The Silken Windhound is an elegant, small to medium-sized sighthound from the United States, developed to combine the grace and coursing ability of a Borzoi with the size and sociability of a Whippet. Bred primarily as a companion and lure courser, this modern breed carries a flowing, silky coat in a stunning range of colours and is known for its gentle, affectionate nature in the home. Where many sighthounds are aloof, the Silken Windhound is devoted and people-oriented, equally happy sprinting across a field or curling up on the sofa.
Created by breeder Francie Stull in the 1980s, the breed's foundation stock blended top Borzoi show and coursing lines with Whippet-based lurchers and pure Whippets, producing a hound with the poise of a show dog and the athleticism of a true courser. The name Silken Windhound was officially adopted in 1998, and the breed was recognised by the United Kingdom Canine Club (UKC) in 2011. With a lifespan often extending into the teens, Silkens are celebrated as one of the healthiest of the sighthound family.
Today the Silken Windhound is a versatile companion, excelling in lure coursing, agility, obedience and therapy work while remaining a calm, quiet presence indoors. Intelligent, eager to please and remarkably easy to housetrain, they suit active households and owners who appreciate a fast, friendly hound that runs like the wind and naps like a cat.
A Modern Sighthound from America
The Silken Windhound began as a personal project for Borzoi breeder Francie Stull, who in the 1970s wanted a smaller, easier-to-keep sighthound with the elegance and athleticism of her larger hounds. In the early 1980s she acquired a puppy from the famous Borzoi bitch Stillwater Virginia Reel, and later bred that line to a blue brindle dog called Stillwater Kristull Peacock. Peacock was then bred to Windsprite Autumnal Xenon, uniting some of the best show and coursing Borzoi bloodlines of the era.
To refine size and temperament, Stull introduced Whippet and Whippet-based lurcher stock, creating a medium-sized hound around 18–24 inches tall with a steady, affectionate personality. The first litters whelped in 1985, and the breed took its official name in 1998. The International Silken Windhound Society, chartered in 1999, maintains all pedigrees and DNA-verified registrations, and the UKC granted full recognition in 2011. Silkens now live across North America, Europe, Japan and beyond.
Appearance: Silky Coat and Sighthound Lines
The Silken Windhound presents an impression of grace, balance and strength. Approximately square in proportion, they carry fine-bladed bone and smooth muscle that never looks frail, with the deep chest, tucked waist and long legs typical of a coursing hound. The head is refined, with a gentle expression that is alert, friendly and intelligent, and the ears fold back along the neck in classic sighthound fashion.
The breed's defining feature is its moderately long, silky coat, which can be straight or gently wavy and is typically feathered on the tail, thighs and ears. The hair lies close to the body, flowing easily as the dog runs. Coat colour is unrestricted and hugely varied: solid black, red, grey or silver, rich brindles, sable shades, and pied or tuxedo patterns with white. A light, airy coat, it repels dirt surprisingly well and requires far less maintenance than its length suggests.
Temperament and Personality
Silken Windhounds are intelligent hounds of balanced character. In the field they display strong prey drive and a joy in the chase, but at home they are gentle, affectionate and devoted companions, quiet and well-behaved indoors. They form close bonds with their people and prefer to share family activities rather than be left to their own devices, though they are not needy or overbearing in their affection.
Friendly and confident, Silkens generally greet strangers without anxiety and get on well with other dogs. They are sensitive and kind-natured, responding poorly to harsh handling, and they thrive on gentle guidance. Their combination of softness and spirit makes them superb family dogs, and they are widely regarded as one of the easiest sighthounds to live with, taking naturally to housetraining and house manners.
