Silken
Windhound
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Curious about the pooch?
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Hello! It was so nice seeing you while we were out and about. My mom must have handed you her card and let you know you could learn all about me here on my own personal page. First of all, thank you for the pets and lovings they were amazing. Second thing, my name in Lucian.
I'm a Silken Windhound pooch; which means I'm fast, I love attention, I'm silly, I'm really relaxed until I get the zoomies and I can't control the rocket like speed demon that overcomes me, and I really love learning new things (especially if it involves chicken treats). If you have anymore questions about me, my mom answered a whole variety of questions for you below, from the history of my breed, to my temperament and adaptability, to the health concerns and needs for my breed.
Again thank you stopping by to learn all about me and my breed, and thank you so much the the neck scratches.
Basic Information
Breed Group
Hound Dog Mixed (Russian Borzoi & Whippet)
Height
18.5 to 23.5 inches at the shoulder
Weight
20 to 45 pounds
Life Span
14 or more years
History
The history of the Silken Windhound is not a long one, as it is a relatively new dog breed. Most attribute the breeding of the first Silken Windhound litter to Francie Stull of Kristull Kennel, a Borzoi breeder who wanted to create a mid-sized sighthound with a long, silky coat that would be easy to groom and maintain. Stull crossed Borzois with Whippets until the first litter of Silken Windhounds were born in 1985 in the United States, though the new breed wouldn't be officially named "Silken Windhound" until 1998. The next year, the International Silken Windhound Society was founded, and in 2001 they adopted a breed standard. The United Kennel Club recognized the breed in 2011, though the American Kennel Club still does not. Today, Silken Windhounds can be found in show and performance competitions throughout the world as they grow in popularity.
Adaptability
Adaptability:
Adapts very well. Can handle change with ease.
Apartment Friendly:
Good for apartment living. This breed doesn't bark very often and isn't heavy or large enough to make lots of sound very often. It is important to note that they do get the zoomies, and during this time is probably when they will make the most sound.
Good for Novice Owners:
This breed is good for novice owners due to their want to train and please their owner, they aren't too hardheaded, and they have minimal health issues for those who are new to what to look for in regard to canine health.
Sensitivity Level:
Their sensitivity level is dependent on the dog, however the Silken Windhound is not a fan of being in trouble. They definitely know when they're being scolded without all the yelling. Try to be as calm headed and stern as you can be in the moment, they feel your frustration and anger.
Tolerates Being Alone:
They can tolerate a few hours of alone time, but they don't enjoy it. They will be the first ones to greet you home from a long day gone.  If you're going to be gone often, I would train them to be comfortable with being alone somewhat early. Build the bond you need first, and then teach them that being alone is safe too. If you're going to be gone all day, maybe have a friend come through and let them play for a little while or take them for a long walk.
Tolerates Cold Weather:
The silken tolerates the cold pretty well, I would never consider keeping them as an outdoor pet, especially in the winter months. However, it’s not a concern if you're wanting to let them out to play in the snow, which they love, or if you're taking them for a walk. Maybe just protect their paws if need be. If you plan to do some winter hiking or something of that nature, I'd suggest a sweater or dog coat as well.
Affection
Affection:
Depends on the dog, some are independent, and some are cuddly. Lucian is an independent boy and likes to cuddle when he chooses, however other silkens aren't content unless they are with you and near you. They are, however, very loyal and know exactly who their family is.
Affection With Family:
Very high, depending on dog’s personality, but no matter what they will find time to show you love.
Kid Friendly:
Very kid friendly, Silkens adore children. Some may be a little hesitant if they have had bad experiences with kids pulling fur, but that's understandable. I will say to get the puppy bites down to a minimum, because that will go with them to adult hood and if you're worried at all about a dog playing too rough with a child, train them to be gentler and that what they are doing is too much.
Dog Friendly:
They are wonderful with other dogs. The Silken should never show out right aggression toward another dog. They love to play and run and wrestle each other. If a Silken has bad experiences with other dogs it may become defensive but should never become out right aggressive. They biggest worry I have when letting my Silken play with other dogs is that he is just so fast that it can spook other dogs into barrel rolling and possibly injuring themselves.
Cat friendly:
These guys love cats! They are little furry play buddies that can fit anywhere! However, that's the hiccup, they LOVE to play with cats. If you're not comfortable letting your dog play with a cat, you'll need to do some hard training. If you simply want them to play gently, let the pup know when he is being too rough.
