Silken Windhound
- Origin
- United States
- Type
- Sighthound
- Size
- Medium
- Height
- 47–60 cm (18.5–23.5 in)
- Coat
- Silky and wavy, of medium length, with feathering
- Colors
- Any color
- Life span
- Mid to late teens
- Status
- Recognised by the UKC; in the AKC Foundation Stock Service
The Silken Windhound is an American sighthound, small to medium in size, with a silky coat. Like most sighthounds, it is a keen courser.
History
The breed was founded in Austin, Texas, by Francie Stull, a breeder of show and performance Borzoi and Deerhounds. She drew on her favorite Borzoi and Lurcher bloodlines. The first Silken Windhound litter was born in 1985, and a breed club, the International Silken Windhound Society, was formed in 1999. The studbooks closed in 2000. Since then a small amount of approved outcrossing to the founding breeds has been allowed and monitored, to improve health and reduce inbreeding.
The United Kennel Club recognised the breed on 18 March 2011. Kennel clubs affiliated with the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in Germany, the Netherlands and Slovenia have also accepted it, though the FCI itself has not. In 2026 it was added to the American Kennel Club’s Foundation Stock Service.
Silkens were accepted for American lure coursing in limited stakes in late 2009 and for open field coursing in late 2010. The breed society also runs straight and oval track racing programs.
Appearance
Silken Windhounds are graceful dogs standing 47–60 cm (18.5–23.5 in) tall. The coat is silky and of middling length. Colors run from white to black, with brindles and solid red in between, and dogs may be spotted, tuxedo-marked or solid.
Temperament
Silkens are affectionate and playful, and they suit families with children. They are too friendly to be good guard dogs. They are easily housebroken and can be trained to live with smaller household pets.
They are intelligent and learn readily with rewards and affection in short, positive sessions. They enjoy agility, therapy work, flyball and obedience.
Care and health
Silken Windhounds usually live into their middle to late teens. Bone and joint problems such as hip dysplasia are rare, and so is bloat.
Some dogs are sensitive to ivermectin and related drugs because of a defective MDR1 gene, and a test is available for it. Owners have also reported cryptorchidism, umbilical hernia and lotus syndrome, along with deafness and cataracts in old age.
Like many sighthounds, Silkens can slip out of buckle collars, so most owners use semi-slip collars.
Facts on this page were checked against Wikipedia and may have changed since.