Silky windhound

Breed Description

The Silken Windhound, a breed of dog that combines the elegance and grace of its silhouette with an incredibly silky coat, represents a unique blend of beauty and functionality. The Silken Windhound was first bred in the mid-1980s in the United States after a sight hound breeder named Francie Stall decided to create a small hound with long hair, a pleasant temperament, strong health, and the abilities of larger sighthounds. After nearly a decade of experiments mixing beautiful coats with Whippets and genetics based on Whippets, the first litter of Silken Windhounds was born.

The result was a lovely medium-sized hound with silky fur, which is both beautiful and easy to care for, displaying an extensive palette of color combinations. Silken Windhounds are moderately active dogs, generally healthy and typically living to a ripe old age. After many years of successful genetic strengthening of the line, the name “Silken Windhound” was officially approved in 1998, and the following year, the International Silken Windhound Society was established. In 2001, the International Silken Windhound Organization adopted the breed’s current standard. For a long period, this breed was bred and recognized exclusively in the United States.

Today, these dogs can be found around the world, loved for their gentle, affectionate nature, confident character, and beautiful show-dog appearance. The first Silken Windhounds trace their genetic lineage back to Stillwater Virginia Reel, a famous award-winning sight hound, and Stillwater White Lightning, a worthy show male.

Characterized by grace and elegance, the Silken Windhound stands out with its slender physique, curved muscles, and long, slender legs, making it an ideal sporting partner for active individuals. Its silky coat, which has become a defining feature of the breed, gives it an exquisite appearance and unique charm.

Modern Silken Windhounds, despite their grandeur, remain true representatives of ancient traditions, preserving their hunting instincts and loyalty to their owners. Their intelligence and sensitivity make them excellent companions for an active lifestyle, while their beauty and elegance make them desirable participants at dog shows and beauty competitions.

Silken Windhounds not only embody sophistication and elegance in the canine world but continue to symbolize the utmost style and luxury among pets. The price for a puppy can reach up to 120,000 rubles.

Appearance

The Silky Whippet possesses a refined and elegant appearance, attracting attention with its graceful contours and sophistication. The breed is considered the ideal embodiment of aristocratic beauty in the dog world.

The Silky Whippet has a slender, graceful build, where every line and proportion is perfected. Their body is elongated, muscular, and flexible, providing efficiency and grace in movement. The head of the Silky Whippet is long, with refined facial features, a delicate nose, and expressive eyes that give them a perceptive and noble appearance.

One of the most notable traits of this breed is their dense and silky coat, which gives them a unique look. The silky hair on their ears and tail is especially striking, creating an effect of elegant fluffiness. Their coat can come in various shades and colors, making each individual dog unique.

Importantly, despite their exquisite appearance, Silky Whippets also possess ideal musculature and physical conditioning for sports, including racing. This combination of elegance and strength makes them not only excellent athletic partners but also appealing companions in life.

The Silky Whippet is not only a magnificent representative of the breed with a refined appearance but also a versatile sports partner and a loyal friend, capable of bringing joy and admiration to its owner with its exquisite look and outstanding qualities.

An adult representative of the breed can reach up to 60 centimeters, though this size can vary. Males typically weigh between 15 to 25 kilograms, while females weigh from 10 to 20 kilograms.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The head of a silken windhound is long, narrow, and elegant, with a flat skull and soft lines. The proportions of the head emphasize the breed's refinement, and its shape provides aerodynamic advantages while running.

Морда

The muzzle is elongated, tapering towards a well-developed black nose. The nostrils are open, which helps efficiently capture air during intense running.

Уши

The ears are small, thin, set high, and often lie close to the head when in a calm state. When excited, they can stand up, highlighting the dog’s alertness.

Глаза

The eyes are medium-sized and oval-shaped, ranging from light brown to dark brown. Their expression is soft, intelligent, and friendly, reflecting the calm temperament of the breed.

Зубы

The teeth are strong, with a scissor bite. The jaws are well-developed, which is important for maintaining the dog's health and activity.

Корпус

The body is elongated, with a deep chest that provides space for the lungs and heart. The back line is smooth, with a slightly defined waist, making the dog fast and agile.

Конечности

The limbs are long, straight, and well-muscled. The paws are compact, oval-shaped, with elastic pads, which contribute to stability and ease of movement.

