Silken Windhound Temperament Lifespan and Care

Introducing the enchanting Silken Windhound, a small and elegant breed with a captivating presence. With their graceful curves reminiscent of a miniature Borzoi, luxurious silky coats throughout, and expressive eyes, these gentle canines have captured the hearts of many dog enthusiasts. A unique blend of Borzoi, Whippet, and a touch of Sheltie ancestry, Silken Windhounds have evolved into their distinct breed. Weighing between 20 and 45 pounds, these charming pets are perfect for those seeking a smaller companion with the essence of a Borzoi. Boasting a variety of coat colors and patterns, these agile sighthounds require regular grooming and thrive in active environments. Their adaptability and well-mannered temperament make them excellent companions for families, children, and other pets alike. So, let’s look deeper into the world of Silken Windhounds and discover what makes them truly special.

Breed History

The Silken Windhound, a captivating medium-sized sighthound, has an intriguing history that began with the vision of Borzoi breeder Francie Stull. While most other sighthounds are large or giant breeds, Stull sought to create a medium-sized hound with a silken coat resembling that of her beloved Borzois. This combination was not readily available, prompting Stull wanted to develop a new breed that embodied her desired characteristics: elegance, medium size, a warm and confident personality, and a long, silky, low-maintenance coat in a variety of sighthound colors and patterns.

Stull began by crossbreeding Borzois with small Whippet-based lurchers and Whippets from both show and coursing lineages to achieve this goal. The first litter of these soon-to-be Silken Windhounds was born in 1985, but it was not until 1998 that the breed’s name was officially adopted. In 1999, the International Silken Windhound Society (ISWS) was chartered, taking responsibility for maintaining all pedigrees and DNA-verified registrations within the breed. The ISWS established a breed standard in 2001.

Today, Silken Windhound breeders can be found all over the world. Despite their growing popularity, the breed still needs to be made official by the American Kennel Club or the United Kennel Club.

Appearance

The breed is characterized by a long, wedge-shaped head, large dark almond-shaped eyes that convey an alert, friendly, intelligent expression, and small ears that fold back along the neck, perking up when something catches their interest.

• Nose: Silken Windhounds have a dark nose that adds to their elegant appearance.
• Neck and legs: These dogs possess a moderately long back, slightly arched neck and straight, strong legs, contributing to their overall grace and agility.
• Tail: The breed’s long, flexible tail forms a sweeping curve, further accentuating its refined appearance.
• Coat: Known for its soft, silky coat, the Silken Windhound’s fur texture can range from straight to slightly wavy or curly. Longer feathering is present around the neck, the back of the forelegs, the hindquarters, and the tail.
• Colors and markings: The breed boasts diverse colors and markings, all accepted and celebrated within the Silken Windhound community.

The silken Windhound is a genuinely unique dog breed. Each aspect of their appearance contributes to the dog breed’s undeniable charm and elegance, from their graceful head to their sweeping tail. Check out more on their appearance and main characteristics below:

Height	18-24 inches
Weight	20-48 lbs
Lifespan	14-20 years
Best for	Families and those who want an energetic dog
Colors	Varied. They come in all colors and patterns
Hair	Medium
Build	Slim

Personality and Temperament

The Silken Windhound’s temperament is as captivating as its appearance, from its affectionate nature to its keen intelligence. Check out more on what this breed is like to have as a pet below:

Energy	Medium to high
Food	Can overeat or be picky
Attitude	Calm and affectionate
Health	Overall good with low health issues
Friendly with other pets	Most other pets
Intelligence	Very trainable
Grooming	Medium
Good for small spaces	Suitable for apartment living with exercise

Activity Levels and Exercise

The Silken Windhound is renowned for its friendly and affectionate nature, making it an ideal family dog. These canines thrive when they are part of their human pack and enjoy being involved in various family activities together. Their eagerness to please their owners and intelligence and independence make them relatively easy to train.

