Silken Windhound Lifespan Guide and Care Tips

The Silken Windhound is a relatively new breed, developed in the 1990s.

They're a medium-sized dog with a short, smooth coat that's easy to maintain.

On average, Silken Windhounds live between 12 to 14 years.

This breed is known for its friendly and outgoing personality, making them a great addition to many families.

Regular exercise is crucial for Silken Windhounds, they need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day to stay happy and healthy.

A balanced diet is also essential, with adult Silken Windhounds requiring around 1-2 cups of high-quality food per day.

The Silken Windhound is a unique breed with some impressive physical characteristics. They typically stand between 18.5 to 23.5 inches at the shoulder.

Their weight can vary, but most Silken Windhounds fall within the 20 to 45 pound range.

This range in size makes them a great fit for a variety of living situations, from apartments to homes with yards.

Silken Windhounds are known for their long lifespan, with most individuals living to at least 14 years old.

They can even reach the ripe old age of 20 with proper care and attention.

A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur in her lines.

Silken Windhounds are typically very healthy, and the International Silken Windhound Society is proactive in keeping them that way.

Genetic testing is promoted for conditions that affect the breed, and every registered Silken has their DNA banked with a genetic tracking project at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

Lotus syndrome is a genetic defect in the breed, but it's primarily a matter of heartbreak for breeders rather than something the average pet owner will have to deal with.

A good breeder will discuss how prevalent these and other conditions are in their dogs' lines and help puppy buyers make an informed decision about health risks.

To extend your Silken Windhound's life, keeping them at an appropriate weight is one of the easiest ways to do so.

By preventing obesity, you'll be doing your part to ensure a healthier dog for life.

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Their beautiful, silky locks are surprisingly easy to maintain. Brush your Silken Windhound a few times a week with a slicker brush to prevent tangles from forming.

Trim the nails as needed, usually once a month, to keep them from getting too long. Regular nail trimming is essential for your Silken Windhound's overall health and comfort.

Check the ears weekly for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that can indicate an infection. If the ears look dirty, wipe them out with a cotton ball dampened with a gentle ear cleaner.

Bathe your Silken Windhound every eight to twelve weeks in a mild shampoo. Regular baths are not generally necessary, but can be given as and when they're needed.

Comb their fur a few times a week to prevent knots and tangles from forming. A weekly brush should be sufficient to remove excess hair and keep their coat looking its best.

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Choosing a Silken Windhound can be a daunting task, but understanding their temperament is key. Silken Windhounds are known for being gentle and even-tempered, making them a great fit for families with children.

Their independent nature means they don't require constant attention, but they do thrive on interaction and exercise. With proper training, Silken Windhounds can learn to walk well on a leash.

They are also highly intelligent and active, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Research, research, research. You want to find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs.

Look for breeders who have experience with Silken Windhounds and can provide references from satisfied customers. They should also be transparent about their breeding program and be willing to answer any questions you have.

A good breeder will have a clear understanding of the breed standard and be committed to breeding dogs that meet those standards. They should also be knowledgeable about the breed's history, temperament, and potential health issues.

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Make sure to visit the breeder in person and meet the dogs and their parents. This will give you a sense of the breeder's environment and the temperament of the dogs.

A reputable breeder will be willing to let you meet the parents of the puppy and see the breeding facility. They should also be open to answering any questions you have about the puppy's ancestry and health.

Don't be afraid to ask questions or seek out multiple breeders before making a decision. This will help you find the right breeder and puppy for you.

You can find a Silken Windhound to adopt through reputable organizations like Petfinder.com, which allows you to search for dogs in your area with specific criteria.

Petfinder.com is a great resource, but you can also search for animal rescue groups in your area using AnimalShelter.org.

Social media can also be a helpful tool in finding a dog, as you can post on your Facebook page to let your community know you're looking for a specific breed.

Local experts, such as vets, dog walkers, and groomers, may also have information on available Silken Windhounds.

