Size: 46-60 cm (18-24 in) at shoulder height
Weight: 9-18 kg (20-40 lbs)
Coat: Long, silky, and fine
colour: Any colour or combination of colours
Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, and playful
Life Span: 12-14 years
Health Issues: None specific to the breed
Exercise Needs: Moderate, daily walks and playtime
Grooming Needs: Regular brushing to prevent matting
Training Needs: Responds well to positive reinforcement training
Are you looking to learn more about the Silken Windhound? This article will provide you with an insight into this fascinating breed of dog, which is becoming increasingly popular in Australia. The Silken Windhound is a relatively new breed, having only been developed in the late 1980s, and is a cross between a Greyhound and a Borzoi. Read on to discover more about the breed, including its history, temperament, and care requirements.
History of the Silken Windhound breed
The Silken Windhound is a relatively new breed of dog that has only been in existence since the late 1980s. It was developed in the United States by breeder and geneticist, Francie Stull, who wanted to create a sighthound that was smaller than the Borzoi and Whippet, but with a softer, silkier coat. Stull crossed several breeds, including the Whippet, Borzoi, and Italian Greyhound, to create the Silken Windhound. The breed was officially recognized by the American Rare Breed Association in 1991 and the American Kennel Club in 2011.
The Silken Windhound is known for its intelligence, athleticism, and affectionate nature. They are loyal and devoted to their family and are known to be good with children. They are very active dogs and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They are also very adaptable and can live in a variety of environments, from small apartments to large homes. The Silken Windhound is a great companion for active families and can make a wonderful addition to any home.
Physical characteristics and appearance of the Silken Windhound
The Silken Windhound is a beautiful and unique breed of dog. It is a member of the sighthound family, and is a cross between a Borzoi and an Italian Greyhound. As a result, the Silken Windhound has a unique physical appearance, with a graceful and slender body, long legs, and a pointed muzzle. The breed has a short, silky coat that is usually white, cream, or a combination of both. The coat is often adorned with patches of black, grey, or tan.
The Silken Windhound is known for its intelligence and loyalty, and is an excellent companion for active families. They are a relatively low maintenance breed, requiring only regular brushing and occasional bathing. The breed is also known for its athleticism and agility, and is often used in agility competitions. They are a great choice for those looking for an active and loyal companion.
Personality traits and temperament of the Silken Windhound
The Silken Windhound is a breed of dog that is known for its unique personality traits and temperament. This breed is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and calmness. They are also known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them a great companion for families.
This breed is also known for its strong sense of independence and its need for mental stimulation. They are highly active and require regular exercise and mental stimulation in order to stay healthy and happy. They are also known for their strong desire to please their owners, making them a great choice for those looking for a loyal and devoted companion. They are also very trainable, making them an ideal choice for those looking for a pet to train. With the right amount of love and attention, the Silken Windhound can be a wonderful addition to any family.
Training and exercise needs of the Silken Windhound
The Silken Windhound is a breed of dog that requires a certain amount of exercise and training in order to stay healthy and happy. This breed is very active and loves to run and play, so it is important to provide them with plenty of opportunities to do so. Regular walks and playtime are essential to ensure the Silken Windhound gets the exercise it needs. Additionally, it is important to provide mental stimulation and training to this breed, as they are very intelligent and need to be kept busy. Basic obedience training is recommended and should be done in a positive and reward-based manner. Training should also focus on socialization, as this breed is known to be shy and can benefit from being exposed to different people and environments.
In addition to physical exercise and training, the Silken Windhound needs a balanced diet to stay healthy. This breed is a small-medium sized dog and so does not require a large amount of food. However, it is important to feed them a diet that is specifically tailored to their needs. This should include a good quality, high-protein diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals. Fresh, clean water should always be available and treats should be given in moderation as part of their training. With the right diet and exercise, the Silken Windhound can live a long
Health concerns and common issues in the Silken Windhound breed
The Silken Windhound is a relatively new breed of dog, having only been developed in the late 1980s. They are a small breed of sight hound, and are known for their graceful and elegant appearance. While they are generally healthy and hardy dogs, they do have some health concerns that potential owners should be aware of.
