Silken Windhound Texas: A Comprehensive Guide

The Silken Windhound is a unique and fascinating breed, and if you're considering bringing one home to Texas, you'll want to know the specifics.

This breed originated in the southern United States and is known for its gentle and affectionate nature.

They are a relatively small breed, with adults typically weighing between 20-45 pounds.

In Texas, where the climate can be hot and humid, the Silken Windhound's short, smooth coat is a definite plus.

They require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, but they don't need a lot of space to run around, making them a great choice for city dwellers.

Their calm and quiet nature makes them a great fit for families with children or for people who live in apartments.

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To keep your Silken Windhound's coat looking its best, brush him a few times a week with a slicker brush to prevent tangles from forming.

Brushing should become a regular part of your dog's routine, and it's essential to start early, even with a young puppy. Begin grooming your Silken Windhound puppy when he is very young so he learns to accept grooming patiently as he grows up.

Bathing should be done every eight to twelve weeks in a mild shampoo, and it's crucial to check the ears weekly for dirt, redness or a bad odor that can indicate an infection.

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Brush your Silken Windhound a few times a week with a slicker brush to prevent tangles from forming.

Brushing your Silken Windhound regularly will make the process much easier and less stressful for both you and your dog.

Bathing your Silken Windhound every eight to twelve weeks is a good rule of thumb, and use a mild shampoo to keep their coat clean and healthy.

Trim your Silken Windhound's nails as needed, usually once a month, to prevent overgrowth.

Brush your Silken Windhound's teeth frequently with a vet-approved pet toothpaste to promote good oral health and fresh breath.

Check your Silken Windhound's ears weekly for signs of dirt, redness, or bad odor that could indicate an infection.

If your Silken Windhound's ears look dirty, gently wipe them out with a cotton ball dampened with a gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner.

Grooming your Silken Windhound puppy from an early age will help them get used to the process and make it easier for you both as they grow up.

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Silken Windhounds typically live into their middle to late teens.

Bone and joint ailments like hip dysplasia and bloat are rare in this breed.

Some individual Silken Windhounds are sensitive to ivermectin and related drugs, but a simple test is now available to determine if a dog carries a defective MDR1 gene.

Cryptorchidism, umbilical hernia, and lotus syndrome have been reported in some Silken Windhounds, and deafness and cataracts can occur in old age.

Genetic health problems can occur in all breeds, so it's essential to work with a reputable breeder who is honest about health issues in the breed.

A good breeder will be able to discuss the prevalence of conditions in their dogs' lines and help you make an informed decision about health risks.

The International Silken Windhound Society is proactive in keeping the breed healthy, and every registered Silken has its DNA banked with a genetic tracking project at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

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Genetic testing is promoted for conditions that affect the breed, such as Lotus syndrome, which is believed to be the canine equivalent of the human disease FADS.

Obesity is a common health problem that you can prevent by keeping your Silken Windhound at an appropriate weight, which can extend their life.

Silken Windhounds are intelligent and easily trained using rewards and affection in short, positive sessions. They form strong relationships with their owners if treated well.

Training should begin right away for the Silken Windhound puppy, even at 8 weeks old. Take him to a puppy kindergarten class at 10 to 12 weeks of age, and continue training as he grows up.

Socialization is key - introduce your Silken Windhound to at least 100 different people by the time he is 4 months old. This will help him grow into a sensible, calm adult dog.

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Silken Windhounds are extremely friendly dogs, making them perfect for families with children. They thrive on attention and affection, and are happiest when they're part of the family pack.

Their friendly nature can sometimes make them a bit too trusting, so they're not ideal as guard dogs. However, they're easily housebroken and get along well with smaller household pets.

Silken Windhounds are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. In fact, they can start learning good manners as early as 8 weeks old. Consistent training from an early age is essential to prevent them from becoming headstrong.

Socialization is key to raising a well-adjusted Silken Windhound. Introduce them to at least 100 different people, situations, and experiences by the time they're 4 months old. This can be as simple as hanging out at a local coffee shop or post office, or inviting friends and family over for playdates.

Their strong prey drive means they need plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Daily runs or playtime in the park will help burn off their excess energy.

