Personality and Temperament of the Silken Windhound

Silken Windhounds are known for their loving, gentle, and friendly nature. They form strong bonds with their families and are devoted companions. Below are some key traits that define the Silken Windhound’s temperament:

Loving and Affectionate Nature of the Silken Windhound

Silken Windhounds are extremely affectionate and enjoy being close to their owners. They thrive on positive companionship and often seek attention, whether through cuddling or simply spending time with their humans. After a long day, many Silken Windhounds love to snuggle, further deepening their bond with their families.

Peaceful and Gentle Temperament

Despite their athleticism, Silken Windhounds are remarkably peaceful and gentle indoors. They are a great choice for families or individuals seeking a more relaxed dog breed. When it’s time for play, they can be energetic and eager to run, but they know when to settle down and enjoy quiet moments with their family.

Social but Independent Nature

Like many sighthounds, Silken Windhounds have an independent streak. They are typically friendly and affectionate but may be reserved around strangers. These dogs tend to get along well with other pets, including cats, especially if raised together. However, they may not be as outgoing as some other dog breeds.

Good with Kids

Thanks to their calm and patient nature, Silken Windhounds are great family pets. They are typically gentle with children and enjoy playing with them. While they are loving and playful, they are cautious around small children and avoid rough play, making them a good choice for families with kids.

Trainability and Intelligence of the Silken Windhound

Silken Windhounds are intelligent, but they can sometimes be independent or stubborn, which may make training challenging. Unlike some other breeds, they may not always have the eagerness to please, but they excel in obedience and agility training when provided with consistent, positive reinforcement. Early socialisation is essential to ensure they develop into well-behaved dogs in various settings.

Exercise and Activity Needs of the Silken Windhound

Although Silken Windhounds are not as high-energy as some other sighthounds, such as Greyhounds or Whippets, they are still quite athletic and enjoy regular exercise. Below are key considerations regarding their exercise and activity needs:

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Moderate Activity Level of the Silken Windhound

To maintain their health, Silken Windhounds require moderate exercise. A few long walks each day, combined with time spent running or playing in a secure, enclosed area, should suffice. A fenced yard or open space is ideal for this breed, as they enjoy running and can achieve impressive speeds over short distances.

Preferred Sighthound Activities

Being a sighthound, Silken Windhounds have a natural prey drive and enjoy activities like lure coursing, agility, and flyball. These activities allow them to tap into their natural instincts, keep them physically fit, and provide mental stimulation. Due to their speed and agility, they are often excellent participants in sighthound competitions.

Cognitive and Mental Stimulation for the Silken Windhound

In addition to physical activity, Silken Windhounds need mental stimulation. Training sessions, puzzle toys, and interactive activities will help prevent boredom and ensure they remain well-rounded, happy dogs. Keeping their minds engaged is crucial for their overall wellbeing.

Care and Health of the Silken Windhound

Silken Windhounds typically live 12 to 14 years and are generally a healthy breed. However, like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain health conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventative care are essential for their long-term health.

Common Health Concerns of the Silken Windhound

Silken Windhounds may experience health issues such as hip dysplasia, eye conditions, and heart problems. They are also at risk of developing bloat, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment. With proper care and monitoring, many of these issues can be managed or prevented.

Grooming and Coat Care

The long, silky coat of the Silken Windhound requires regular grooming to maintain its beautiful appearance. The coat should be brushed at least once a week and more frequently during shedding seasons to avoid matting. Bathing should be kept to a minimum, as over-bathing can dry out the coat. Routine ear cleaning is also important to prevent infections.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) about Silken Windhound

Q: What is a Silken Windhound?

Ans: A Silken Windhound is a graceful sighthound breed known for its silky coat, athletic build, and gentle temperament, developed in the U.S. in the late 20th century.