What to Think About Before Getting a Silken Windhound: 24 Key Questions
Silken Windhounds aren't a household name yet — and honestly, that's part of their charm.
If you've ever admired the elegance of a Greyhound or Whippet but wished for something a little softer, a little more social, and a lot more cuddly, you're in exactly the right place.
Here's the promise: by the end of this guide, you'll know whether this rare, graceful sighthound actually fits your life — or whether their quirks would drive you up the wall.
Let's get into it.
What Makes Silken Windhounds Special?
Silken Windhounds are a relatively new breed, developed in the 1980s by crossing Borzois and Whippets.
The goal? A smaller, stunning, social sighthound. And it worked beautifully.
Here's where they break the mold: most sighthounds are famously aloof. Silkens are the opposite.
They're affectionate, gentle, and surprisingly warm with strangers — often trotting over to say hello rather than keeping their distance.
They also do well with kids and can happily share a home with other dogs when introduced and socialized properly.
“They're the sighthound for people who wanted a sighthound's grace — without the standoffish attitude.”
1980s
The breed is born
Breeders cross Borzois with Whippets to create a smaller, social, elegant sighthound.
Today
A rare hidden gem
Still uncommon, still turning heads at the dog park — and still one of the friendliest sighthounds around.
So what's it actually like to live with one?
What to Expect in Day-to-Day Life
This is where a lot of people fall in love — and where a few realize the breed isn't for them.
Let's break it down.
Temperament
Calm and loving, yet playful and clever. They're not guard dogs — they're far more likely to greet a guest than warn you about one.
Exercise Needs
Moderate, not extreme. Two 30-minute walks plus the occasional safe, enclosed sprint usually does the trick.
Prey Drive
Strong, like all sighthounds. One squirrel sighting can override even excellent recall in a heartbeat.
Living Space
Adaptable. They do fine in apartments as long as you meet their exercise needs. A yard is a bonus, not a must.
Now, here's the one thing people underestimate: this breed is deeply people-oriented.
On prey drive, don't take chances.
What does all this mean in practice?
They're happiest as indoor dogs who live close to their people, get daily movement, and have a safe place to unleash the occasional zoomies.
Good news for anyone who hates vacuuming.
Grooming & Health
True to their name, their coat is soft, silky, and refreshingly low-shedding.
- Brush a few times a week
- Bathe roughly once a month
- Keep up with nails, ears, and teeth
- Expect a fully hypoallergenic dog
That last point trips people up.
Yes, they shed less than many breeds — but they still produce dander, so they're not a guaranteed fit for allergy sufferers.
Now for the part that genuinely stands out: their health.
14–16 yrs
Typical lifespan when responsibly bred — sometimes even longer
Silken Windhounds are generally a hardy, long-lived breed. But there are a few things to keep on your radar.
The takeaway is simple: choose a breeder who health-tests their dogs, and you're setting yourself up for years of low-maintenance companionship.
Now for the fun stats.
Size, Speed & Other Fun Facts
Yes, you read that speed right.
These dogs can hit around 40 mph — which is exactly why that off-leash warning from earlier matters so much.
Their coats come in just about every color and pattern imaginable: solids, brindles, tri-colors, spots. No two quite look alike.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Friendliness | |
| Grooming | |
| Good with kids | |
| Can be left alone | |
| Off-leash safety |
What About Barking?
Good news for close neighbors: they're not big barkers.
That said, they may "talk" to you — the occasional howl or whine, usually when they're bored or angling for your attention.
Let's talk money.
The Price Tag
Because they're still a rare breed, expect the puppy price to reflect that.
Can you guess?
How much does a Silken Windhound puppy cost?
Here's the catch: with a breed this uncommon, it's tempting to jump on the first available litter.
So, Is a Silken Windhound Right for You?
Let's be honest about who thrives with this breed — and who doesn't.
Pros
A great fit if you…
- Want a gentle, affectionate, social dog
- Love a graceful runner who also loves to snuggle
- Can offer daily exercise and companionship
- Have access to a safe, enclosed space to run
Cons
Maybe not if you…
- Work long hours with no company for the dog
- Need a reliable off-leash dog in open spaces
- Want a guard dog or watchdog
- Expect a fully hypoallergenic pet
Quick poll
Could you see a Silken Windhound in your life?
Frequently Asked Questions
They can be. They're gentle, affectionate, and eager to please, which makes training pleasant. The main challenge for beginners is managing their prey drive and their need for company — not their temperament.
Not long, ideally. They're very people-oriented and can develop separation anxiety with long solo hours. A few hours is manageable; full workdays alone are not recommended without a sitter, daycare, or a companion animal.
No, they're fairly quiet. You may hear the occasional howl or whine when they're bored or seeking attention, but excessive barking isn't typical of the breed.
Generally yes. They're gentle and patient, especially when socialized early. As with any dog, supervise interactions with very young kids.
They usually live happily with other dogs when introduced properly. Cats and small pets are trickier because of the strong sighthound prey drive — careful, gradual introductions are essential.
Not quite. Their coat is silky and low-shedding, but they still produce dander that can trigger allergies. Spend time around the breed before committing if allergies are a concern.
Impressively long for their size — often 14 to 16 years, and sometimes beyond, especially when they come from health-tested breeding stock.
Only in a fully enclosed area. With a top speed near 40 mph and a strong instinct to chase, even a well-trained Silken can bolt after wildlife in open spaces.
Sviatoslav Oleksiv founded The Pets and Love in 2019. A lifelong pet owner and Rhodesian Ridgeback enthusiast, he writes and edits our guides to help fellow pet parents give their animals the best care.
Every guide follows our editorial standards. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice — always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet's health.