Friendly toward stranger:
These guys are usually very friendly toward strangers. The worst that can happen is that the Silken doesn't pay attention or doesn't want to approach the stranger. I have noticed that my Silken can read people pretty well, and approaches those he thinks he can trust and are safe, and those he isn't so sure about he will linger near me and ignore them.
Fun Facts
It's a sighthound and has chase instincts, resulting in a good courser. Oh, and did I mention, they like to run.
The first Silken Windhound litter was born in 1985, though the breed was not named until 1998.
The Silken Windhound's coat is not only beautiful and easy to groom, but it is suited for all kinds of weather. Silken Windhounds are happy to play in the winter snow or visit the beach on a warm summer day.
The oldest known Silken Windhound lived a few months past her 20th birthday. Many Silkens live well into their teen years.
These are well "mannered-dogs".
Health and Grooming Needs
Amount of Shedding:
They do shed, but not a ton. They require weekly brushing to keep their fur from tangling. You may find a couple balls of fur in corners of your house if you don't have carpet, but in carpeted rooms its hardly noticeable.
Drooling potential:
Not very high at all. They do get nose drippies when sweating on a hot day, but they do not drool.
Ease to Groom:
It's not difficult if you're willing to brush them once a week or however often seems to work for your silken. They need their claws trimmed down, but they don't seem to fight too hard when done with proper training. They don't require a groomer, which is a huge plus. Baths are as needed, and not too difficult as they are not a super long-haired dogs nor a heavy coated dog.
General Health:
These guys are very healthy, and the International Silken Windhound Society is striving to keep them that way. This breed is not known to carry any genetic defects, though many dogs of this breed are sensitive to certain drugs. Some other health problems that may affect the breed include cryptorchidism, umbilical hernia, deafness, cataracts, and lotus syndrome but have not been reported often.
Potential for Weight Gain:
Not very high, these guys stay very skinny. Much like a Greyhound or a Whippet, these guys have a fast metabolism and are pretty active. Not high chance for abnormal weight gain.
Size:
They are the preferred choice for many Borzoi owners who want something a bit smaller with the same look and temperament. These guys stay about knee high in height and never get unreasonably heavy.
Trainability
Easy to Train:
Very easy to train. They want to please and they love treats. What a wonderful combo. They are a sighthound though, and I have found that visual signals can be more effective than auditory signals with my Silken.
Intelligence:
These guys are smart, very smart, but not so smart that they will train you like a collie will. There have been times that I wonder if I have a dog or if I have a young child, he wants so badly for me to understand what he is wanting sometimes. Training is a wonderful bonding activity for this breed. These guys take training like champs, they are meant for show and performance, so it only makes sense that they'd love to train.
Potential for Mouthiness:
This is important, they do tend to chew and play nip while puppies, it is important to get that under control as they get a bit older. That nibble will only get harder as they get bigger and stronger, unless you teach them how hard is too hard or just not to play bite at all.
Prey Drive:
These guys have a big prey drive. They want very badly to chase rabbits and squirrels and things of that nature. Be careful with this, make sure that recall is reliable and that you know what your dog is doing and where they are focusing in case of a chase. This is fine while fenced in or firmly leashed, however this could become a problem hiking or unrestrained in places where potential prey animals could live. This is also where training them to be gentle around cats is a big deal as well, they could initially be seen as a prey animal, train them to recognize that this animal in not meant as prey.
Tendency to Bark or Howl:
Not very high, these guys will bark if they want something or are playing, but really other than that they aren't big barkers. I am yet to see my Silken bark at the door or at strangers.
Focus:
These guys have a strong focus as adults, as puppies they have a very short attention span, as to be expected. They are highly focused on food motivated training and catch on to the steps of training quite quickly.
Physical Needs
Energy Level:
They do have quite a bit of energy. Usually, they will have spurts of high energy and then regulated energy throughout the day. I have found that a walk in the morning and evening has really helped keep my Silken from getting antsy. A good half hour to an hour of play time is also advised with these guys. Having two that can play with one another helps them both feel satisfied and tired at the end of the day.
Intensity:
They have a calm demeanor; their energy isn't super intense. They don't pull on the leash everywhere, or plow through things, or gulp down every mean. They are pretty relaxed guys who want to play for a bit or walk throughout the day and other than that they are couch potatoes with a zoomy thrown in every now and again.
Exercise Needs:
A walk twice a day, or one long walk a day. Half an hour to an hour of play time, and possible trips to a dog park to run as hard as they want.
Potential for Playfulness:
Depends on the dog, mine does not care about toys in the least, but wrestling with me or other dogs and he is in. Other silkens can't get enough of their squeaky toys and ropes. Playfulness depends on the personality of the pup.