Silken Windhound
Also known as: Windhound
The Silken Windhound is a dog breed originating from the United States, known for its athletic ability and sleek coat. The Silken Windhound comes from United States, and has a silky and wavy, with feathering coat. Individual Silken Windhounds vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- United States
- Height
- 47–60 cm (18.5–23.5 in)
- Coat
- Silky and wavy, with feathering
- Colour
- Any colour
- Other names
- Windhound
About the Silken Windhound
The Silken Windhound is a dog breed originating from the United States, known for its athletic ability and sleek coat. It stands 18.5-23.5 inches tall at the shoulder.
Events
Silken Windhounds participate in performance sports and showings worldwide, including the NAKC , IABCA, and NCA, as part of the hound group. In Slovenia , Silkens are an accepted part of the Slovenian Kennel Club, member of the FCI , also in the hound group. Silken Windhounds also participate in sighthound performance sports, competing alongside other sighthounds in Finnish lure coursing and straight racing events. The ISWS has established straight and oval track racing programs that enable Silkens to compete and win points towards performance titles.
Health
Silken Windhounds typically live into their middle to late teens . Bone and joint ailments like hip dysplasia and bloat are rare. Some individual Silken Windhounds are sensitive to ivermectin and related drugs; a simple test is now available to find whether a dog carries a defective MDR1 , a multi-drug resistance gene. Some owners report cases of cryptorchidism , umbilical hernia , and lotus syndrome , plus deafness and cataracts in old age.
History
Silken Windhounds were founded and developed in Austin, Texas , by Francie Stull, a successful breeder of show and performance American Kennel Club Borzoi and Deerhounds , using her favored Borzoi and Lurcher bloodlines. The first Silken Windhound litter was whelped in 1985 and a breed club , the International Silken Windhound Society, was formed in 1999. The Silken Windhound studbooks closed in 2000, with minimal sanctioned outcrossing to foundational breeds being monitored to improve health and lower COI. In late 2009, Silken Windhounds were accepted as a Limited Stakes breed in the ASFA . Over forty dogs competed in ASFA limited stakes in their first month of acceptance. In late 2010, Silken Windhounds were accepted as a breed in NOFCA, the National Open Field Coursing Association, and can participate in open field events. On March 18, 2011, Silken Windhounds were recognized by the United Kennel Club . The breed has since also been recognized by Fédération Cynologique Internationale -affiliated kennel clubs in Germany and the Netherlands, though it remains unrecognized by the FCI itself. In 2026, the Silken Windhound was added to The American Kennel Club Foundation Stock Service (FSS).
Training
Silken Windhounds are intelligent and easily trained using rewards and affection in short, positive sessions. They will work eagerly and form strong relationships with their owners if treated well. Like many sighthounds , Silken Windhounds can slip out of buckle collars , so most owners favor semi-slip collars .
Appearance
Silken Windhounds are graceful, small- to medium-sized sighthounds with silky coats of middling length. Silken coat colors can range from white to black, with brilliant brindles and solid red in between. They can be spotted, tuxedo-marked or solid-colored.
Temperament
Silken Windhounds are affectionate and playful, and are good dogs for families with children. Due to their friendliness, they are not good guard dogs but are easily housebroken and can be trained to live with smaller household pets. Silkens particularly like agility , therapy , flyball , and obedience .
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Silken Windhound?
The Silken Windhound is an American breed of sighthound, known for its coursing ability. They typically live into their middle to late teens and are generally healthy, with rare bone and joint ailments. Some individuals may be sensitive to ivermectin and related drugs due to a defective MDR1 gene.
Is the Silken Windhound a good family dog?
As a sighthound, the Silken Windhound requires regular exercise and mental stimulation. They can be suitable for families who provide adequate attention and exercise, but may not be the best fit for very young children due to their sensitive nature and potential for high energy.
What health problems do Silken Windhounds have?
Silken Windhounds are generally a healthy breed, but may be prone to rare bone and joint ailments such as hip dysplasia and bloat. Some individuals may also be sensitive to ivermectin and related drugs due to a defective MDR1 gene. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify any potential health issues.
How much does a Silken Windhound puppy cost?
The cost of a Silken Windhound puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a Silken Windhound puppy can cost between $800 to $2,000. It's essential to research reputable breeders and consider the long-term costs of owning a dog.
Where do Silken Windhounds come from?
The Silken Windhound comes from United States. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Silken Windhound, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.