SILKEN WINDHOUND

Apartment Living

Good for 1st Time Owners

Tolerance Levels

Affection for Family

Kid Friendliness

Stranger Friendliness

Ease of Grooming

General Health

Trainability

Prey Drive

Exercise Needs

Energy Level

History

The Silken Windhound is a Rare mixed breed, belonging to the Sighthound mix, seemingly sharing bloodlines with the Borzoi and the Whippet hound. Experts say that these dogs got their graceful and elegant appearance from the Whippet Hound variety. They have an athletic build, with a chiseled head and large obliquely set almond shaped eyes. Other easily noticeable traits are a pair of small folded ears and a long arc like the neck. A perfectly flexible tail fairly compliments their glamorous appearance.

Interesting Facts

1.The oldest recorded Silken lived a few months after its twentieth birthday.

2.The studbook of this breed was officially closed in the year 2000.

Temperament & Personality

Its highly active lifestyle and a high capacity to run makes it highly accessible in the West. With a balanced and a well-crafted character, these dogs are an excellent working dog outside, and a perfect companion dog inside the house. Having an eager to please personality, these dogs are constantly seen moving around in their owner to get their attention.

They emerge as a great companion to the grown-up kids, and also are an excellent playmate for them. However, the parents should supervise whenever the dog gives company to the small kids as they are prone to get over-excited, and as a result, may snap at them.

Exercise

Having some easily seen traits like being sporty, these dogs will make a great companion to the regular joggers and runners. However, they also need to cozy up after a tiring exercise regimen. A game of Frisbee or flyball will be an excellent option for the dog. If deprived of prolonged activity routines, these dogs can also show their destructive side by barking and growling at the passersby.

Grooming

Varying from no shedder to low shedder, these dogs have a silky coat that needs brushing thrice in a week to prevent tangling and matting. The owner should bathe the dog after every twelve weeks to ensure that the dogs remain clean and odor-free. Other grooming needs such as occasional hair trimming, nail clipping, cleaning the ear, and brushing the teeth will make the dog look more handsome and good looking.

Health Problems

The dog can suffer from issues like Hip dysplasia, Bloating, Cryptorchidism, Umbilical Hermia, Lotus Syndrome, Deafness, and Cataracts. The Silkens are sensitive to drugs like Ivermectin, and the owner should consult and check out, whether the dog has a defective gene called MDR1, a drug resistance gene.

Training

Leash training is essential, and the owner should also provide the dog with a semi slip collar. It's imperative to socialize the Silkens at a young age to suppress aggression and any other negative feelings from their side in the future towards other dogs. Agility training is also an excellent option for the dog.