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Silken Windhound

The Silken Windhound is a small to medium-sized American sighthound breed developed in the 1980s.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Silken Windhound is a small to medium-sized American sighthound breed developed in the 1980s. It was bred to combine the grace and speed of larger sighthounds with a smaller size, a silky coat, and a gentle temperament. The breed is recognized by the United Kennel Club as of 2011.

History

The breed was developed in the United States in the 1980s by breeder Francie Stull. It was intended to be a smaller, more sociable sighthound with the look and athleticism of larger coursing breeds.

Appearance

Silken Windhounds are small to medium-sized dogs with an elegant build and a long, silky coat. Breed descriptions note a variety of coat colours and textures, including straight, slightly wavy, or curly coats.

Temperament

Breed sources describe the Silken Windhound as gentle, affectionate, intelligent, and eager to please. It is commonly presented as a companionable family dog that is also capable in active or sporting settings.

Recognition

The breed is recognized by the United Kennel Club, which accepted it in 2011. It is also associated with breed clubs and registries dedicated to maintaining the standard and promoting the breed.

Key facts

  • The Silken Windhound is a relatively recent breed developed in the United States.
  • It was created as a smaller, long-coated sighthound with a steady, affectionate temperament.
  • The breed has a medium-long silky coat in a wide range of colours and combinations.
  • Silken Windhounds are known for being athletic, intelligent, and friendly.
  • The breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 2011.
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Canadian context

The Silken Windhound has relevance for Canadian dog enthusiasts through international breed clubs, sighthound sports, and companion-dog ownership, but it is not a historically Canadian breed.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Silken Windhound?
A Silken Windhound is a small to medium-sized American sighthound breed known for its silky coat, athletic build, and friendly temperament.
Where did the Silken Windhound come from?
The breed was developed in the United States in the 1980s, with early development credited to breeder Francie Stull.
How big do Silken Windhounds get?
They are typically about 18.5–23.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh roughly 22–55 pounds.
What is the Silken Windhound's coat like?
It has a medium-long, silky coat that may be straight, slightly wavy, or curly, and comes in many colours and combinations.
Are Silken Windhounds recognized by kennel clubs?
Yes. The United Kennel Club recognized the breed in 2011.
What is the Silken Windhound bred for?
It was bred to be a smaller, long-coated sighthound with the grace and coursing ability of larger hounds and a more affectionate temperament.

References

  1. The Spruce Pets — https://www.thesprucepets.com/silken-windhound-dog-breed-profile-11678689
    Supports: Breed origin, general characteristics, coat, size, temperament, and life span.
  2. International Silken Windhound Society — https://silkenwindhounds.org/ilst/
    Supports: Breed description, physical type, and coursing-dog characteristics.
  3. United Kennel Club — https://www.ukcdogs.com/silken-windhound
    Supports: Breed standard, recognition date, size range, coat description, and temperament.
  4. UK Silken Windhound Club — https://uksilkenwindhoundclub.org/breed
    Supports: Breed development in Texas in the mid-1980s and size description.