Last updated on October 25th, 2021
The Silken Windhound is a small to medium-sized sighthound. They’re easy to teach and adore their families, which may include small children and pets. They are well-known for their warm personalities.
Borzoi dogs were utilised to create the Silken Windhound breed. The Silkens Windhounds have a higher energy level, are usually easier to teach, are very responsive to people, and are affectionate.
Content Overview
- History
- Other’s name
- Characteristics
- Temperament and Personality
- Is Silken Windhound Good With you & your family?
- Appearance
- Common Health Problems & It’s Symptoms
- Basic Requirement
- Grooming Needs
- How to train Silken Windhound Puppy
- Puppy price
- Can we left Silken Windhound alone at home?
- Silken Windhound Mix breeds
- Things to consider adopting a Silken Windhound puppies
- Advantages & Disadvantages
Silken Windhound History
The Silken Windhound is the result of Francie Stull’s hard work and vision to create a medium-sized, athletic, family-oriented, coated sighthound. Francie Stull, breeder of over 200 Champion Borzoi under the kennel name Kristull, had a vision to create a medium-sized, athletic, family-oriented, coated sighthound.
Francie Stull of Kristull Kennel, a Borzoi breeder who sought to create a mid-sized sighthound with a long, silky coat that would be easy to groom and keep, is credited with breeding the first Silken Windhound litter. Stull bred Borzois with Whippets until the first litter of Silken Windhounds was born in the United States in 1985.
However, the new breed wouldn’t be titled “Silken Windhound” until 1998. The International Silken Windhound Society was created the next year, and a breed standard was adopted in 2001.
They are still not recognised by the American Kennel Club. This breed was approved by the United Kennel Club in 2011. Silken Windhounds are still used in show and performance events today.
Other’s name
- Silken
Characteristics
Breed basic Characteristics
Weight | Male: 15 – 25 kg, Female: 10 – 20 kg |
Height | Male: 46 – 60 cm, Female: 45 – 58 cm |
Grooming requirements | Medium grooming |
Litter size | 4 – 6 Puppies |
Coat color | Black, Black and Tan, Brown, Gray, Red, Silver, White |
Lifespan | 16 – 20 years |
Suitable For | Families, Small homes and apartments |
Purpose | Family dog |
Barking Level | When Necessary |
Breed Type | Sighthound |
Hypoallergenic | No |
Energy Level | High |
Temperament and Personality
This dog breed is loyal, affectionate, sociable, playful, companionable, and familial. Silken Windhounds are adaptable to a variety of lifestyles and can even live in apartments if they get at least one long walk and preferably a good run at the dog park each day.
It is an affectionate family dog with a very pleasant personality. Because of their kindness, they can be bad watchdogs. They have a sensitive side and do not do well when left alone for lengthy periods of time without companionship.
It’s critical to provide them with a secure and fenced outdoor space. He’s a pleasure to teach and genuinely wants to please his owner. It’s kind, but never timid or nervous.
Is Silken Windhound Good With you & your family?
The Silken Windhound is recognised for its caring attitude, particularly toward its human family. The Silken Windhound is suitable for families with kids. They get along well with other dogs.
It is happy to spend the most of the day with the people it loves. Their strong prey drive can often lead them to chase tiny animals and roam. The Silken Windhound is a fantastic choice for those looking for an active, affectionate, and easy-to-train family dog.
The Silken Windhound should be a low-maintenance companion for even inexperienced owners. Borzoi owners who wanted something comparable but smaller chose the Silken Windhound as their pet.
Silken Windhounds are quite similar to Borzoi. They’ll be OK in an apartment as long as they get plenty of walks and runs at the neighbourhood dog park.
Silken Windhound Appearance
Body: It is a medium-sized sighthound. Its body is elegant and well-balanced.
Head: Head is long, wedge-shaped head. The head is sculpted, with dry, tight skin and visible veining.
Eyes: The eyes are large and black, almond-shaped, and slightly obliquely situated. The pigmentation around the eyes is dense and black.
Expression: It has an alert, friendly, and intelligent expression.
Ears: When in rest, the ears are small and delicate in texture, folded and lying back along the neck. Ears may prick or semi-prick when alert. Houndy ears that hang or droop are unpleasant.
Skull: Its skull is thin.
Muzzle: The muzzle is well-balanced in relation to the skull. The upper plane of the muzzle is parallel to the plane of the mouth when viewed from the side.
Nose: The nose is black and slightly downturned at the tip.
Lips: They’re a little bit tight.
Jaws: Jaws are strong to accommodate the teeth, which are enormous for a dog of size and have a full dentition and scissors bite.
Neck: The neck is long and slim. It has a small arch to it, is strongly muscled, and has a lot of power. The neck is symmetrically spread into the shoulder, with no dewlap or throatines.
Feet: The feet have robust, thick pads and are well knuckled.
Common Health Problems & It’s Symptoms
Health issue |
How it cause? |
Symptoms |
Lotus Syndrome |
The litter inside the womb in this syndrome has the hind limbs in the lotus position. The lack of puppy movements is the primary cause of this syndrome. |
Cognitive deterioration,
Dyskinesia |
Deafness |
Deafness is caused by an illness. So, if you suspect your dog isn’t hearing correctly, take him to the vet for an examination. |
Doesn’t reply on your command |
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) |
It causes progressive visual loss that eventually leads to blindness. |
Cloudy eyes or Gray color eyes Reluctance to go down the stairs or jump down steps Decreased color of the pigment of the eyes
|
Hip dysplasia |
This condition occurs during the growth stage in dogs. |
Decreased activity. Difficulty or reluctance rising, jumping, running, or climbing stairs. Lameness in the hind end. |
Heart problems |
When your dog’s heart has issues pumping enough blood throughout the body, he or she has heart problems. |
Weakness Coughing Difficulty breathing Increased breathing rate |
Basic Requirement
Feeding plan:
For Silken Windhounds’ healthy lives, a well-balanced diet is essential and required for the rest of their lives. The amount of food you should feed your Silken Windhound is determined by their age, weight, and degree of activity.
