The Silken Windhound is a unique and fascinating breed, but one of the first things you'll want to consider is the cost. The average price of a Silken Windhound puppy is between $1,500 and $4,000.
This price range can vary depending on several factors, including the breeder, bloodlines, and location. For example, a puppy from a reputable breeder with champion bloodlines may cost upwards of $4,000.
In addition to the initial purchase price, you'll also need to factor in ongoing costs such as food, vet bills, and supplies. Silken Windhounds are a relatively healthy breed, but they do require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their silky coats.
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Breed Details
The Silken Windhound is a compact sighthound with a unique appearance. They typically stand between 18.5 to 23.5 inches at the shoulder.
Their weight varies, ranging from 20 to 45 pounds, making them a great option for families with smaller living spaces. They require regular grooming to prevent tangles in their silky coats.
Their coats come in all colors and patterns, which can be a fun aspect of owning a Silken Windhound.
General Information
The Silken Windhound is a medium-sized sighthound that originated in the United States in the 1980s. It was developed by crossing Greyhound, Saluki, Borzoi, and Whippet breeds.
The breed is known for its sleek build, fine bladed bone, and smooth muscle, which gives it a balanced and athletic appearance. Its silky and smooth coat requires weekly brushing to prevent matting.
Silken Windhounds are generally healthy, but they can be prone to certain genetic health conditions, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and osteosarcoma. They have an average lifespan of 12-14 years.
Here are some key characteristics of the Silken Windhound breed:
- Origin: United States, developed in the 1980s
- Size: Medium (22-55 pounds)
- Breed Group: Sighthound
- Lifespan: 12-14 years
History
The Silken Windhound is a relatively new breed, with the first litter born in 1985 in the United States.
Borzoi breeder Francie Stull of Kristull Kennel created the breed by crossing Borzois with Whippets, aiming to produce a mid-sized sighthound with a long, silky coat.
The breed wasn't officially named "Silken Windhound" until 1998, but the International Silken Windhound Society was founded the following year.
The breed standard was adopted in 2001, and the United Kennel Club recognized the Silken Windhound as a breed in 2011.
Today, Silken Windhounds can be found in show and performance competitions around the world, and they're gaining popularity.
The breed is still not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but they're working towards being accepted into the AKC's Foundation Stock Service.
Silken Windhounds are found in many countries, including the United States, Austria, Canada, Finland, and the United Kingdom, among others.
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General Information" could be matched with the most inclusive heading "Quick Facts
The Silken Windhound is a unique breed that's a mix of Greyhound, Saluki, Borzoi, and Whippet. They were developed in the 1980s in the United States.
Originating from a combination of these breeds, Silken Windhounds have a distinct appearance that sets them apart. They have a silky and smooth coat that comes in various colors and patterns.
Their size can vary, but they tend to be medium-sized, weighing between 20 and 55 pounds. Males are generally larger than females, with a height range of 18 to 23.5 inches at the shoulder.
Silken Windhounds are part of the Sighthound breed group and are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They're highly intelligent and enjoy human interaction and playtime.
To keep them happy and healthy, Silken Windhounds require daily walks, runs, and playtime. Fenced yards or controlled leash walks are essential to prevent escape attempts.
Their elongated facial structure is not just for show; it aids in temperature regulation and extends their field of vision by 20 degrees. This unique feature helps them navigate their surroundings with ease.
Here's a quick rundown of Silken Windhound sizes:
Their lifespan is around 12-14 years, and while they're generally healthy, some may be prone to genetic health conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and osteosarcoma. Regular grooming, including weekly brushing, is necessary to prevent matting and keep their coat looking its best.
Health and Grooming
Silken Windhounds are generally a healthy breed, but there are some genetic predispositions to certain medical issues that owners should be aware of.
Lotus Syndrome is a rare disorder that affects very young dogs, causing joint contractures, facial anomalies, and developmental issues. It's essential to test for this condition before breeding.
Some Silken Windhounds may be sensitive to certain drugs due to the MDR1 gene. This can be fatal if not tested for before administering medication.
Umbilical hernias are relatively common in Silken Windhounds and can be congenital or noticed shortly after birth.
Cryptorchidism, or undescended testicles, is a congenital disorder that can occur in male Silken Windhounds.
Deafness can be congenital or acquired later in life and can significantly impact a dog's quality of life.
Cataracts can occur due to genetic factors, diabetes, or other underlying health issues, and can lead to a decrease in vision or blindness.
Silken Windhound coats require little maintenance and can come in almost any color or pattern. They shed relatively little and need only a few good brushings a week to stay healthy.
