Loading breed
Discover everything about Silken Windhound
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
Looking for a Silken Windhound?
At a glance
Silken Windhound overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
The Silken Windhound is generally a very vital breed, though targeted preventative care is essential. Hereditary conditions such as Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) and the MDR1 gene defect (drug sensitivity) are fortunately very well controlled through mandatory health tests. The risk of Degenerative Myelopathy is also effectively minimized through this consistent selection process.
Lifespan
14–18 yrs
Height
46–60 cm
Weight
10–25 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 2,000 – 3,500 €
- Coat: Silky, long, no undercoat
- Origin: USA
Typical coat colors
- All colors
- color combinations
- except Merle
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Silken Windhound, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Silken Windhound right for you?
The Silken Windhound is a gentle, elegant companion at home and an explosive sprinter outdoors—a long-haired sighthound (Sichthund) bred for visual hunting over long distances, capable of processing visual stimuli faster than you can blink.
Perfect for you if:
- You have access to safe, fenced-in areas where they can satisfy their genetically ingrained need for sprinting off-leash.
- You lead with gentle consistency and positive reinforcement—pressure or loud words will cause this sensitive dog to shut down immediately.
- You are looking for an unobtrusive, cuddly couch potato indoors who forms a very close bond with their humans.
- You are interested in breed-specific activities like lure coursing to satisfy their hardware in a targeted and controlled way.
Less ideal if:
- You expect 100 percent obedience off-leash in the woods—once a sighthound locks onto game on the horizon, their hearing effectively switches off.
- You have small pets roaming free in the household that will inevitably trigger their hunting reflex with sudden movements.
- You are away from home for long periods daily and are looking for a dog that can easily be left alone—this breed withers without close family connection.
The real vibes check
A Silken Windhound is like an elegant sports car that spends most of its time sleeping on a soft sofa. But as soon as a stimulus appears on the horizon, the engine ignites from zero to fifty kilometers per hour in a fraction of a second. You aren't getting a classic command-follower, but a gentle aesthete whose hunting fever you must manage with foresight rather than try to train away.
Breed Profile
The Silken Windhound is an elegant and graceful sighthound breed, distinguished by its sleek appearance and friendly nature. Originally bred in the USA, the Silken Windhound combines the speed and agility of classic sighthounds with a silky, medium-length coat that makes it visually distinctive. Its slender yet muscular build enables it to run fast and with endurance, while its gentle expression and attentive eyes reflect its friendly and balanced temperament. The breed is known for its adaptability and is suitable both as a sporting companion and a loving family dog. Within the breed, there are no clearly separated lines, but individual dogs vary in coat length and texture, making the Silken Windhound a versatile and charming companion.
- Height
- 46 - 60 cm (Female), 46 - 60 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 10 - 20 kg (Female), 15 - 25 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 14 - 18 years
- Character
- Intelligent, alert, affectionate with the family, but reserved towards strangers, high hunting drive
- Coat
- Silky, long, no undercoat
- Coat Color
- All colors and color combinations, except Merle
- Price
- 2000 - 3500 €
History
The history of the Silken Windhound begins in the late 20th century in the USA. Breeders were looking for an elegant, fast, and at the same time gentle sighthound, characterized by its silky coat and friendly nature. Through the targeted crossing of various sighthound breeds, the Silken Windhound was created, which is valued both as a family dog and as a companion in sighthound racing. The breed quickly gained popularity and was officially recognized in the 1990s.
Original Use
The Silken Windhound was bred as a small, elegant sighthound for hunting small animals and as a companion dog.
Origin
USA
Date
1985
Character & Temperament
The Silken Windhound is an elegant and gentle sighthound, distinguished by its graceful appearance and friendly nature. It is very people-oriented and enjoys being close to its family, getting along especially well with children and other pets. Despite its calm and balanced demeanor, it has a lively playfulness and loves to be active outdoors. This dog is characterized by a high willingness to learn and adaptability, making it a pleasant companion in everyday life. It requires regular physical and mental exercise to stay balanced but does not exhibit excessive hyperactivity. The Silken Windhound is sensitive and responds well to gentle, consistent training, which is why loving but clear leadership is important. Unlike some other sighthounds, the Silken Windhound is less driven by prey instincts, which makes training and handling easier. It is not a typical guard dog but does show natural alertness to its surroundings. Overall, the Silken Windhound is a loyal, intelligent, and adaptable dog that is excellent both as a family pet and as a sporty companion.
