Understanding Silken Windhound Shedding and Its Impact

Silken Windhounds are known for their beautiful, silky coats, but they also shed heavily, especially during seasonal changes. They have a unique double coat that sheds heavily in the spring and fall.

Their shedding is caused by a natural process called "blowing their coat", where they release old hair to make way for new growth. This process can be intense and may require regular grooming.

Silken Windhounds typically shed heavily for 2-4 weeks during these periods, with some owners reporting that their dogs shed up to 50% of their coat in a single week.

If you're looking for a way to minimize shedding mess, consider covering your couch with a custom Silken Windhound blanket. Our blankets come in three sizes: Small (40”x 30”), Medium (60”x50”), and Large (80”x60”).

Using a blanket can be a game-changer for Silken Windhound owners, as it allows your pet to snuggle up next to you without making a mess.

The SD Locus plays a significant role in determining the degree of shedding in certain dog breeds. This gene, specifically the MC5R gene, is responsible for producing sebum, an oily substance that helps lubricate and regulate the skin and hair.

Dogs with a DNA variant in the MC5R gene, known as the SD variant, tend to shed more. One copy of this variant increases shedding from low to moderate, while two copies result in high shedding.

The SD locus has an additive effect with the IC locus, which affects coat and furnishings. Dogs with two copies of the SD variant and two copies of the IC variant are the highest shedders.

Dogs with no copies of the SD variant and no copies of the IC variant, on the other hand, tend to shed the least. Various combinations of genotypes at these two loci can produce intermediate shedding states.

A normal result does not exclude the possibility of a different mutation in this gene or another gene that may result in a similar genetic disease or trait.

The Silken Windhound is a relatively recent breed that originated in the United States in the late 20th century. Developed by Francie Stull, a well-known breeder of Borzois and Deerhounds, the breed was created with the aim of producing a medium-sized sighthound.

Stull selectively bred Borzois and Whippets over several generations to achieve a dog with typical sighthound characteristics in a smaller package. This careful breeding process resulted in a dog with a long and silky coat.

Recommended by top vets with decades of experience, the Silken Windhound has undergone rigorous testing for genetic health and traits.

Intriguing read: Sighthounds

If you want to minimize shedding mess, consider using a custom Silken Windhound blanket to cover the surface where your pet sits.

Our custom blankets come in three sizes: Small (40”x30”), Medium (60”x50”), and Large (80”x60”).

This blanket can be a game-changer for Silken Windhound owners, allowing your pet to snuggle up next to you on the couch while keeping the shedding under control.

Shedding is a major consideration when it comes to dog ownership.

Silken Windhounds and Whippets are two breeds that shed very little, making them perfect for those who want a low-maintenance coat.

These breeds are almost always on the list of dogs that shed the least.

If you're looking for a breed that doesn't shed a lot, consider the Silken Windhound or Whippet.

You can learn more about minimizing shedding by clicking here.