One of the most common health issues seen in Silken Windhounds is hip dysplasia. This is a genetic condition that affects the hip joint, and can cause pain and lameness. It is important for potential owners to research the pedigree of any Silken Windhound they are considering, as this can help to reduce the risk of hip dysplasia. Other common issues include allergies, eye problems, and thyroid issues.
Silken Windhounds are also prone to bloat, which is a potentially life-threatening condition. This is caused by the stomach filling with gas, and can occur after eating or drinking too quickly. It is important for owners to be aware of the signs of bloat, and to take steps to reduce the risk, such as not exercising their dog for an hour after eating.
Grooming and maintenance for the Silken Windhound
Grooming and maintenance for the Silken Windhound is an important part of owning one of these wonderful dogs. Regular brushing and combing of their coat is essential to maintain their silky texture and keep it free of tangles and mats. Depending on the length of the coat, they may need to be brushed at least twice a week. A slicker brush is ideal for this task, as it can easily remove any knots and tangles that may have formed in the coat.
Bathing the Silken Windhound is also important, but should only be done when necessary. They should be bathed no more than once a month, as over-bathing can strip their coat of natural oils and cause it to become dry and brittle. A mild shampoo should be used and the coat should be thoroughly rinsed and dried. Regular nail clipping is also important to keep their feet healthy and prevent painful ingrown nails. Additionally, their ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent infection.
Silken Windhound breed standards and registration organizations
The Silken Windhound is an established breed of sighthound that is recognised by the International Silken Windhound Society (ISWS). The ISWS is the official breed registry, and it was founded in 1995 by a group of dedicated Silken Windhound breeders. The breed standard for the Silken Windhound is set by the ISWS and is based on the breed’s original characteristics. The breed standard describes the ideal Silken Windhound as being a medium-sized sighthound that is elegant, graceful and athletic. The breed should have a long and silky coat, and the coat should be a solid colour or a combination of colours.
The ISWS is the only organisation that registers Silken Windhounds in Australia. All Silken Windhounds must be registered with the ISWS in order to be eligible for competition in conformation shows. The ISWS also requires that all Silken Windhounds be DNA tested prior to registration, in order to ensure that the breed is free from genetic defects. The ISWS also works with other international registries to ensure that Silken Windhounds can be registered in other countries.
Finding and adopting a Silken Windhound: tips and resources.
When looking for a Silken Windhound, it is important to do your research and find a reputable breeder. They should be able to provide information on the breed’s health, temperament, and other important information. It is also important to ask questions and get to know the breeder to ensure that the puppy you are considering is a good fit for your lifestyle.
Another option for those looking to adopt a Silken Windhound is to check with local animal shelters or rescue organizations. Many of these organizations will have Silken Windhounds available for adoption. It is important to thoroughly evaluate the dog’s temperament and health before committing to adoption. Additionally, many of these organizations will provide resources and support for the new owner. This can include training classes, veterinary care, and other helpful information.
Final Thoughts
The Silken Windhound is a relatively new breed of dog that is becoming increasingly popular in Australia. It is a sighthound that was originally developed in the United States by breeder and geneticist, Francie Stull. The breed is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature, and is a great choice for active families. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation, as well as a balanced diet and regular grooming. They are also known for their strong sense of independence and their need for mental stimulation. With the right amount of love and attention, the Silken Windhound can be a wonderful addition to any home.
Silken Windhound FAQs
Yes, Silken Windhounds are generally good with children and other pets when socialized properly from a young age.
Silken Windhounds are generally healthy but may be prone to certain health issues such as allergies, hip dysplasia, and eye problems.
The Silken Windhound is a breed of dog that originated in the United States and is known for its elegance and grace.
Silken Windhounds are moderately active dogs that enjoy daily exercise but are also content to lounge around indoors with their owners.
Silken Windhounds respond well to positive reinforcement training methods such as clicker training and reward-based training.
Silken Windhounds have a long, silky coat that requires regular brushing and occasional bathing. They also require regular nail trimming and dental care.
The breed was developed in the 1980s by a group of breeders who were interested in creating a smaller version of the Borzoi.
Silken Windhounds typically live between 12 and 15 years.
Silken Windhounds are small to medium-sized dogs, usually weighing between 8 and 16 kilograms and standing between 46 and 58 centimetres tall at the shoulder.
Silken Windhounds are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities. They are also intelligent and trainable, making them a good choice for families with children.