Built for speed, the Silken Windhound requires daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. However, they are also experts at relaxing and enjoying downtime with their families. They possess a gentle demeanor and are rarely timid or nervous. While they have a strong prey drive, they can adapt well to families with children and other pets if raised together.

To ensure a well-behaved adult dog, it is crucial to begin training your Silken Windhound puppy as early as eight weeks old. Enroll them in a puppy kindergarten class between 10 to 12 weeks after starting their vaccinations, and continue training as they grow. Socialization should be at the top of your list as these dogs grow. Introduce your puppy to various people, situations, and experiences to help them develop into a calm, sensible adult dog. Affected puppies may show signs of nervousness regularly with tails between their legs if they are not exposed to this early socialization.

When selecting a Silken Windhound puppy, consult a reputable breeder who can assist with choosing a puppy with well-mannered parents and proper socialization from birth. These versatile hounds excel in various dog sports and activities, including lure coursing, agility, therapy work, scent tracking, and obedience competitions. They are quick learners and respond well to rewards and affection during focused training sessions.

To keep your Silken Windhound fit and content, provide them with regular exercises, such as daily walks lasting about 45 minutes to an hour. A fenced-in yard can be a big help in keeping them exercised. Allow them to run freely off-leash in a secure area. Their love for pleasing their owners and ease of training makes them suitable for first-time or inexperienced dog owners. Participating in puppy classes and various activities will help socialize your dog and strengthen the bond between you and your Silken Windhound.

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Trainability

The Silken Windhound is a highly trainable breed, thanks to their innate intelligence and eagerness to please their owners. Training should begin early to establish good habits and reinforce positive behavior. Using consistent and gentle training is essential to achieve the best results with these sensitive dogs.

Positive reinforcement is a highly effective puppy training technique that rewards your Silken Windhound for exhibiting desirable behaviors. When your puppy obeys a command or behaves well, immediately praise them and offer small treats as a reward. Rewards will help your dog associate good behavior with positive experiences, encouraging them to repeat the action in the future. Start when you have a new puppy as any silken windhound loves this attention.

When training your Silken Windhound, it’s crucial to maintain a calm and patient demeanor. These dogs are sensitive to their owner’s emotions and can become distressed if they sense frustration or anger. Keep training sessions brief and engaging; this will help maintain your puppy’s focus and prevent them from becoming overwhelmed or tired. Sighthound breeds often want praise and need focused training to feel like they are getting sound reinforcement.

Socialization is another important aspect of training for young Silken Windhounds. Expose your puppy to various environments, people, and other pets to help them develop confidence and adaptability. Puppy classes are a fantastic way to socialize your dog while reinforcing obedience skills and good manners.

Children And Other Pets

Introducing your Silken Windhound to other pets and children is crucial to their socialization process. Early exposure to various individuals and animals will help them become well-adjusted, confident adults that can quickly adapt to different situations. It’s crucial to start this process during their puppyhood, as young dogs are more receptive to new experiences and can form positive associations more easily.

When introducing your Silken Windhound puppy to children, ensure that the child and the puppy are always supervised. Teach children how to interact gently and respectfully with the dog and guide them in understanding the puppy’s body language. Encourage calm interactions and avoid rough play, which can inadvertently teach the puppy undesirable behaviors. By creating a positive and controlled environment, you can foster a strong, lifelong bond between your Silken Windhound and the children in your household.

Introducing your Silken Windhound to other pets should be done gradually and carefully. Begin by allowing the puppy to observe the other pet from a distance, ensuring both animals feel secure and comfortable. Gradually decrease the distance between them, constantly monitoring their reactions and intervening if signs of stress or aggression arise. Always introduce gentle dogs slowly with other dogs at dog parks and in training classes. Wagging tails are a good sign of other dogs or other animals showing safe greeting behavior.

When the time comes for introduction, keep both animals on a leash or in a controlled environment. Allow them to sniff each other and interact briefly before separating them again. Repeat this process multiple times, gradually increasing the duration of their interactions until they become comfortable and relaxed in each other’s presence.

