What makes the Silken Windhound Unique?
The Silken Windhound is the result of a long-awaited dream of mine, one that took many years of planning and dedication at first solely by us at Kristull and now by an international group of breeders and enthusiasts, the International Silken Windhound Society. Kristull Ranch was located in Austin, Texas, where we also raised and love Friesian and Caspian horses.
Breed Groups
Page Contents
Is the Silken Windhound Right For You?
In 5 Words
- Playful
- Famailial
- Trusting
- Companionable
- Affectionate
Characteristics
Learn About the Silken Windhound
Description
General Description
The Silken Windhound is a small, hardy, strikingly elegant sighthound. Its classic, sweeping lines and athletic build are the hallmark of a true coursing dog, which is evident beneath the luxurious, silky, yet protective coat. Its size, structure and coat enable the Silken Windhound not only to be a capable runner over a wide variety of terrain and through unpredictable weather conditions, but also to be competitive in a variety of dog sports.
Viewing the Silken Windhound from the side, one should have the impression of remarkable beauty integrated with exceptional running ability. Beginning with its chiseled head, a long arched neck, dramatic depth of brisket and an extreme tuck-up ending with the graceful sweep of the long, low-carried tail, the Silken Windhound is the embodiment of athletic beauty. The moderately long, silky coat complements the sweeping curves.
Short History of the Silken Windhound
The Silken Windhound was created by Francie Stull, a successful breeder of top show and performance American Kennel Club (AKC) Borzoi and Deerhound who utilized her decades of experience with AKC hounds in the formation of this breed, combining the best aspects of some of the top performance Borzoi and Whippet bloodlines in the Americas. The first Silken Windhound litter was whelped in 1987 and the breed club was formed in 1999. In early 2011, The Silken Windhound was recognized by the United Kennel Club. Silken Windhounds now are located all over the US, Canada, and Europe. Silken Windhounds were bred to be a small to medium-sized sighthound. Like other members of their group, they hunt by sight, and can course game in open areas at high speeds.
Temperament
This is an intelligent and responsive hound that demonstrates a strong desire to please its human companions. Though sometimes dignified in its bearing, the Silken Windhound tends to be quite expressive in its display of affection toward those it is fond of. Similarly, though the Silken Windhound exhibits a competitive spirit in the field, it is generally quite sociable with other dogs. It adapts to any family life very quickly and loves adults and children alike. This also will depend on the type of leadership the owner displays, and the child. Some of the dogs may be more sensitive around noisy, loud or excited children. Be careful what sort of temperament you have and make sure that you take your children when you select a Silken so that you know you have picked one that enjoys children. As long as there is socialization with the other species, Silkens have no trouble living with cats, chinchillas, birds or other species. The introduction of an older dog may take more time, however it can be done of you take the time to do it right. When first introducing the dogs, be sure to take all dogs on a pack walk, having the dogs heel beside or behind you during the walk, rather than tossing the dogs together face to face. This will ensure they see one another as one pack. Silkens may alert you that a new friend is coming, but they are not watch or guard dogs. This breed is usually friendly with strangers, but should be socialized and have plenty of exposure to new experiences as a puppy to ensure it will be social as an adult. This is a curious breed. Silkens housebreak easily. Some have been known to housebreak on their own account, if they have free access to the outdoors to do it, reporting some to be housebroken by 10-12 weeks. For other training they want to please their owner, but they are typical sighthounds and can be bored by long repetitions. An owner of a Silken needs to be aware that sighthounds have strong hunting instincts. They need to be able to run free, but should never be let off leash around cars.
Caring for Your Silken Windhound
General Health
The majority of dogs may at some point in their lives develop a health issue. However, not all dogs will get ill and with the Silken Windhound this is much the same. Getting your pet from a reputable breeder would certainly reduce the risks of a dog having inherited any health issues. With this said, Silken Windhounds are known to be quite healthy but are prone to the following disease:
- Lotus syndrome – a disease that is thought to be similar to a human condition known as “fetal akinesia deformation sequence” or FADS
.
Grooming & Bathing
The beautiful, silky locks of the Silken Windhound look harder to maintain than they are. Brush him a few times a week with a slicker brush to keep tangles from forming, and bathe him every eight to twelve weeks in a mild shampoo.
Exercise & Training
Silkens love to run like any sighthound, and need to go on a daily walk or jog. If well exercised, they will be happy to snooze at their owner’s feet or on the couch. They do need to get outside for walks and runs in dog parks or large, open areas, but they are not as high energy as a Border Collie or other herding breeds. This breed makes a good jogging companion if the dog is conditioned properly, although you should wait for a puppy to be a year or older before starting long, hard, distance exercise, gentle, intelligent race, easier and more effective training using reward based training and affection, positive short sessions. Using positive training methods, Silkens work with enthusiasm and form strong relationships with their owners.
Silken Windhound Picture Gallery