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Powerful instinct that can override recall when triggered. | Strong |
Fun Fact!
Silken Windhound: The Silken Windhound is an elegant sighthound breed with a silky coat that gives it its name. Despite its graceful appearance, it is a fast and enduring runner originally bred for hunting hares. Its friendly and gentle nature makes it a wonderful family dog.
What Awaits You
The Silken Windhound is an elegant, friendly, and intelligent sighthound. It is characterized by its silky coat and gentle nature. These dogs are active and require regular exercise, but they are also well suited as calm companions in everyday family life. The Silken Windhound is eager to learn and shows a close bond with its people.
Housing & Care
Silken Windhounds are elegant and sensitive dogs that form a close bond with their humans. They are friendly and gentle, well suited for families who give them a lot of attention and affection. Due to their calm and reserved nature, they are less suitable for very lively households with small children but get along well with older children. Silken Windhounds require regular exercise and mental stimulation but prefer moderate activities such as walks or light running. They are adaptable and can be kept both in apartments and houses with gardens, as long as they get enough exercise. They are usually compatible with other dogs, but good socialization from an early age is important.
- Family Friendly
Lives for its family — the born family companion.
Ideal family dog - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Dog-friendly - City Friendly
City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation.
Manageable in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
Silken Windhounds are intelligent and sensitive dogs that require empathetic and consistent training. They learn quickly but are sensitive to harsh or impatient training methods. A calm, positive, and reward-based approach is especially important here to build trust and motivation. The breed has a strong prey drive and therefore needs clear leadership and sufficient mental as well as physical exercise. Silken Windhounds are well suited for dog sports such as agility or rally obedience, where they can demonstrate their agility and speed. At the same time, it is important to allow them rest periods, as they are not animals for constant activity. Frustration tolerance should be encouraged early to avoid impulsive behavior. Good socialization and building a strong bond with the owner are essential, as Silken Windhounds are very people-oriented and rely on clear, loving leadership. Overall, training a Silken Windhound requires patience, consistency, and empathy. Those who invest this time will gain a loyal, eager-to-learn, and elegant companion who goes through life with much joy and energy.
Nutrition & Care
The Silken Windhound requires a balanced diet that suits its active and slender physique. High-quality, protein-rich food supports its muscles and provides energy. Be careful to avoid overfeeding, as this elegant breed can be prone to overweight, which impairs its mobility. The silky, long coat of the Silken Windhound is easy to care for but requires regular brushing (about 2-3 times a week) to prevent matting and remove dead hair. During the shedding periods in spring and autumn, increased hair loss may occur, which can be alleviated by more intensive brushing. The Silken Windhound is well adapted to temperate climates. Its coat protects against cold, but in high temperatures, sufficient shade and water should be provided to prevent overheating. Regular exercise is important to maintain its fitness and health.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
B
Solid
Health grade
The Silken Windhound is generally a very vital breed, though targeted preventative care is essential. Hereditary conditions such as Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) and the MDR1 gene defect (drug sensitivity) are fortunately very well controlled through mandatory health tests. The risk of Degenerative Myelopathy is also effectively minimized through this consistent selection process.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should inform your veterinarian early on about their specific sensitivity to medications and anesthesia and plan for routine eye and heart check-ups.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the eyes and hearts of the parent animals tested and use DNA tests to consistently rule out medication intolerances and serious breed-specific genetic defects.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the Silken Windhound
Gabriele G., Halterin aus Vorarlberg (drei Hunde, seit 2015)
Nachdem ich jahrelang große Barsois gehalten hatte, suchte ich aus gesundheitlichen Gründen nach einem etwas kleineren Trainingspartner für die tägliche Bewegung. Der Silken Windhound schien mir dafür die ideale Wahl zu sein. Inzwischen leben sogar drei dieser wunderbaren Hunde bei mir, und sie bereichern mein Leben jeden Tag mit ihrer sanften Energie und ihrer unendlichen Liebenswürdigkeit.