Exercise and Activity
As a true coursing hound, the Silken Windhound needs daily opportunity to stretch out and run at full speed. A securely fenced yard or regular visits to a safe open space are ideal, and most owners combine an energetic sprint session with one or two brisk walks totalling roughly 45–60 minutes a day. Lure coursing is the breed's favourite sport and a wonderful outlet for their natural instinct to chase.
| Dog | Daily exercise | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | 3–4 short play sessions of 10–15 minutes | Keep walks gentle; avoid hard surfaces while growing |
| Adult | 45–60 minutes total walk or play | Split into two shorter sessions if preferred |
| Senior | 30–40 minutes of gentle walking | Slow the pace and shorten distance with age |
Off-lead safety is paramount: a Silken will vanish after a rabbit or squirrel in an instant, so reliable recall must be taught before any free running, and many owners prefer a securely fenced area. At home they are surprisingly laid-back and content to lounge between outings, making them adaptable companions for apartment dwellers who can commit to daily exercise. The Daily Exercise Guide can help you structure a routine that keeps your hound fit and satisfied.
Training a Silken Windhound
Silken Windhounds are intelligent, eager to please and responsive to reward-based training, making them one of the more trainable sighthound breeds. Sessions are best kept short, varied and positive, with treats and praise used generously. They are sensitive souls, so loud voices or force will only undermine their confidence. Early socialisation with people, dogs and new situations builds the calm, friendly temperament the breed is known for.
Because sighthounds are wired to chase, a solid recall is the single most important skill to teach, and it should be practised daily in low-distraction settings before being tested around movement. Housetraining is rarely a struggle, and many Silkens effectively train themselves. Gentle, consistent guidance from puppyhood shapes a polite, reliable companion. The Dog Training Guide and the Puppy Care Guide offer practical foundations for raising and schooling your Silken.
Grooming a Silken Windhound
The Silken Windhound's flowing coat is surprisingly easy to care for. A thorough brushing two or three times a week keeps the silk tangle-free and removes loose hair, with extra attention to feathering on the ears, thighs and tail where mats can form. The coat repels dirt and odour well, so baths are only needed occasionally, using a gentle dog shampoo and conditioner to keep the hair sleek.
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 3–4 times a week | Brush in the direction of the coat and check for tangles |
| Bathing | Every 6–8 weeks or as needed | Use a mild dog shampoo |
| Nail trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Trim when you hear nails clicking on the floor |
| Ear checks | Weekly | Look for wax, redness, or odor |
| Teeth brushing | 2–3 times a week | Dental chews help as a supplement |
| Professional trim or clip | Every 6–8 weeks | Keeps the coat tidy and hygienic |
Silkens are light shedders overall, which suits many households, though seasonal shedding occurs twice a year. Regular ear checks, nail trimming and tooth brushing round out the routine. Despite its glamorous length, the coat needs no trimming or clipping, and many owners find grooming a pleasant ten-minute ritual rather than a chore. The Dog Grooming Guide covers keeping this beautiful coat in top condition.
Feeding a Silken Windhound
A balanced, high-quality diet suited to a medium-sized, active breed supports the Silken Windhound's lean build and athletic lifestyle. Feeding amounts depend on age, activity and metabolism, but an adult typically eats around 1.5 to 2.5 cups of dry food a day, divided into two meals. Owners of highly active coursing dogs may need to adjust portions, while less active companions should be watched to avoid weight gain, which puts unnecessary strain on their delicate joints.
| Life stage | Meals per day | Portion per meal (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (under 6 months) | 3–4 meals | 1.5–2 cups | Use a large-breed puppy formula |
| Adult | 2 meals | 3–4 cups | Adjust to activity level and body condition |
| Senior (7+ years) | 2 meals | 2.5–3.5 cups | Consider a senior or joint-support formula |
Because Silkens have deep chests, they share the sighthound risk of gastric bloat, so meals are best given in two or more smaller portions rather than one large feed, and vigorous exercise should be avoided around mealtimes. Puppies need a growth formula and several small daily meals, and fresh water should always be available. Your vet can help tailor a plan to your dog's specific needs.
