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Silken Windhound
Hound breed from United States
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Silken Windhound
The Silken Windhound is a medium-sized sighthound breed originating in the United States. It is known for its silky, moderately long coat and elegant, athletic build. The breed is described as friendly, gentle, affectionate, intelligent, playful, and calm. Individual temperaments may vary. Estimated adult weight ranges from 15 to 25 kg for both males and females, with estimated height between 46 and 60 cm. Lifespan is estimated at 12 to 18 years. The breed's recognition status varies by registry.
Quick facts
Silken Windhound at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupHound
OriginUnited States
Lifespan12–18 years
Male weight15–25 kilogram
Female weight15–25 kilogram
Male height46–60 centimetre
Female height46–60 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Silken Windhound was developed in the United States in the 1980s by Francie Stull. The breed was created by crossing Borzoi, Whippets, and a small amount of Shetland Sheepdog. The goal was to produce a medium-sized sighthound with a longer coat and a biddable temperament. The breed's history is based on this documented development, and no earlier historical records are available. The breed combines the speed of a sighthound with a trainable, affectionate temperament and gentle nature. It is classified in the Hound group. The Silken Windhound's recognition status is not uniform across all registries, meaning it may be fully recognized by some organizations while not by others. This variation reflects its relatively recent development and ongoing efforts toward broader recognition.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
15–25 kilogramAdult weight46–60 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesSilky, Moderately longCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Friendlygentleaffectionateintelligentplayfulcalm
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Moderate compared with other breeds
Typically responsive to training
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Silken Windhound-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
Potential challenges
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Growth chart
Silken Windhound puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight15–25 kilogramAdult female weight15–25 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Silken Windhound?
The Silken Windhound is a medium-sized breed. Estimated adult weight for both males and females is 15 to 25 kg, and estimated height is 46 to 60 cm. The estimated lifespan is 12 to 18 years. These figures are modelled estimates and may vary.
What is the temperament of a Silken Windhound?
The breed is described as friendly, gentle, affectionate, intelligent, playful, and calm. However, individual dogs may vary in temperament. They are generally considered good with children (suitability score 4 out of 5) and compatible with other dogs (score 4 out of 5).
How much exercise does a Silken Windhound need?
The breed has an energy score of 3 out of 5, indicating moderate exercise needs. As a sighthound, it likely enjoys running, but specific exercise requirements are not detailed in the supplied facts.
What are the grooming requirements for a Silken Windhound?
The Silken Windhound has a silky, moderately long coat. Grooming score is 3 out of 5, suggesting moderate grooming needs. Shedding score is also 3 out of 5, indicating moderate shedding.
Is the Silken Windhound suitable for apartment living?
The breed has an apartment suitability score of 3 out of 5, meaning it may be adaptable to apartment life if given sufficient exercise, but it is not ideally suited for very small spaces.
Where does the Silken Windhound originate from?
The Silken Windhound originates from the United States. It was developed in the 1980s by Francie Stull through crosses of Borzoi, Whippets, and a small amount of Shetland Sheepdog.
Is the Silken Windhound recognized by major kennel clubs?
Recognition status varies by registry. The breed is not universally recognized; some registries may fully recognize it while others do not. No specific recognition dates or organizations are provided in the supplied facts.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.