Purebreds can be more prone to certain health issues due to the limited gene pool, whereas mixed breeds often benefit from genetic diversity.

Some owners swear by the loyalty and affection of their purebred dogs, while others find that mixed breeds are just as loving and loyal.

Research suggests that mixed breeds are less likely to develop inherited diseases, thanks to their unique genetic makeup.

In contrast, purebreds can be more predictable in terms of temperament and behavior, making them a good choice for first-time dog owners.

However, many mixed breed owners argue that their dogs' unique characteristics make them all the more special and lovable.

Studies have shown that mixed breeds are more adaptable to new environments and situations, possibly due to their diverse genetic background.

Overall, both purebreds and mixed breeds can make wonderful pets, and the right choice ultimately depends on individual circumstances and preferences.

The Silken Windhound has its roots in Texas, where Francie Stull, a renowned breeder, founded the breed in Austin in the 1980s.

Silken Windhounds were developed by Francie Stull, a successful breeder of American Kennel Club Borzois and Deerhounds, who used her favored Borzoi and Lurcher bloodlines to create the breed.

The first Silken Windhound litter was whelped in 1985, marking the beginning of this unique breed.

A breed club, the International Silken Windhound Society, was formed in 1999 to maintain the breed's standards and registrations.

Silken Windhounds were recognized by the United Kennel Club in early 2011, a significant milestone in the breed's history.

Today, Silken Windhounds can be found in 24 countries around the world, including the United States, Austria, and the United Kingdom.

The breed's studbooks closed in 2000, with minimal sanctioned outcrossing to foundational breeds being monitored to improve health and lower COI.

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Finding a Silken Windhound can be a rewarding experience, but it's essential to consider your options carefully.

You can choose to go with a breeder or get your dog from a shelter or rescue. Meeting the breeder in person is a good idea, as Hillary Tregillus did with the couple who got their first Silken puppy, D'Artagnan.

A home visit can also be a great way to ensure your home is safe for a Silken puppy, as Hillary Tregillus did for the couple.

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If you're looking to bring a Silken Windhound into your family, you have a few options to consider. You can work with a breeder or adopt from a shelter or rescue.

Meeting a breeder in person is a great way to get a sense of their operation and the temperament of their dogs. We met Hillary, a breeder who was just starting her program, and instantly connected with her. She even gave us tips on making our home safe for a Silken puppy.

Going to a breeder's home for a visit can be a great opportunity to learn about the breed and see the dogs in their natural environment. This is how we got to meet D'Artagnan, and it was a great way to get to know him.

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You can search for a Silken Windhound on Petfinder.com, which allows you to be very specific in your requests or general in your search.

AnimalShelter.org can help you find animal rescue groups in your area.

Post on your Facebook page that you are looking for a specific breed so that your entire community can be your eyes and ears.

To make sure you find the right dog, ask shelter staff or volunteers about the dog's energy level, how he is around other animals, and if he is housetrained.

It's also essential to ask about any known health issues and if the dog has ever bitten or hurt anyone.

Make sure you have a good contract with the shelter or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides.

Take your Silken Windhound to your veterinarian soon after adoption to spot any visible problems and set up a preventive regimen.

Silken Windhounds are a social breed that thrives on interaction with their human family and other dogs.

They participate in performance sports and showings worldwide, including the NAKC, IABCA, and NCA, as part of the hound group.

Silken Windhounds also participate in sighthound performance sports, competing alongside other sighthounds in Finnish lure coursing and straight racing events.

In Texas, we're lucky to have a community that shares our passion for Silken Windhounds, and we regularly host meetups to connect with other owners and their dogs.

In fact, Silken Windhounds were accepted as a Limited Stakes breed in the ASFA in late 2009, and over forty dogs competed in ASFA limited stakes in their first month of acceptance.

We've also taken our Silken Windhounds to UKC conformation shows, LGRA racing, and ASFA lure coursing trials, where they've had a blast competing and socializing with other dogs.

As part of our community activities, we joined our local 4-H Dog Club, which has been a great way to introduce our girls to new experiences and activities, including parades and fairs.