Silken Windhounds
The Silken Windhound is the result of a desire to fill the niche in the sighthound breeds with a small, long-haired hound. In appearance, Silkens resemble the champion Borzoi, Whippet, and whippet-type foundation dogs from which they evolved, yet they are unique among the sighthound breeds.
Silkens are known for their typical good temperament. This is an intelligent and responsive hound that demonstrates a strong desire to please its human companions. The Silken Windhound exhibits a competitive spirit in the field and is generally sociable with other dogs, enjoy being family pets and are happiest with their human families. Silkens are easily trainable and eager to please. They require little grooming and are very clean and tidy by nature.
Silkens are currently participating in conformation, straight and oval racing, lure coursing, flyball, agility, pet therapy, and cancer detection. Though it may not be usual to see sighthounds working as service dogs, there are Silken Windhounds assisting their visually impaired and physically challenged owners. Silkens are proving to be a reliable choice in the service field and have created their own niche in the sighthound world.
Conceived in the early 1980’s by geneticist Francie Stull, known for her more than 200 champion Kristull Borzoi, Silkens arrived as a true breed in 1987. The foundation dogs consisted of Whippet, whippet-type with longer coat, and Borzoi. More than two decades of careful selective breeding has produced a breed practically devoid of negative health issues, easily managed size and coat, and comic eager-to-please personality. The Silken Windhound stud book was closed in 2000.
The life expectancy of a typical Silken Windhound can extend into their late teens while experiencing surprisingly few health issues.
Silkens are known for their typical good temperament. This is an intelligent and responsive hound that demonstrates a strong desire to please its human companions. The Silken Windhound exhibits a competitive spirit in the field and is generally sociable with other dogs, enjoy being family pets and are happiest with their human families. Silkens are easily trainable and eager to please. They require little grooming and are very clean and tidy by nature.
Silkens are currently participating in conformation, straight and oval racing, lure coursing, flyball, agility, pet therapy, and cancer detection. Though it may not be usual to see sighthounds working as service dogs, there are Silken Windhounds assisting their visually impaired and physically challenged owners. Silkens are proving to be a reliable choice in the service field and have created their own niche in the sighthound world.
Conceived in the early 1980’s by geneticist Francie Stull, known for her more than 200 champion Kristull Borzoi, Silkens arrived as a true breed in 1987. The foundation dogs consisted of Whippet, whippet-type with longer coat, and Borzoi. More than two decades of careful selective breeding has produced a breed practically devoid of negative health issues, easily managed size and coat, and comic eager-to-please personality. The Silken Windhound stud book was closed in 2000.
The life expectancy of a typical Silken Windhound can extend into their late teens while experiencing surprisingly few health issues.