Here are some grooming tips to keep your Silken Windhound looking and feeling its best:
- Brush your Silken Windhound a few times a week with a slicker brush to prevent tangles.
- Bathe your Silken Windhound every eight to twelve weeks in a mild shampoo.
- Trim your Silken Windhound's nails as needed, usually once a month.
- Brush your Silken Windhound's teeth frequently with a vet-approved pet toothpaste.
- Check your Silken Windhound's ears weekly for dirt, redness, or a bad odor.
Health
Silken Windhounds are generally a healthy breed, but like any dog, they can be prone to certain health issues. Lotus Syndrome is a rare condition that affects young dogs, causing joint contractures, facial anomalies, and developmental issues.
Some Silken Windhounds may carry the MDR1 gene, making them sensitive to certain drugs. This means that before administering medication, it's crucial to test your Silken Windhound for this gene to avoid a potentially fatal reaction.
Umbilical hernias are relatively common in Silken Windhounds, often noticed shortly after birth. This congenital condition is a protrusion of abdominal contents through the abdominal wall near the belly button.
Cryptorchidism, or undescended testicles, is a congenital disorder that affects male dogs. It's essential to have your veterinarian check for this condition, especially if you're planning to breed your Silken Windhound.
Deafness can occur in Silken Windhounds, either congenitally or later in life. This sensory impairment can significantly impact your dog's quality of life, so it's vital to be aware of the signs and take necessary precautions.
Cataracts are a relatively common condition in older dogs, but can also be caused by genetic factors, diabetes, or other underlying health issues. Regular eye check-ups can help detect cataracts early on.
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Coat Color and Grooming
Silken Windhounds have beautiful, luxurious coats that can come in almost any color or pattern. They can be black, tan, brown, gray, red, silver, or white, or a combination of colors.
Their coats may be solid, spotted, brindle, or streaked with unique markings, making each one truly special.
Their coats require little maintenance, which is great news for busy owners. They shed relatively little and a few good brushings a week should keep their coat healthy.
Some owners even get by with just one or fewer brushings a week, which is a testament to the low-maintenance nature of their coats.
To keep their coat healthy, brush them a few times a week with a slicker brush to prevent tangles from forming.
Bathing them is also relatively easy, and they can usually go 8-12 weeks between baths.
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Temperament and Care
Silken windhounds are known to be gentle and calm, requiring a gentle approach to their care. They are sensitive to noise and stress.
They need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, and a daily walk of at least 30 minutes is recommended. This can be a great opportunity for bonding and training.
Silken windhounds are generally quiet dogs, but they do require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their silky coats.
Temperament and Personality
The Silken Windhound has an extremely friendly personality, and is an affectionate family dog. He is happiest when he is with his human pack and likes to be included in all activities.
He is quite easy to train and very eager to please his owner. He is built for running — really fast — and requires daily exercise.
He is gentle, though never timid or nervous. Like other sighthounds, the Silken Windhound is intelligent and independent, affectionate and aloof.
He has a balanced, quiet personality, though he does have a strong prey drive. He is suitable for families with kids if raised with them, and gets along with other pets.
Training should begin right away for the Silken Windhound puppy, even at 8 weeks old, he is capable of learning good manners.
Adopting a Shelter Dog
You can find a Silken Windhound at an animal shelter or through a breed rescue organization. Sites like Petfinder.com can have you searching for a Silken Windhound in your area in no time flat.
Social media is another great way to find a dog. Post on your Facebook page that you are looking for a specific breed so that your entire community can be your eyes and ears. You can also ask your friends and family to share your post.
Before bringing home a dog from a shelter, it's essential to ask the right questions. You should ask how the dog is around other animals, how he responds to shelter workers or visitors, and what his personality is like.
You should also ask if the dog has ever bitten or hurt anyone that they know of and if there are any known health issues. Knowing this information will help you make an informed decision.
Make sure you have a good contract with the shelter or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides. This will protect both you and the shelter or rescue group.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Silken Windhounds rare?
Yes, Silken Windhounds are a rare breed of dog. They are one of the least common sighthound breeds in the United States.
Sources
- Silken Windhound (wikipedia.org)
- Silken Windhounds of California (casilkenwindhound.com)
- Silken Windhound Health and Rescue (weebly.com)
- Gentle Giants (gentlegiantsrescue-silken-windhounds.com)
- Silken Windhound - Breed Standards (ukcdogs.com)
- International Silken Windhound Society (silkenwindhounds.org)
- Silken Windhound | Dog Breed Facts and Information (wagwalking.com)
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