The International Silken Windhound Society's rescue network can help you find a dog, and they often offer fostering opportunities so you can try out the experience before committing to adoption.

Before bringing home a dog, discuss its energy level, how it interacts with other animals, and any known health issues with shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers.

Make sure to get a good contract with the seller, shelter, or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides, and be aware of your rights and resources in states with "puppy lemon laws."

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The Silken Windhound's temperament is a big part of what makes them such wonderful companions. They thrive on human company and are known to be friendly and affectionate towards everyone, including strangers.

Their friendly nature makes them a great fit for families with children, as they will play nicely with kids and get along well with other pets, especially if socialized properly. However, they do have a strong prey drive, so it's best to keep smaller animals like rabbits out of the house.

Silken Windhounds are also highly intelligent and take well to training, which should start as early as eight weeks old. With consistent training, they can learn to be well-behaved and quiet around the house, and even participate in activities like obedience competitions and agility.

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The Silken Windhound is known for being friendly and affectionate. They thrive off human company and would prefer owners that are around the house most of the time or who can take them along during their daily activities.

They are happiest when they are with their human pack and like to be included in all activities. This trait makes them eminently suitable as companion animals but they would be useless as guard dogs.

Silkens get along well with children and will play nicely. Their moderate size and light build make over-exuberant play less of a possibility than other, more robust breeds.

They are quite easy to train and very eager to please their owner. Training should begin right away for the Silken Windhound puppy, even at 8 weeks old, he is capable of learning good manners.

A well socialised Silken will be able to cohabit with other cats and dogs, however, they still have a strong prey drive. This may exclude them from sharing their homes with smaller animals, such as rabbits, who may look more like food than friends.

They are gentle, though never timid or nervous, and are built for running — really fast — and requires daily exercise.

Silken Windhounds are an intelligent breed that take well to training.

Training should begin as early as possible, ideally from eight weeks old, to introduce basic commands.

Their intelligence and trainability makes them especially suited to activities like obedience competitions and agility.

These activities not only help strengthen the bond between owner and dog, but also provide an outlet for their sighthound instincts to run around and chase things.

Silken Windhounds are eager to learn and will be happy to please their owners, making them a joy to train.

Their desire to please their owners makes them a great breed for first-time dog owners or those who want a low-maintenance training experience.

Exercise and lifestyle play a significant role in the overall health and happiness of your Silken Windhound. They can be relaxed dogs who are happy to lounge around with you, but they won't be happy doing this all day.

To meet their needs, you'll want to provide a long walk or run at least once a day. This will help release their bursts of energy.

Providing this daily exercise is essential, as it will also give them the attention and mental stimulation they require. Activities like agility training are perfect for this, and they'll love the challenge.

Silken Windhounds are adaptable to many different living conditions, from rural settings to city apartments. This makes them a great choice for many families.

Silken windhounds are a relatively rare breed, with a short history dating back to the 1980s. They originated from a cross between a Chinese Crested and an Old English Sheepdog.

On average, a silken windhound's lifespan is around 12-14 years, which is relatively long compared to other breeds.

The Silken Windhound breed was created to fill the niche of a small, longhaired sighthound.

Francie Stull, a Borzoi breeder, wanted to develop a medium-sized sighthound with a long, silky coat that would be easy to groom.

She crossed Borzois with Whippets to achieve this goal, and the first litter of Silken Windhounds was born in 1985 in the United States.

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The breed wasn't officially named until 1998, but the International Silken Windhound Society adopted a breed standard in 2001.

Silken Windhounds are found in many countries, including the United States, Austria, Canada, Finland, and the United Kingdom.

They have become popular in show and performance competitions, and their popularity is increasing worldwide.

The Silken Windhound is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but it was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 2011.

The breed was developed over several decades, with Francie Stull refining the breed from the first pairing of a longhaired Whippet and a Borzoi in 1987.

The International Silken Windhound Society was formed in 1999, and exports of the breed to other countries began in the early 2000s.

The first Silken Windhound arrived in England in 2005, and the breed has since spread to many other countries.

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