Хвост

The tail is long, thin, slightly curled, and covered with silky fur. It helps maintain balance while running quickly.

Шерсть

The fur is long, soft, fine, and silky to the touch. It can be straight or slightly wavy, giving the dog an elegant appearance.

Окрас

The coat of the silken windhound is diverse and includes solid, spotted, or combined variations. This range of colors highlights the grace and individuality of the breed.

Character

Silky Whippets were specifically bred as companions with a lovely, friendly, and intelligent temperament. These balanced hounds exhibit a strong desire for quarry while hunting, but at home, they are affectionate and gentle companions. They should be kept on a leash outdoors, but in family surroundings, they happily spend hours lounging on the couch and can be lazy all day.

These dogs are highly trainable, playful, and enjoy interacting with people. They are patient with family members, making them an excellent choice for families with children or for individuals looking for a friendly and active pet.

Whippets do not tolerate solitude and require constant interaction with people or other animals to feel comfortable. Due to their impartiality and lack of aggression, they are not suited for guard or watchdog roles, but in sports hunting and competitions, they can perform exceptionally well thanks to their energy and eagerness.

The breed’s character emphasizes their noble lineage and purpose. They possess a balanced and kind nature, making them ideal companions for families. Whippets are loyal to their owners, affectionate, and love being the center of attention.

Despite their graceful appearance, silky Whippets are very energetic and enjoy an active lifestyle. They love to run and play outside, so they need regular exercise and walks.

Whippets also have excellent intelligence and quick learning ability, making them a great choice for agility training and other dog sports. However, they can sometimes be independent and stubborn, so they require patient and consistent training starting from a young age for successful socialization.Overall, the character of the silky Whippet can be described as friendly, energetic, and intelligent. These wonderful dogs will make great companions for active individuals and loving families ready to offer them plenty of love, attention, and care.

Care and Maintenance

Caring for silky windhounds requires special attention and care to keep these graceful dogs healthy and happy. One of the key aspects of their care is regular physical exercise. These dogs are very energetic and need an active lifestyle that includes long walks, running, and play. They love spending time outdoors, so it’s essential to provide them with ample opportunities for physical activity.

In addition to walks, it is important to provide sufficient mental stimulation. The intelligence of these dogs requires development, so games, puzzles, and training can be great ways to meet their needs.

Grooming is essential for maintaining their health and beauty. Regular brushing will help prevent matting and reduce the risk of clumping. It’s also important to trim their nails and clean their ears regularly to prevent infections.

Proper nutrition is crucial as well. Choosing high-quality food will help maintain the dog’s health and energy levels. Silky windhounds should be fed food designed for medium-sized dogs, formulated for moderate energy and consistent physical activity. Your veterinarian can recommend a quality food with a complete range of vitamins and minerals. Whether it’s dry food or human food-based, your silky windhound needs a high-protein diet supplemented with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and additives to keep their bones, muscles, coat, and skin healthy. Treats are useful during training, but too many indulgences and “table scraps” can lead to vitamin deficiencies, potential pickiness, or obesity. It’s also important to constantly provide the dog with clean drinking water and regularly wash their bowls to keep them clean.

Finally, they need plenty of love, attention, and social interaction. They are sociable and attached to their families, so regular engagement and attention will help them feel happy and fulfilled. With all aspects of care considered, a silky windhound will become the perfect companion for an active family ready to offer them plenty of love, care, and attention.

Training and Education

Training and education of the Silken Windhound is an engaging process that requires patience, consistency, and an understanding of the breed’s specific characteristics. Windhounds possess a high level of intelligence and learn quickly, so the right approach to their training can lead to excellent results.

These versatile hounds excel in various sports and hunting and love to please their owners. You can often see Silken Windhounds participating in coursing and racing competitions, but many also compete in agility, therapy, scent tracking, and obedience. These dogs quickly master new tricks and commands, eager for rewards and affection during short training sessions, and grow closer to their owners as they learn.

Like most other sighthounds, Silken Windhounds adore running. They are not the most active dogs, but they still require regular physical activity in the form of daily walks; typically, 45 minutes to an hour is sufficient. For those living in a house, having the ability to run free without a leash is very beneficial.

