Breed History:

The Silken Windhound is a relatively new sighthound breed developed in the United States during the 1980s by breeder Francie Stull, who aimed to create a small, elegant, and affectionate long-haired sighthound. The breed was developed using Borzoi and Whippet lineage, along with other longhaired lurcher-type dogs.

By the late 1990s, the breed had gained enough stability in conformation and temperament to establish its registry, the International Silken Windhound Society (ISWS). The breed has since gained popularity as a companion, show dog, and performance athlete, recognised for its elegance, speed, and gentle nature.

Though not yet recognised by the AKC, the Silken Windhound is gaining recognition in international sighthound circles and enjoys a devoted, growing fan base.

Size: Medium

Life Expectancy: 12–16 years

Breed Appearance:

The Silken Windhound is a graceful, athletic sighthound with a silky, flowing coat and an overall elegant appearance. It has a narrow head, long neck, and deep chest with a tucked-up abdomen, typical of coursing dogs.

Its soft, silky coat can be straight, wavy, or slightly curly and comes in all colours and patterns. Its feathered tail, fringed ears, and expressive dark eyes give it a noble, almost whimsical look.

Breed Type – Sighthound:

Bred for speed and vision-based hunting, the Silken Windhound is a true sighthound, capable of spotting and chasing moving prey over long distances. However, it has also been bred for temperament, making it gentle, affectionate, and well-suited to family life.

Unlike some aloof sighthounds, Silkens tend to be sociable and eager to please, forming close bonds with their owners and getting along well with other dogs.

Training:

The Silken Windhound is intelligent, responsive, and sensitive, which makes it relatively easy to train compared to many other sighthounds. It does best with positive reinforcement, especially reward-based methods like treats and praise.

Early socialisation is beneficial to help Silkens become confident around new people and environments. Obedience training, recall, and leash manners are important due to their strong prey drive outdoors.

Health & Care:

Silken Windhounds are generally a healthy breed, but some health concerns include:

• Cryptorchidism (undescended testicles)

• Allergies or sensitivities

• Delayed anaesthesia recovery (common in sighthounds)

• Autoimmune or thyroid conditions (rare)

Health testing is improving as the breed matures. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and preventative care support long-term health. Their lean bodies require soft bedding and care in extreme weather.

Living Conditions:

Silken Windhounds are adaptable and do well in both houses and apartments, provided they get daily exercise. They prefer to be near their people and are known for their love of couches, beds, and comfort.

They’re generally quiet indoors and sensitive to their environment. Secure fencing is essential, as they will chase small animals. They are well-mannered indoors and make ideal family dogs when not left alone too long.

Exercise:

As a sighthound, the Silken Windhound needs regular opportunities to run and stretch its legs. A secure fenced yard or participation in lure coursing or agility is ideal.

Daily walks and indoor play help meet its physical and mental needs. While active outdoors, the breed is often calm and restful indoors, making it manageable for various lifestyles.

Grooming:

Grooming is moderate and manageable:

• Weekly brushing to prevent mats and remove debris

• Occasional bathing, especially if the coat collects dirt

• Trim nails and clean ears regularly

• Minimal shedding, especially if brushed consistently

• Coat resists tangles and often has minimal odour

The breed is often considered low-maintenance compared to other long-haired dogs.

Advantages:

• Gentle, affectionate, and family-friendly temperament

• Elegant appearance with low grooming needs

• Quiet, calm indoors and active outdoors

• Generally healthy and long-lived

• Agile and graceful; great for dog sports

• Sociable with other dogs and polite with children

• Adaptable to a variety of home environments

Disadvantages:

• High prey drive—may chase small animals

• Not suited for off-leash walks in unfenced areas

• Sensitive to cold weather due to a lean body and fine coat

• Can be reserved with strangers without early socialisation

• Requires secure fencing to prevent escapes

• Needs regular exercise and mental stimulation

• Not yet widely recognised, puppy availability can be limited