Is a Silken Windhound a Borzoi?

The Silken Windhound is not a Borzoi, but getting the two distinct breeds mixed up is understandable. Borzoi lines were used in the creation of the Silken Windhound dog breed.

Are Silken Windhounds good dogs?

Yes, Silken Windhounds are good dogs for active families who can provide their pet with close companionship, daily exercise, and appropriate socialization and training.

Do Silken Windhounds shed?

Yes. All dogs shed at least a little, including the Silken Windhound. Expect moderate shedding, but the ISWS says you don’t have to worry about your dog blowing coat (that is, seasonally shedding excessive amounts of fur). Weekly brushing can help keep stray fur from your furniture and clothes.

Silken Windhound

Updated February 4, 2026

Don’t let the Silken Windhound’s sleek, sophisticated look fool you into thinking they’re stoic beauty queens. These sporty dogs are just as comfortable sprinting as they are settling in for a family cuddle. Brainy and eager to please, their happy place is wherever you are.

Temperament

Smart, Sporty, Sociable

Weight

25–55 pounds

Height

18.5–23.5 inches

Life Expectancy

12–15 years

Maintenance Level

Friendliness

Coat Color

Red, Cream, Black, Tan, Silver, and White

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The Silken Windhound excels at so many things that it’s difficult to focus on any one of them. In terms of yearbook superlatives, this eye-catching sight hound is a promising contender for the awards of Best Hair, Top Runner, and Most Attentive Listener.

From the tips of their slender snout to the ends of their long, feathery tail, Silken Windhound dogs somehow manage to balance out-of-this-world athleticism with down-home affection and friendliness that extends to humans and other dogs alike.

Silken Windhound Characteristics

Remember: Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Exercise Needs

Health Issues

Grooming Needs

Training Needs

Shedding Level

Friendliness

Playfulness

Energy Level

Barking Tendencies

Good for Apartments and Small Homes

Sensitive to Cold Weather

Sensitive to Warm Weather

Good for First-Time Pet Parents

Silken Windhound Appearance

Silken Windhounds are blessed with feathery, Farrah Fawcett-like fur framing their long, narrow face. A mix of brains, beauty, and brawn, these sighthounds boast a soft, sleek coat in a variety of textures (curly, wavy, or straight), colors, and markings, as well as a lean and sporty physique.

Ears
When relaxed, the Silken Windhound’s small, triangular ears are folded back along the neck. When alert, they may prick up.
Eyes
Silken Windhounds have large, dark eyes shaped like almonds.
Nose
This sight hound has a tapered muzzle leading to a dark nose that may turn slightly downward at the tip.
Coat Length
Silken Windhounds have coats that are generally medium in length, with feathering on the chest, neck, tail, and backs of their legs.
Coat Color
Silken Windhounds can have a wide range of colors and markings, including red, cream, black, tan, silver, and white.
Tail
The Silken Windhound’s tail is long and limber, curving slightly upward at the tip.

Silken Windhound Temperament

Bred to work as sight hounds, Silken Windhounds are natural athletes who rely on their wits, eyes, and speed to hunt small prey.

As such, they need (and enjoy!) an active lifestyle that challenges their brain and body each day. But once they’re worn out, your Silken Windhound will be perfectly pleased to cuddle up by your side.

In addition to exercise, close companionship is high on the Silken Windhound’s must-have list. These calm, loving family dogs can be devoted to both other dogs and humans. However, given their hunting instincts, Silken Windhounds may mistake small animals, like cats, for something to chase after.

Early training and socialization can help bring out your Silken Windhound’s best qualities. And with both smarts and sweetness in ample supply, Silken Windhounds are eager and capable learners.

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How to Care for a Silken Windhound

Silken Windhounds are relatively low-maintenance dogs. Mental and physical exercise are a daily must, but despite their eye-catching coats, grooming needs are far less frequent.

As with all dog breeds, proper socialization and training will be critical to your Silken Windhound’s health and happiness.

The Silken Windhound’s grooming to-do list is very manageable. Here’s what you can expect to provide:

Brushing: Silken Windhounds have a long, silky coat that can be straight, curly, or wavy. Their fur isn’t particularly prone to matting and doesn’t shed a lot, so brushing your dog once or twice a week is typically enough to keep their coat healthy and their shedding even more minimal. Use a slicker brush for best results.
Bathing: How often your Silken Windhound needs a bath is somewhat dependent on their lifestyle, such as how often they tear through muddy terrain. For most dogs, an occasional bath should suffice.
Nail care: Trim your Silken Windhound’s nails every month or two. If you can hear their claws hitting the ground as they walk, it’s time to get out the nail clippers.
Ear care: Talk to your veterinarian about how and how often you should clean your Silken Windhound’s ears.
Dental care: The best way to prevent dental disease is to brush your dog’s teeth every day. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for dogs—never human toothpaste, which can be toxic.

