INTRODUCTION

The Silken Windhound is a loving, playful and eager to please dog breed. They are easy to train and adore their families, including those with small children and pets. In fact, their affectionate nature makes them poor watchdogs. That is because they are prone to react to strangers with warm greetings rather than barking or growling.As a relatively new breed, the Silken Windhound is not recognised by the American Kennel Club; although, it was recognised by the United Kennel Club in 2011 and appears in shows and competitions worldwide.Silken Windhounds can be trained for obedience, agility, and dog sports. In addition, they tend to pick up such training quickly and easily with their intelligence and desire to please humans who are nearby. Although these dogs are relaxed most of the time and are happy cuddling on the couch with their families, they also have bursts of high energy and require exercise in the form of at least one long walk or run a day. If their exercise needs are met, they will happily adapt to almost any living situation, including flat living.Their long, beautiful coat comes in many patterns and colours, and despite their luxurious appearance, they are surprisingly easy to maintain and don’t shed too much. Silken Windhounds make great, active family companions for both novice and experienced parents, and their long life will keep them around for many years of love and affection.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Silken Windhound is known for its affectionate nature, even with children and other pets.This breed has a high prey drive and can chase small animals, so it needs a fenced yard and a martingale collar that will not slip, as regular collars tend to do with dogs that have slender head shapes.The first litter of Silken Windhounds was born in 1985, although the breed was not named until 1998. The Silken Windhound is not officially recognised as a breed by the American Kennel Club, although they were recognised by the United Kennel Club in 2011 and appear in shows and competitions worldwide.The coat of the Silken Windhound is not only beautiful and easy to groom, but is suitable for all types of weather. Silken Windhounds are happy playing in the winter snow or visiting the beach on a warm summer day.some Silken Windhounds carry a gene that makes them sensitive to medication. It is important to test for this gene before medicating your dog, as it can be fatal.Silken Windhounds have a long life span, often living well into their teens.

HISTORY

The history of the Silken Windhound is not long, as it is a relatively new breed of dog. Most attribute the breeding of the first Silken Windhound litter to Francie Stull of Kristull Kennel, a Borzoi breeder who wanted to create a medium-sized sighthound with a long, silky coat that was easy to groom and maintain. Stull crossed Borzois with Whippets until the first Silken Windhound litter was born in 1985 in the United States, although the new breed would not be officially called “Silken Windhound” until 1998. The following year, the International Silken Windhound Society was founded. and in 2001 they adopted a breed standard. The United Kennel Club recognized the breed in 2011, although the American Kennel Club has yet to do so. Today Silken Windhounds can be found in show and performance competitions around the world as they increase in popularity.