One key aspect of training a Silken Windhound is the use of a positive approach. Reinforcing positive behavior with treats, praise, and play helps them understand what is expected of them and motivates them to continue learning. Strict training methods, such as yelling or punishment, can cause stress for the dog and lead to negative outcomes.

Socialization also plays a crucial role in the education of a Silken Windhound. Early exposure to other dogs, people, and different situations helps them develop confidence and communication skills. Regular walks in parks, attending training classes, and interacting with various individuals will help your pet become well-balanced and sociable.

It’s also important to focus on building a strong bond and trust between you and your Silken Windhound. Spend plenty of time together, play, train, and establish clear boundaries and expectations. This will help your dog understand that you are the pack leader and improve mutual understanding.Regular training sessions are also key to successful training of the Silken Windhound. Use a variety of teaching methods, such as reinforcing positive behavior, incorporating play elements, and repeating commands. Be patient and consistent in your efforts, remembering that each dog learns at their own pace.Ultimately, training and education of the Silken Windhound is not only a way to manage their behavior but also an opportunity to strengthen the bond between you and your pet and enrich their life. With the right approach and patience, you can achieve fantastic results and create a harmonious connection with your Silken Windhound. The best breeders offering pedigree puppies can be found at Zoons.

How to Choose a Puppy

Choosing a Silken Windhound puppy is a responsible and important step that requires careful consideration of several factors. Here are some key points to keep in mind when selecting a puppy of this breed:

Research the Breed: Before you start looking for a puppy, it’s essential to thoroughly study the characteristics of the Silken Windhound breed, including their care needs, training requirements, and distinctive traits. This will help you determine if this breed fits your lifestyle and if you can provide for their needs. The federal portal Zooinika has a collection of breeds from around the world.

Find a Reputable Breeder: One of the essential steps is to choose a reputable breeder who specializes in Silken Windhounds. Research different breeders, read reviews, and ask questions to dog owners of this breed. It’s important to select a breeder with a good reputation who pays attention to the health and temperament of the puppies.

Inspect the Puppies: When visiting a breeder, pay attention to the living conditions of the dogs and their offspring. Meet the puppy’s parents and assess their temperament, health, and physical appearance. Ask the breeder about the breeding line, the puppies’ health status, vaccinations, and care procedures.

Choosing the Right Puppy: When selecting a puppy, consider their physical traits, temperament, and behavior. Choose a puppy that seems the most compatible with your own temperament and preferences. Pay attention to the puppy’s activity level, playfulness, and socialization.

Acquisition Procedure: After carefully selecting a puppy, discuss the terms of acquisition with the breeder, including documentation and payment procedures. Ensure that the puppy has all necessary veterinary documents, including a passport, microchip, and vaccinations.Choosing a Silken Windhound puppy is an important step that will require time, effort, and careful attention. By following these recommendations, you can find the perfect companion for you and your family. Zooinika offers profitable deals, depending on the breed and pedigree.

Health and Diseases

Silky Whippets, like many other breeds, can encounter various health issues and conditions that require attention in their care. Here are some common diseases and health aspects to keep in mind when caring for this breed:

Eye Problems: Silky Whippets can experience eye issues such as cataracts, glaucoma, distichiasis (growth of additional eyelashes), and more. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify and treat these problems in their early stages.

Heart Diseases: Some individuals of this breed may be predisposed to heart conditions like mitral stenosis or aortic stenosis. Regular visits to the veterinarian and monitoring of heart health can help detect and manage these issues.

Osteoarthritis: Silky Whippets may have an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis, especially in older age. Moderate exercise, proper nutrition, and weight management can help reduce the risk and alleviate symptoms of this condition.

Allergies: Some members of this breed may be prone to allergic reactions to certain foods, grooming products, or environmental factors. It’s important to monitor your pet’s diet and surroundings and consult a veterinarian if allergy symptoms arise.

Skin Diseases: Silky Whippets can also suffer from various skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, seborrhea, and others. Proper coat and skin care, regular baths, and check-ups can help prevent or manage these issues.Other Diseases: Like other breeds, Silky Whippets may experience other conditions such as hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, etc. Regular medical examinations and monitoring can help diagnose and treat these conditions early.It is essential to remember that your pet’s health depends on proper care, regular veterinary visits, and gentle handling. Timely detection and treatment of diseases will help your Silky Whippet lead a long, happy, and healthy life. Zooneeka is the best place to reach a broad audience.