Health Problems

Like all dog breeds, Silken Windhounds can potentially develop genetic health issues. Working with a reputable breeder who offers a health guarantee on puppies and is transparent about any genetic health problems anywhere in their breeding lines is essential.

The International Silken Windhound Society actively promotes the overall health of the breed. They encourage DNA banking and genetic testing for registered Silkens through a UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine project. This proactive approach helps maintain the breed’s general good health and monitor potential health concerns.

One genetic defect identified in Silken Windhounds is Lotus syndrome, believed to be the canine equivalent of the human disease known as the “fetal akinesia deformation sequence” (FADS). Although there is currently no genetic test for Lotus syndrome, it primarily affects breeders, as puppies with this condition rarely survive long past birth. A knowledgeable breeder can discuss the prevalence of this and other requirements in their dogs’ lineage and help prospective owners make informed decisions about potential health risks.

Responsible breeders will test their dogs for genetic diseases and only breed the healthiest and best-looking specimens. However, despite these precautions, some puppies may still develop health issues due to unforeseen factors. Veterinary medicine advancements mean that affected dogs can lead fulfilling lives in most cases. When selecting a puppy, inquire about the ages and causes of death in the breeder’s lines.

As the owner of Silken Windhound puppies, you can offer protection for your dog from one of the most common health problems: obesity. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for extending a Silken Windhound’s lifespan. Focusing on prevention and providing appropriate care can help ensure a healthier, happier dog for life.

Diet

Maintaining a healthy weight and ensuring proper nutrition is necessary for the overall health of your Silken Windhound. A balanced diet of high-quality food and regular exercise is essential in preventing obesity, promoting longevity, and supporting your dog’s physical and mental health.

To provide your Silken Windhound with optimal nutrition, choose high-quality dog food formulated to meet their needs based on age, size, and activity level. Measure out the suitable amount of food your veterinarian or the food manufacturer recommends to avoid overfeeding. Dividing the daily portion into two separate meals can help to keep consistent energy levels throughout the day and prevent overeating.

Monitoring your dog’s weight and adjusting their food intake is essential. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian will help determine if any dietary changes are necessary to maintain a healthy weight.

Coat Care and Grooming

With its luxurious, silky texture, the Silken Windhound’s coat may appear challenging to maintain, but in reality, with little grooming, it’s manageable. To prevent tangles and keep the coat pristine, brush your pet a few times a week using a slicker brush.

Bathing Silken Windhounds every eight to twelve weeks using a mild shampoo formulated for dogs is recommended. This frequency ensures that their silky coats remain clean without damaging essential oils or causing skin irritation.

To ensure a positive grooming experience, start grooming your Silken Windhound puppy from a young age. This early exposure will help them grow accustomed to handling and grooming procedures, making them more patient and cooperative as they mature. Establishing a consistent grooming routine keeps your Silken Windhound looking and feeling their best and provides a regular chance to bond with your pet and monitor their health.

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Where to Adopt or Buy

Finding the right Silken Windhound puppy begins with locating a reputable breeder. They should answer questions about the breed’s temperament, health, and lifestyle while also asking about your expectations and living conditions. A good breeder aims to be a lifelong resource for you and your dog after the Silken Windhound litter.

To find a reliable breeder, visit the International Silken Windhound Society’s website and look for those who adhere to the organization’s code of ethics and guidelines for breeders.

When searching for a Silken Windhound, consider whether an adult dog suits your needs and lifestyle better. Adult dogs typically require less time and effort than puppies and may already have some training.

You can find adult dogs through breeders, shelters, or breed-specific rescue organizations. The International Silken Windhound Society’s dog breed rescue group, and network is an excellent resource for finding an older dog that could be the ideal companion for your family. Rescue groups are usually upfront about health conditions and can provide valuable advice throughout adoption for favored pets.

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