For many years, if you wanted a sighthound, you had two main options: the Borzoi, a large, alien-like dog known for its elongated snout, and the Italian Greyhound, a fragile, pint-sized dog that can’t be alone for long periods. Sighthound enthusiasts craved a medium-sized dog, but aside from the Whippet, they had few options. Then, in the 1970s, the Silken Windhound was created.
The Silken Windhound, measuring just under two feet at the withers, makes the ideal companion for lovers of cat-like dog breeds. Learn why here!
1. Silken Windhounds Are Confident, Balanced Sighthounds
Sighthounds refer to dogs that, while hunting, rely more on their impeccable sight rather than their sense of smell. These dogs have a 270-degree field of vision, a far broader viewing range than their handlers! Dogs in this category include Italian Greyhounds, Whippets, and Russian Wolfhounds.
While flat-faced bulldogs are considered brachycephalic, Silken Windhounds are on the other side of the spectrum: they’re dolichocephalic, meaning they have a longer facial shape. Still, this can make the breed susceptible to some health concerns, such as dental disease and fungal rhinitis. Their narrow snouts can also make these dogs prone to injury, meaning owners should exercise caution if play sessions get too intense.
True to their sighthound roots, Silken Windhounds make wonderful athletes, excelling in breed-specific sporting events such as agility, Fast CAT, and rally. Whereas other sighthounds are known for their timid, reserved nature, Silken Windhounds are bred to be gentle, affectionate, and loyal. Any signs of timidness or shyness would be penalized at conformity competitions.
2. Silken Windhounds Are a Relatively New Breed
While some dog breeds have roots dating back thousands of years, the Silken Windhound is relatively new. These sighthounds came about in 1975 when Francie Stull, a Borzoi breeder, wanted to create a smaller hound with the same poise and athletes as her larger sighthounds. She did this by breeding Borzois, Whippets, and small lurchers until she created a medium-sized, medium-haired sighthound with a gentle personality.
Silken Windhounds are not formally recognized by the American Kennel Club, although they were accepted by the United Kennel Club in 2011. While Silken Windhounds can compete in many AKC breed-specific sporting events, they’re ineligible for the coveted “Best in Show” title.
3. These Medium-Sized Sighthounds Have a Unique Appearance
Unlike other sighthounds that are recognizable for being “skin and bones”, Silken Windhounds offer a delightful variety. Sporting silky, feathered fur, these dogs come in many colors and patterns, from brindle to gold and white. Per the breed standard, these dogs have pointed snouts with almond-shaped eyes, with pricked ears that may stand straight up on occasion. Floppy ears are considered a fault and a sign of poor breeding.
Silken Windhounds have lean, sleek bodies with deep chests and tucked-in stomachs. They may show a “sprig” of rib; any barrel-chested Silken Windhound falls outside of the breed standard. These dogs really are the smaller version of Russian Wolfhounds, offering a compact, travel-size version that can live in many different environments.
4. Silken Windhounds and Silken Windsprites: the Difference
At first glance, Silken Windhounds and Silken Windsprites seem like the same breed. However, there are some key differences. The major difference is that Silken Windsprites are not descended from Francie Stull’s Borzois. They were created earlier by a breeder who claimed to have created longhaired Whippets by isolating and breeding for a recessive gene. However, in 2017, genetic testing revealed that Silken Windsprites were Shetland Sheepdogs crossed with Whippets—not purebred dogs as initially claimed.
Unlike Silken Windhounds, which are accepted as a breed by many kennel clubs, Silken Windsprites do not carry the same recognition. They cannot compete in conformation dog show events, although they are welcome to compete in sporting events that allow mixed-breed dogs. Known for their gentle nature and need for speed, both Silken Windhounds and Silken Windsprites are beloved by those lucky to encounter these dogs.
5. These Dogs Can Adapt to Apartment Living
Silken Windhounds are compact sighthounds, usually not exceeding 50 pounds. While these dogs love exercise, in general, they’re content living in small spaces with their owners. Like many owners of ex-racer Greyhounds can attest, these dogs make lanky couch potatoes.
Still, to ensure that your dog doesn’t feel too confined in a small living space, you should regularly socialize your dog. This may involve going to dog parks, partaking in different types of walks, or purchasing puzzle toys. Many retail stores, such as Home Depot and TJ Maxx, welcome four-legged customers. Taking your Silken Windhound to one of these stores can help them build confidence and overcome any fear of strangers. It also offers much-needed stimulation, even on a rainy day!
6. Ethical Breeders Don’t Sell Puppies on Demand
Breeders of Silken Windhounds are passionate about the breed—and they won’t sell puppies to just anyone! They want to ensure that these dogs go to homes with owners who understand the nuances of caring for sighthounds. When purchasing a Windhound, expect to be on a waiting list before the mother goes into heat. There’s no guarantee that you’ll get a certain color or pattern; any breeder who guarantees anything should be regarded carefully. Breeding puppies is a roll of the dice, and nothing is certain—not even the puppies’ sexes!
Plan to have the breeder ask some questions about your finances, living situation, and job. This information may seem intrusive, but it helps the breeder understand whether you’re a good fit for their puppies. They may ask for pictures of your living space or even ask for a video call.
Finally, no ethical breeder will let you take home a puppy younger than eight weeks. Some even keep them longer, only selling them at 12 weeks. It may seem daunting waiting for your new best friend, but even just a few extra days with its littermates and mother makes a big difference regarding your dog’s temperament.
Silken Windhounds are a cat-like, beautiful breed that’s making a splash in the world of canine enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a soft, alien-like creature to live in your house, these lanky dogs could be the right fit for you!
