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.

If you want to learn about other sighthound breeds, check out our page "Different Sighthound Dog Breeds".

Size: Medium

Life Expectancy: 12–16 years

Breed Appearance:

The Silken Windhound is an elegant, well-balanced, and athletic dog with a lean yet muscular build.

The breed commonly features:

• Long, refined head
• Fine, tapering muzzle
• Dark almond-shaped eyes
• Small, folded rose ears
• Deep chest
• Long, graceful neck
• Long, slender limbs
• Long, feathered tail

Its coat is soft, silky, medium in length, and lightly feathered.

Common coat colours include:

• Black
• White
• Cream
• Fawn
• Red
• Blue
• Brindle
• Silver

A wide variety of colour combinations and markings are accepted.

The breed's flowing coat and graceful physique reflect its heritage as a swift and elegant sighthound.

Breed Type – Companion and Sighthound:

The Silken Windhound is an intelligent, gentle, and affectionate sporting breed.

It is known for being:

• Loyal and devoted
• Gentle
• Intelligent
• Friendly
• Playful
• Affectionate with family

The breed forms close bonds with its family and is generally sociable with people and other dogs when properly socialised.

Training:

The Silken Windhound is intelligent and eager to please.

Training should focus on:

• Early socialisation
• Positive reinforcement methods
• Basic obedience training
• Reliable recall in secure areas
• Controlled exposure to people and environments
• Consistent leadership

The breed excels in:

• Lure coursing
• Agility
• Obedience
• Therapy work
• Companion activities

Gentle, reward-based training helps the breed reach its full potential.

Health & Care:

The Silken Windhound is generally a healthy breed but may be prone to several health concerns, including:

• Hip dysplasia
• Autoimmune disorders
• Eye disorders
• Heart disease
• Drug sensitivity associated with the MDR1 gene in some bloodlines
  

Routine veterinary care, responsible breeding, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight help support long-term health.

Living Conditions:

The Silken Windhound adapts well to a variety of living environments provided it receives sufficient exercise and companionship.

Ideal environments include:

• Houses with secure yards
• Spacious apartments with sufficient daily exercise
• Active families
• First-time or experienced dog owners

The breed thrives when living indoors with its family and enjoys participating in everyday activities.

Exercise:

The Silken Windhound has moderate exercise requirements.

Recommended activities include:

• Daily walks
• Running in securely fenced areas
• Lure coursing
• Interactive play
• Mental enrichment activities

Because of its sighthound instincts, the breed should only be allowed off leash in securely enclosed areas.

Grooming:

The silky coat requires moderate maintenance.

• Brushing once or twice per week
• Occasional bathing
• Routine ear cleaning and nail trimming
• Regular dental care

The breed sheds lightly to moderately throughout the year.

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