At a glance the quick version
The UKC standard gives no weight. DogTime gives males 33-55 lb and females 20-45 lb.
Coat and looks how to spot one
medium-long to long, silky single coat with feathering
A graceful, medium-sized sighthound with a soft, silky coat that may be straight, wavy or curly. Longer feathering grows on the backs of the front legs, the chest, the hindquarters, around the neck and on the tail.23
Personality what they are like
A sweet-natured, even-tempered hound that is gentle and devoted at home and usually friendly with people and other dogs. It is keen and quick when chasing a lure outdoors, then settles quietly in the house. Eager to please, it takes well to training.2354
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Needs daily exercise with a chance to run freely in a safe, fenced space, plus walks and play. Silkens enjoy lure coursing, racing, agility, obedience and scent work.54
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Low grooming for a long-haired breed: a weekly brush keeps the coat tidy, with a bath when needed. Owners often use a martingale-style collar because the slim head can slip out of an ordinary buckle collar.541
Home where they are happiest
Adapts to many homes as long as it gets regular running time. Inside it is usually quiet and well behaved.54
Company who they like around
Enjoys being part of family activities and does not like long stretches alone. Tends to get along well with other dogs and can live with other pets when raised with them.541
The story where it all began
Francie Stull set out to create a smaller, long-coated sighthound with an easy temperament, combining champion Borzoi lines with Whippet-based lurchers. The first litter considered to be the breed was born in 1985, the name was settled in 1998, and the ISWS was formed in 1999. The UKC recognised the breed in 2011.214
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Silkens have won top all-breed racing honours, including LGRA's Klar Award for the leading racer of the year.5
- 2
They are among the longest-lived dog breeds, often reaching their mid to late teens.1
- 3
The breed is so friendly with strangers that it is not suited to guard work.1
- 4
Unlike many long-coated breeds, Silkens do not blow their coats in big seasonal sheds.3
Recognised by the official bits
- United Kennel Club (UKC)
- Recognised 18 March 2011, Sighthound & Pariah Dog Group.2
- American Kennel Club (AKC)
- Added to the Foundation Stock Service in 2026.1
- International Silken Windhound Society (ISWS)
- Parent breed club, founded 1999.1
- Lure coursing and racing bodies
- Accepted by ASFA (2009) and NOFCA (2010), also LGRA and NOTRA.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Silken Windhound. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Silken Windhound, and at what times?
Adult Silkens do well with at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed at consistent times each day, and your vet can help you set the right schedule.6 Furry Diary plan
What should a Silken Windhound eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, these are especially harmful to dogs.7
How often should I bathe a Silken Windhound?
Bathe your Silken only when needed, about every two months or so. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but you can bathe more often if they get dirty.8 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Silken Windhound need brushing?
A weekly brush keeps their silky coat tidy and free of tangles. Furry Diary's starting plan is to brush every 7 days, which is usually enough for this low-grooming breed.54 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Silken Windhound's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and ask your vet or a groomer to show you how.8 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Silken Windhound need?
They need daily exercise with a chance to run freely in a safe, fenced area, plus walks and play. Furry Diary's starting plan includes daily walks and play, and they enjoy lure coursing, agility, and other activities.54 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Silken Windhound's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily brushing and weekly ear checks, especially since floppy ears can trap moisture.8 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Silken Windhound live?
Silken Windhounds have a long lifespan of 14 to 20 years, so you can enjoy many happy years together.41
Is a Silken Windhound good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are gentle and even-tempered, usually friendly with people and other dogs. They can live with other pets when raised with them, but always supervise interactions with young children.254
Can a Silken Windhound be left alone?
They enjoy being part of family activities and do not like long stretches alone. If left alone for extended periods, they may become anxious, so it's best to have company or a pet sitter.54
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Silken Windhound - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, recognition, lifespan, history, fun facts
- Silken Windhound - United Kennel Club breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, height, coat, colour, temperament, history
- FAQ - International Silken Windhound Society silkenwindhounds.orgused for coat, colours, temperament, fun facts
- Silken Windhound - DogTime dogtime.comused for weight, lifespan, grooming, exercise, history
- About Silkens - International Silken Windhound Society silkenwindhounds.orgused for temperament, exercise, grooming, awards
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.