Silken Windhound
Also known as Silken · Windhound
United States, Sighthounds and lurchers
- Size
- Medium
- Height
- 47–60 cm
- Weight
- 9–25 kg
- Life expectancy
- 14–18 yrs
- Affectionate
- Gentle
- Agile
- Playful
Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.
The Silken Windhound is a small to medium American sighthound with a silky, medium-length coat and graceful lines. It looks a little like a miniature Borzoi and comes in any colour. It is fast and agile and very popular in lure coursing and racing.
Size
- Size
- Medium
- Height at shoulder
- 47–60 cm
- Adult weight
- 9–25 kg
Typical adult ranges. Males are often at the top of the range and females at the bottom. Most reach adult size by around 12 months.
Lifespan
14–18 years
Most Silken Windhounds live 14–18 years. Like other medium dogs, they're usually considered senior from about 8, when twice-yearly vet checks help catch problems early. Keeping them lean is one of the most effective things you can do for a long life. How old is that in human years?
Temperament
Silkens are affectionate, gentle and playful, and usually good with children. They are friendly with strangers, so not natural guard dogs, and many can learn to live with other household pets.
- Affectionate
- Gentle
- Agile
- Playful
Food
For a typical 17 kg adult- Energy
- ≈ 940 kcal
- a day, neutered adult
- Water
- 680 ml–1 L
- a day, from all sources
- Most adults do well on two measured meals a day rather than one large one.
- Choose a complete food for their life stage, and ask your vet before changing diet if they have a health condition.
Starting points only — age, activity and the food itself change the numbers. Work out portions for your dog · Foods to avoid
Exercise
90–120 min a dayThey need regular chances to run in a safe, enclosed area plus daily walks. Lure coursing, racing and agility are good outlets.
Grooming & shedding
The silky coat needs brushing once or twice a week to prevent tangles, especially behind the ears and in the feathering.
Health
Short, positive training sessions work best. Like many sighthounds they can slip out of ordinary collars, so a martingale collar is often used. Some carry the MDR1 gene mutation, which makes them sensitive to certain drugs such as ivermectin, so tell your vet. See a vet for any reaction to medication or for injuries from running.
The breed can be prone to
- MDR1 drug sensitivity
- Cryptorchidism
- Umbilical hernia
- Deafness and cataracts in old age
Health tests to ask a breeder about
- MDR1 DNA test
- Eye examination
Not every Silken Windhound is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. See common conditions and the symptom checker.
History
Francie Stull of Austin, Texas, a breeder of Borzoi and Deerhounds, developed the breed from Borzoi and lurcher lines. The first litter was born in 1985 and the International Silken Windhound Society was founded in 1999. The UKC recognised the breed in 2011 and the AKC added it to its Foundation Stock Service in 2026.
- Country of origin
- United States
- Type
- Sighthounds and lurchers
- Recognition
- Recognised by the UKC and some FCI member clubs, including those of Germany and the Netherlands; not recognised by the FCI itself or The Kennel Club, and in the AKC Foundation Stock Service
Is a Silken Windhound right for you?
Could suit
- Active owners who enjoy long walks, running or hiking
- First-time owners prepared to train consistently
- Owners ready for a long commitment — often well into their teens
Think twice if
- You can't give well over an hour of exercise a day, every day
Cost to keep
About average- Moderate food and insurance costs
- Little or no professional grooming needed
- A 14–18 year commitment
- Budget for breed-related health checks or insurance
A relative guide, not a price — costs vary a lot by country, insurer and lifestyle.
Not sure? Try the breed finder.
Silken Windhound FAQ
How big does a Silken Windhound get?
Adult Silken Windhounds typically stand about 47–60 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 9–25 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.
How long do Silken Windhounds live?
Typically 14–18 years. Keeping them lean, active and up to date with vet checks gives the best chance of a long, healthy life.
How much exercise does a Silken Windhound need?
As a guide, around 90–120 minutes a day, split between walks, play and sniffing time. Puppies and older dogs need shorter, gentler sessions.
How much grooming does a Silken Windhound need?
Brushing a few times a week. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.
Are Silken Windhounds easy to train?
Usually quick to learn with reward-based training.
Do Silken Windhounds shed?
A little. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control.
Are Silken Windhounds good with children?
They usually do well with children. Always supervise young children with any dog, and teach them to give the dog space.
Can a Silken Windhound live in a flat?
It can work — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.
What health problems do Silken Windhounds have?
The breed can be prone to mdr1 drug sensitivity, cryptorchidism, umbilical hernia. Not every Silken Windhound is affected — ask a breeder about health testing, and your vet about what to watch for.
Written by the Petopedia editorial team to our editorial standards. General guidance, not veterinary advice.