Origin and Development

The Silken Windhound is an American breed that originated in Austin, Texas, and was founded by Francie Stull, a renowned breeder of Borzoi and Deerhounds. The breed's development began in 1985 with the first litter of Silken Windhounds, which included dogs named Windy and Taffy. Stull utilized her favored Borzoi and Lurcher bloodlines to create the Silken Windhound, combining the speed of a sighthound with the trainable, affectionate temperament of a family pet. The breed's studbooks closed in 2000, allowing for minimal outcrossing to foundational breeds in order to improve health and reduce inbreeding coefficients (COI) to below 6.5%.

In 2009, the Silken Windhound was accepted as a Limited Stakes breed in the American Sighthound Field Association (ASFA), and by 2010, it was recognized by the National Open Field Championship Association (NOFCA), allowing participation in open field events. The breed was also recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 2011 and has since been acknowledged by FCI-affiliated kennel clubs in Germany and the Netherlands. In 2026, the Silken Windhound was added to the AKC Foundation Stock Service (FSS), signifying its acceptance as a breed with a stable and healthy population.

Appearance

Silken Windhounds are medium-sized sighthounds known for their silky, moderately long coats that can range from white to black, with brilliant brindles and solid red in between. Their coats can also be spotted, tuxedo-marked, or solid-colored, adding to their distinctive appearance. The breed standard specifies that the coat should be free from mats and tangles, and the color should be bright and clear.

Measuring between 46-60 cm in height at the withers, these dogs have an elegant athletic build that is characteristic of sighthounds. Their weight ranges from 15-25 kg for males and 9-20 kg for females. Their lean, muscular bodies are designed for speed and agility, making them a dynamic and visually appealing breed.

Temperament

Silken Windhounds are known for their friendly, gentle, and affectionate nature. They are excellent companions for families with children and are generally well-behaved with other pets. Their friendly disposition makes them less suitable as guard dogs, as they are more likely to greet strangers warmly than to guard territory.

These dogs are highly intelligent and can be easily trained with positive reinforcement. They enjoy activities such as agility, therapy, flyball, and obedience, which not only provide mental stimulation but also strengthen the bond between the dog and its owner.

Despite their high energy levels, Silken Windhounds can be surprisingly calm, making them suitable for various lifestyles as long as they receive adequate exercise and mental stimulation. They are known for their gentle nature and are often described as "Velcro dogs," as they enjoy being close to their owners.

Health and Genetics

Silken Windhounds typically have a lifespan of 12-18 years, with bone and joint ailments like hip dysplasia and bloat being rare. However, some individuals may be sensitive to ivermectin and related drugs, which is why a simple test to identify a defective MDR1 gene, a multi-drug resistance gene, is now available. Dogs with this gene mutation can be at risk of life-threatening reactions to ivermectin, a common deworming medication.

Other reported health issues include cryptorchidism, umbilical hernia, and lotus syndrome, as well as deafness and cataracts in older dogs. Responsible breeders conduct health clearances and genetic testing to minimize the risk of these conditions in their puppies.

Breeder Purpose and Recognition

The Silken Windhound was bred with the purpose of being a hound, combining the speed and agility of a sighthound with a trainable and affectionate temperament. The breed has gained recognition and acceptance in various dog sports and showings worldwide. The breed's studbooks were closed in 2000 to ensure the health and genetic diversity of the breed, with minimal outcrossing to foundational breeds. This focus on health and improvement has led to the breed's recognition by several kennel clubs and associations, including the ASFA, NOFCA, and the United Kennel Club.

The breed's standard was finalized in 1999, and the first breed standard was published in 2000. This standard has been updated and refined over the years to reflect the breed's development and to ensure that the breed remains true to its original purpose. The breed's recognition by the AKC in 2026 was a significant milestone, as it opened up opportunities for participation in AKC events and increased the breed's visibility.

Events and Activities

Silken Windhounds participate in a variety of performance sports and showings worldwide. They are part of the hound group in organizations like the National All-American Kennel Club (NAKC), International All-Breed Canine Association (IABCA), and National Canine Association (NCA). In Slovenia, they are recognized by the Slovenian Kennel Club, which is a member of the FCI.

These dogs also compete in sighthound performance sports, such as Finnish lure coursing and straight racing events. The International Silken Windhound Society has established straight and oval track racing programs, allowing Silkens to compete for performance titles. The breed's agility and speed make them well-suited for these activities, and they often excel in these competitive settings.

Buyer's Checklist and Considerations

• Life expectancy: 12-18 years
• Weight: Males 15-25 kg, Females 9-20 kg
• Height: 46-60 cm
• Energy level: High, requiring daily exercise and mental stimulation
• Temperament: Friendly, gentle, affectionate, and intelligent
• Health considerations: Monitor for sensitivity to ivermectin and other genetic conditions

When considering a Silken Windhound, ensure that your home and lifestyle can accommodate a dog with high energy levels and a strong need for companionship.