Health and Veterinary Care
The Silken Windhound is a remarkably healthy and long-lived breed, with many individuals living well into their teens and some reaching twenty years. Responsible breeders screen for conditions such as hip dysplasia and eye problems, and the breed enjoys low rates of the joint ailments seen in larger sighthounds. As with all deep-chested breeds, bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) is a concern to be aware of.
| Check-up | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness exam | Annual | Includes dental and weight check |
| Vaccinations | Annual booster | Follow your veterinarian's schedule |
| Heartworm prevention | Monthly (or as advised) | Year-round in most regions |
| Dental check | Annual cleaning as recommended | Watch for tartar buildup |
| Hip/elbow dysplasia and bloat awareness | Discuss with your vet | OFA/PennHIP on parents |
| Senior wellness checks | Start from age 5–6 | Early detection of age-related conditions |
Some Silkens carry the MDR1 gene mutation, which causes sensitivity to ivermectin and related drugs, so a simple DNA test is recommended and informs safe parasite prevention choices. Cases of cryptorchidism, umbilical hernia and cataracts in old age are occasionally reported. Routine veterinary care, a healthy weight and a good diet keep most Silkens thriving for a long, active life. The Signs of a Healthy Pet is a useful checklist for monitoring your hound's wellbeing.
Home Environment
Silken Windhounds adapt readily to many living situations, including apartments and small houses, provided their exercise needs are met and they are kept close to their people. They are quiet indoors, rarely bark, and prefer to follow the household from room to room, settling at your feet. A securely fenced garden is a wonderful asset, but responsible on-lead walks and supervised running can substitute where space is limited.
Given their thick coats and love of comfort, they are better suited to indoor living than the kennel, thriving as true members of the family. Their gentle, tolerant nature makes them excellent with children and other dogs, and they usually accept cats and small pets raised alongside them. Choosing a Silken Windhound means committing to a companion who wants to share your life, your sofa and your adventures. The Choosing the Right Pet can help you confirm whether this breed suits your household.
Common Ownership Challenges
The most significant challenge of Silken ownership is the powerful prey drive. A small, fast-moving animal can trigger an instant chase, and no amount of training fully erases this instinct, so secure fencing and a reliable recall are essential. Owners who enjoy off-lead walks must accept that their hound may never be trustworthy around running wildlife.
Silkens also dislike being left alone for long stretches and can become anxious or destructive without companionship, and their sensitive nature means they need gentle, patient handling. Their long coat, while easy to groom, still requires regular brushing, and the breed is not a guard dog of any kind. None of these traits are flaws to the devoted owner, but they deserve honest consideration before bringing a Silken home.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Gentle, affectionate and devoted family companions
- Exceptionally healthy and long-lived for a sighthound
- Quiet and calm indoors, adaptable to apartment living
- Intelligent, eager to please and easy to housetrain
- Low-shedding silky coat that is simple to maintain
Disadvantages
- Strong prey drive makes off-lead safety a constant concern
- Needs daily space to run at full speed, not just walk
- Sensitive nature requires gentle, positive handling
- Not suited to long periods left alone
- Offers no guard-dog instincts
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Silken Windhounds good family dogs? Yes, they are gentle, affectionate and devoted companions that do well with children and other dogs when raised with them.
How much exercise does a Silken Windhound need? About 45–60 minutes a day, including the chance to run flat out in a secure area, plus relaxed walks.
Do Silken Windhounds shed a lot? No, they are light shedders for a long-coated breed, with heavier seasonal shedding twice a year.
Are Silken Windhounds good with children? Yes, their patient and tolerant nature suits them to families, though as with any dog, interactions should be supervised.
Do Silken Windhounds get along with cats and small pets? Often yes when raised together, but their prey drive means small animals should never be taken for granted.
Are Silken Windhounds easy to train? Yes, they are intelligent and eager to please, responding best to short, positive, reward-based sessions.
What is the lifespan of a Silken Windhound? Most live 12–15 years, with many reaching their late teens and some even their early twenties.
Do Silken Windhounds bark much? No, they are notably quiet indoors and make poor guard dogs, being friendly even with strangers.
Are Silken Windhounds good for first-time owners? Yes, their trainability, gentleness and easy coats make them one of the more forgiving sighthounds, provided exercise needs are met.
Can Silken Windhounds live in apartments? Yes, they adapt well to smaller homes as long as they get daily running and plenty of time with their people.