Silken Windhound Dog Breed

The Silken Windhound which looks like a smaller version of the Borzoi is a very loving, active, and graceful dog breed. This beautiful dog is a medium-sized sighthound that has the ability to run fast and with grace. It has a smooth, medium-length coat that looks stunning as well as is soft to touch. Weekly grooming is required to keep its coat soft and silky.

If you are looking for a loving dog breed that can cuddle with you on a couch as well as actively participate in your regular activities, Silken Windhound is perfect for you. It does best in an apartment as well as in a house with big yards and a loving and lively family.

Origin and History

The Silken Windhound was created not so long ago with the mix of Borzois and Whippets. It was bred when a breeder named Francie Stull wanted a breed that has the Whippet appearance but also has a gorgeous coat like the Borzoi. So she then crossed them both and that is how the first Silken Windhound was born in 1985 and the name was given in 1998.

The United Kennel Club recognized this breed as a sighthound in 2011 and the American Kennel Club is yet to recognize it. Today the popularity of this breed has grown worldwide and not just in the United States.

Is Silken Windhound Child-Friendly?

The Silken Windhound loves playing with kids and being around them. They make an excellent companion for them due to their playful and kind nature. However, close supervision is recommended, so there is no rough behavior or accidents from either side.

Temperament, Personality, and Behavior

Temperament: The temperament of the Silken Windhound is friendly, loving, and active. They are not shy at all and get comfortable with anyone. This breed is loving and is very affectionate with its family members. It loves laying on the couch but also loves some amount of regular exercise for its active body and mind.

Personality: The personality of Silken Windhound is happy, intelligent, and gentle. It gets along with almost everyone, so if you are looking for a watchdog or a guard dog, this breed is not for you. You don’t get to see its shyness or aggression as it is a friendly and gentle breed.

Behavior: The Silken Windhound loves to be around its people, so if it is not given much attention or left alone for a long period of time, it might have separation anxiety. It also has a high prey drive which might lead to chasing small animals and birds. So, always keep a close eye on them.

Trainability

Training Silken Windhound is not a tough job to do as it is a smart and intelligent breed that learns quickly. Although its independent mind can make it stubborn sometimes, So establish an alpha position from an early age, so it knows who the master is.

Start from basic obedience training and as they master it, move to agility and advance training. It will keep them active and mentally stimulated.

Facts

• The Silken Windhound has a high prey drive due to which it is not suited with small animals or birds at home.
• The beautiful coat of the Silken Windhound is suited for all kinds of weather.

Health Issues

The Silken Windhound is a healthy breed in general with a few of the following common health problems.

• Lotus Syndrome: In this syndromes, the litter inside the womb has the hind limbs in the lotus position. The main cause of this syndrome is due to the lack of the puppy movements. It might cause trouble in breathing and many dies before birth or few hours after birth.
• Deafness: The Silken Windhound can suffer from deafness due to some infection. so, if you feel like your dog cannot hear properly, take him to a vet for check-up.

Colors

The Silken Windhound comes in the following colors:

• Black
• Red
• Brown
• Black and Tan
• Silver
• White
• Gray

Size

Height: The average height of the Silken Windhound is between 18-24 inches.

Weight: The average weight of the male Silken Windhound is 22-55 pounds and the female is between 24-44 pounds.

Price

The price of the Silken Windhound on average is between $2000-$2500 USD. However, if you decide to adopt one, you can get it in $300-$500 USD which includes vaccination fees and other charges.

Dog Breed Similar to the Silken Windhound

• Whippet
• Borzoi
• Saluki
• Afghan Hound

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