Silken Windhound
Description
The Silken Windhound is a sleek, medium-sized sighthound developed in the U.S. by Francie Stull in the late 20th century. It combines the elegance of Borzois and Whippets into a smaller, agile package. Their long, silky coat flows effortlessly, giving them a graceful silhouette that stands out in the ring or on the trail. These dogs are calm around strangers but lively when they get moving. They thrive in active homes where they can sprint and then settle down quietly. Their friendly nature makes them great companions for families and other pets, while their keen eyesight drives their love for chasing and agility sports.
Grooming
Silken Windhounds have a long, silky coat that requires regular attention to stay mat-free and shiny. They shed very little but mats form easily, especially behind the ears and under the armpits, so focus your brushing there. A thorough combing 3 to 5 times a week keeps tangles at bay and maintains that signature sleek look. Between full grooms, light trims around the sanitary areas and feet help keep your dog tidy without overdoing it. Bathing every 3 to 6 weeks is ideal; dry the coat straight to avoid fluffiness that can hide mats. Seasonal humidity can increase matting, so increase brushing frequency during those months. Key grooming points: - Brush and comb 3–5 times weekly, focusing on common mat spots - Light sanitary and feet trims between full grooms - Bathe every 3–6 weeks, dry coat straight - Full professional grooming every 4–6 weeks Pro tip: Use a slicker brush combined with a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle without damaging the silky coat.
Learn the Silky routine:
→ Complete Silky Grooming Guide
Walking
Silken Windhounds need about 85 minutes of walking daily, split into two sessions to suit their sprint-and-rest style. Morning walks can be brisk and focused on leash training or light jogging, while evening sessions should allow for some off-leash running in a secure area. A typical routine might look like this: - Morning: 30-minute brisk walk with leash work - Evening: 55-minute play and run session in a fenced yard or dog park This schedule helps burn off their bursts of energy and keeps their muscles toned without overexertion. They enjoy varied routes and the chance to sniff and explore, so mix up your walking paths to keep them mentally stimulated.
Boarding
When boarding a Silken Windhound, provide a crate sized between 42 and 48 inches to accommodate their lean, athletic build comfortably. They appreciate a predictable routine and slow introductions to new staff to reduce stress. Their playstyle is active but gentle, so plan two active play sessions daily combined with scent or brain games to keep them engaged. Avoid small-animal toys that could trigger their prey drive, and ensure fencing is secure to prevent escapes during off-leash time. Staff should be aware of their sighthound instincts and provide calm, consistent handling. Enrichment activities like puzzle feeders and scent trails help maintain their sharp minds while in your care.