Additionally, give them a treat in between training sessions. Always watch what they eat because too much can lead to obesity, which can cause a slew of medical issues.
To feed your dog, choose high-quality food and examine the nutrition enrichment packet.
For the first four weeks, their mother solely feeds them milk.
Feed 4 meals every day when they are under 3 months old.
After 3 months, reduce their feeding to 3 meals a day and make sure not to overfeed them. When they reach adulthood, limit their feeding to two meals per day by the time.
Best food:
- Apple, Watermelon, Banana
- Blueberries
- Popcorn
- White Rice
- Dairy Products
- Carrots, Cucumber
Bad food:
- Avocado
- Chocolate, Caffeine, Ice-cream, Nuts
- Onion, Garlic
- Citrus Fruits, Grapes
- Cinnamon
Water requirement
With all of the nutrients in their diet, don’t forget to give them water, as their bodies are made up of 50-60% water. Remember to give them water throughout the day since they are thirsty and hot. Keep a supply of cool, clean water on hand to keep them hydrated.
Exercise needs:
Supplements work wonders when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Most of the time, these dogs are content to curl up on the couch with their families.
You may improve your dog’s fighting ability by exercising them throughout their lives. One hour of daily activity is required for the Silken Windhound.
They also have significant energy bursts and require daily exercise in the form of a long walk or run.
Running: Silken Windhound is an excellent runner. They enjoy running with you.
Hiking: Take your Silken Windhound with you the next time you go on a trip or want to explore new woods and trails.
Swimming: Swimming is a favourite pastime for Silken Windhounds. Swimming is a great low-impact workout that can help with joint pain and endurance.
Fetch: You can make fetch a lot more fascinating and pleasant. Switch between balls, sticks, and frisbees to shake things up. Make your Silken Windhound sprint up a hill or into a body of water.
Grooming Needs
Why they need grooming?
- Much healthier and shinier coats that shed less.
- It improves the appearance of your family pet.
- This is a fantastic opportunity to look for fleas.
- Reduces the risk of ear infections
- Improved odour and hygiene
- Can detect any skin or health issues.
- Matting is avoided.
Step of grooming:
1. Begin grooming your Silken Windhound puppy while he is a puppy so that he will learn to accept grooming with patience as he grows older. Make the grooming process interesting.
2. Remove tangles, knots, and mats by brushing your Silken Windhound. Brush him with a slicker brush a few times a week to prevent tangles. Brush their coats before bathing them.
3. For good general health and fresh breath, brush the teeth with a vet-approved pet toothpaste on a regular basis.
4. Examine your ears on a weekly basis for debris, redness, or a foul odour that could suggest an infection. If your ears appear to be filthy, clean them with a cotton ball moistened with a pH-balanced ear cleanser.
5. Bathe him every eight to twelve weeks (3 months). Always use standard dog shampoo and conditioner. Warm water should be used. Place a cotton ball into the ear to prevent water from entering. Dry them with a towel or a hair dryer after their bath. If necessary, clear their anal sacs.
6. Once a month, or as needed, trim their nails. Cut their nails calmly.
How to train Silken Windhound Puppy
Silken Windhounds take training more quickly and easily than many other breeds. Maintain a positive environment for them. Positive reinforcement is the most effective method for training your Silken Windhound.
Puppies for a Silken Windhound should begin training at the age of eight weeks. Long sessions of training for your Silken Windhound are not recommended. It is more efficient to train them throughout the day in short yet consistent sessions.
When complimenting your Silken Windhound, instead of stroking them on the top of their head or back, pat them on the chin or chest, as this is more compassionate for them.
Use a cheerful tone when praising. When your little puppy has completed his task, praise him and reward them with a pet treat.
Potty training
How to potty train a Silken Windhound puppy may take some time and effort. Take your Silken Windhound outside every hour or so and wait with them for a few minutes to see if they need to relieve themselves.
This will make it more difficult for them to go to the bathroom inside and will educate them where they should go. Make sure they have use to their own outside restroom.
You recognise their potty signs, like as smelling the floor, sitting at the outside door, barking, squatting, and circling.
Stop biting:
When they see people and feel vulnerable, Silken Windhound puppy pups bite. Pull your hand back and say out, “Ouch” or “No,” if your dog bites you. Toys for dogs to chew on should be gentle.
And as soon as their teeth appear, they experience agony. If the biting becomes excessive, you’ll have no choice but to take action. When dogs are uncomfortable, they bite.
Raised heckles, bared teeth, and a shrunken head are all signs that a Silken Windhound is uncomfortable. Try to make Silken Windhound comfortable.Stop barking:
Stop barking:
Wait for them to stop barking and reward them with a treat when they do. When Silken Windhounds are tired, they bark. Bring them out for a more regular workout or game. When they’re sleepy, they’re less inclined to bark.
Puppy price
Silken Windhound Puppy price is between $2000 – $2500.
Can we left Silken Windhound alone at home?
The answer is – “No”. Silken Windhounds are intelligent and eager to please. They enjoy spending time with their families. They have a sensitive side and do not do well when left alone for lengthy periods of time without companionship.
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages:
- It is good family companion.
- They are adaptable.
- They’re easily trained.
- It has high prey drive.
- They live happily apartment life.
- It ha slong life-spam.
Disadvantages:
- They are poor watchdogs.
- It is good with other’s animal.
- They need require exercise.
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