Sie haben sich erstaunlich unkompliziert in meinen Arbeitsalltag integriert. Während ich arbeite, schlafen sie friedlich unter meinem Schreibtisch, und sie begleiten mich problemlos auf Urlaubs- und Seminarreisen. Trotz ihrer Anpassungsfähigkeit darf man aber nicht vergessen, dass sie als Sichtjäger ihre tägliche, freie Bewegung brauchen, um ausgeglichen zu bleiben.
Carsten B., Halter aus Hessen (zwei Rüden, seit 2018)
Unser Abenteuer begann mit einem kleinen, vorwitzigen Welpen, der unser Leben erst einmal komplett auf den Kopf gestellt hat. Schnell war uns klar, dass ein zweiter Silken Windhound als Spielkamerad einziehen muss. Und tatsächlich: Es gibt die beiden jetzt nur noch im Doppelpack.
Es ist eine wahre Freude zu sehen, wie sie zusammen raufen, rennen und die Welt erkunden – das kann man anscheinend in dieser Intensität nur mit einem Artgenossen der gleichen Rasse tun. Abends verwandeln sie sich dann in totale Kuschelmonster, die sich eng an uns auf dem Sofa anschmiegen. Man muss sich allerdings darauf einstellen, dass sie trotz all ihrer Anhänglichkeit im Herzen immer eigenständige Freigeister bleiben.
Viktoria G., Halterin aus Bayern (Rüde, seit 2020)
Mein Rüde lebt bei mir in einer bunten Windhundgruppe zusammen mit Whippets und Silken Windsprites. Er ist im Rudel ein absolut sozialer, ruhiger und unkomplizierter Vertreter. Sein Wesen ist unglaublich sanft, sensibel und aufmerksam – er weicht mir kaum von der Seite und zeigt mir seine Liebe auf eine sehr leise, zurückhaltende Art.
Wenn wir im Freilauf sind, kommt jedoch der echte Windhund durch. Er schießt dann erst einmal völlig ungestüm los und rennt, als ginge es um sein Leben. Nach etwa fünf Minuten ist dieser wilde Spuk dann aber auch schon wieder vorbei, und er genießt ganz entspannt die Umgebung. Seine sensible Art hat mich anfangs zwar einige Nerven gekostet, aber er bringt mich auch immer wieder zum Lachen.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
Loading owner stories
Are you a Silken Windhound breeder?
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Silken Windhound.
Frequently asked questions about the Silken Windhound
Is a Silken Windhound the right dog for me?
The Silken Windhound is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Silken Windhound live?
The average life expectancy of a Silken Windhound is 14-18 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Silken Windhound need?
Silken Windhound grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Silken Windhound good for families with children?
The Silken Windhound can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
Loading related articles
Silken Windhound Breeders Near You
Find verified Silken Windhound breeders in your region
Popular puppy searches
Other breeds with available puppies from verified breeders
Why HonestDog?
What makes HonestDog different from other platforms
Full transparency
We lay everything out clearly: who the breeder is, how they work, health checks, and genetic test results. So you can decide with full confidence.
Responsible breeding, assured
Every breeder on HonestDog meets strict standards, including health checks and genetic testing for both parents. So you never have to worry about puppy mills or bad actors.
Trust and verification
We verify breeders and buyers alike, so every conversation happens on solid ground. It's a new standard of trust in dog breeding.
Less hassle, more time
We've already vetted the breeders and gathered the details, so you can skip the endless research and focus on finding the right puppy for your family.
Our Mission
We connect dog lovers with responsible breeders and shelters to ensure every dog finds the perfect home.
Founded by dog enthusiasts, our platform focuses on ethical dog breeding and adoption.
Why HonestDog?
We connect you with vetted breeders and shelters so you can find your — your new companion — with confidence.
Vetted Partners
Only verified breeders and shelters — for a safe start.
Highest Standards
Every animal's health and wellbeing is our top priority.
Guides & Resources
Guides, checklists, and breed profiles — so you can make a well-informed decision.