It’s important to safely expose your Silken Windhound puppy to new experiences—like animals, people, environments, activities, sounds, and objects—as soon as you bring them home.

This socialization process is designed to foster the best parts of your Silken Windhound’s personality and help them feel comfortable, no matter the situation. Talk to your veterinary team about age-appropriate socialization for your dog.

Silken Windhounds are excellent students. Bred to work alongside humans, their big brain and eager-to-please attitude make training a breeze. Consistent positive reinforcement-based training (using high-value treats, favorite dog toys, and lots of praise) is the best way to teach them new skills while building the human-animal bond.

There’s no one best diet for all Silken Windhound dogs, so it’s helpful to partner with your veterinarian to develop a plan.

They can help you find the best dog food that meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards and is nutritionally complete for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior), size, lifestyle, and health.

Most adult Silken Windhounds should eat two times a day. However, Silken Windhound puppies have a higher metabolism and may require three to four meals to support their growth. Your vet can also give you guidance on how often and how much to feed your dog.

To give these smart dogs a bit of stimulation during mealtimes, try offering their food in a slow feeder bowl or puzzle toy.

Your Windhound probably doesn’t want you to know this, but dog treats should only occupy a very small portion of their diet—roughly 10% or less. They can still be a great tool when training, but moderation is key.

Silken Windhounds were built for speed, and taking them out of their hunting job won’t automatically remove their instincts. Even Silken Windhounds living as family pets will need daily exercise, and a quick walk down the block won’t be enough to make them happy.

Instead, plan to set aside around an hour a day for activities that work their mind and body. Every dog is different, but here are some activities that are likely to get your Silken Windhound’s feathery tail wagging:

Because of their high prey drive, all outdoor exercise should occur either on a leash or within a secure fence. This is the best way to keep both your Silken Windhound and the small animals in your area safe.

Because of their friendliness, eagerness to please, and ability to enjoy both leaping and lounging, Silken Windhounds can thrive in a many types of homes. However, there are some caveats to keep in mind.

Properly socialized Silken Windhounds enjoy the company of both dogs and humans, but their hunting drive could put smaller animals at risk of being chased.

For this reason, it may not be a good idea to add a cat or bunny to your house if you already have a Silken Windhound. But if you bring a young Windhound puppy into a home that already has a cat or other small animal, and if introductions are done slowly, your dog might be able to live happily alongside them.

Silken Windhounds can be at home in the country and in the city. What’s most important is that they’re able to be near their family most of the day and that their family provides ample exercise, regardless of whether that’s in a sprawling yard or an urban dog park.

Silken Windhound Health

The average Silken Windhound lifespan is 12–15 years, and they’re generally healthy dogs. But like all breeds, they’re predisposed to certain problems, which is why the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals recommends that Silken Windhound breeders test for the following conditions:

Multiple drug sensitivity (MDR1): Dogs with multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) drug sensitivity are at risk of serious and potentially life-threatening complications after receiving certain medications. The condition is caused by a genetic variant that allows drugs and toxins to build up and sometimes cross into the brain. There’s no cure for MDR1 drug sensitivity, but it can be managed by avoiding certain medications and decreasing doses.
Heart problems: A basic cardiac exam is recommended for all Silken Windhounds to check for congenital heart conditions like mitral valve disease and ventricular septal defect.
Eye issues: The Silken Windhound is prone to eye problems, including the Collie eye anomaly. This is a condition in which blood vessels from the back of the eyeball are unable to carry nutrients to the retina, causing blind spots to form. Sometimes the retina can completely detach, leading to blindness in dogs.
Autoimmune thyroiditis: Autoimmune thyroiditis is a condition in which a dog’s immune system creates inflammation that damages healthy thyroid tissue. It’s the most common cause of hypothyroidism in dogs, meaning the thyroid gland isn’t able to make enough thyroxine, the hormone that controls metabolism. Dogs with autoimmune thyroiditis are typically treated with lifelong medication.

Silken Windhound History

The Silken Windhound owes its creation to Borzoi breeder Francie Stull. According to the International Silken Windhound Society, Stull wanted to create a smaller hound dog that had all the best parts of the Borzoi, including good health, poise, and a long coat.

She achieved this by breeding the Borzoi with two other dog breeds: Lurchers and Whippets. The result? The elegant, easygoing Silken Windhound.

The first Silken Windhound was born in 1985, though the breed didn’t get its official name for more than a decade (1998). Silken Windhounds haven’t received official American Kennel Club (AKC) status.

FAQs

This content was medically reviewed by Barri Morrison, DVM, Chewy veterinarian.

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Silken Windhound