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Hound · United States

Silken Windhound

A walker's guide to the Silken Windhound: how much exercise they need, what to expect on and off the lead, and what to ask the owner before the first walk.

Medium, 10 to 25 kgActiveSmall sighthoundSilky coatChase instinctPeople-oriented
Exercise a day60 min plus
Energy3 of 5
Walk styleGraceful, bursts of speed
With other dogsFriendly, gentle

Overview

The Silken Windhound was created in Texas from the 1980s by crossing Borzoi with Whippet-type lurchers and a touch of Sheltie, to produce a mid-sized sighthound with a long, flowing coat and a friendly temperament. It is recognised by its own club rather than by the UK Kennel Club, and only a small number live in Britain.

The breed is gentle, affectionate and more interested in people than many sighthounds, which makes it easier to train. It still has the sighthound frame and instincts: quick off the mark, drawn to anything that runs, and keen on a flat-out sprint followed by a long rest.

Exercise and walking needs

Around an hour a day, including some chance to run, suits most adults. A sprint in a secure field satisfies the breed quickly, and it will then happily walk calmly or lie down for the rest of the outing.

Avoid long sessions on hard ground for young dogs, and watch the thin skin and fine legs on rough terrain. Silkens are fitter than they look but not built for heavy going.

Daily minimum60 minutes
Ideal2 walks a day
Off-lead timeSecure fields

On the walk

  • Recall: Better than many sighthounds, thanks to the people focus, but still beaten by a running rabbit. Use secure ground for free running.
  • Pulling: Light. The breed walks nicely and responds to a gentle hand on the lead. A martingale or sighthound collar stops it slipping free.
  • Other dogs: Usually friendly and gentle, happy to play with dogs that run. Small, fast dogs may be seen as something to chase.
  • Weather: The coat is long but fine, and the frame carries little fat. A coat in cold, wet weather is sensible for standing about.

Tips for professional walkers

  1. Brush out the feathering after walks through long grass or bramble to stop mats forming.
  2. Give the dog a safe place to sprint and then enjoy a relaxed walk afterwards.
  3. Check feet and legs for small cuts after a run; the skin is thin and tears easily.
Every dog is an individual. Treat this as a starting point and go with what the owner tells you about their dog. Anything to do with health belongs with the owner and their vet.

What to ask the owner

  • How reliable is the recall, and is there a secure field the owner already uses?
  • Does the dog chase cats or small dogs, and has that ever caused a problem?
  • Is the dog sensitive to cold, and does it wear a coat in winter?
BorzoiThe Russian wolfhound: a tallWhippetA gentle sighthound that needs a safe place to sprintGreyhoundThe retired racer: a gentleLurcherBritain's sighthound cross