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WHAT IS A SILKEN?
The Silken Windhound is a relatively recently developed breed which truly fulfills a niche within the Sighthound family - a small, long-haired Sighthound. I've met many people who loved the overall appearance and personality of a Borzoi, but they were just too large for them. Afghans are the smallest coated Sighthound recognized by the AKC, but their coat care needs are enormous.
SOME HISTORY
In 1984, Francie Stull (Kristull Borzoi) acquired a pair of "long-haired Whippets", a breed which had been introduced in the 1970s. These two dogs became the foundation for the Silken Windhounds and several more dogs from the same kennel were acquired from the same kennel between 1984 and 1988. Later, two registered smooth coated Whippets and a small addition of Borzoi was added to the genetic mix. Several generations of the Silken Windhounds now exist.
The International Silken Windhound Society (ISWS) was formed in April 1999 and is the parent club for this exciting breed. A breed standard has been adopted and ISWS members strive to follow the standard within their breeding programs. ISWS members are currently working towards getting AKC recognition as their own breed, with the first step being inclusion in the Foundation Stud Service program.
Silkens also have been exported to Sweden and Finland where members are striving for the breed's recognition overseas.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Silkens are small, typically 18-24 inches at the shoulder. Their coat is easy to care for and comes in all colors and spotting patterns. They have dark eyes and pigment, scissors bites with full dentition, lovely angles front and rear, and that elegant outline so often seen in Sighthounds. Desired attributes are listed in the Silken's breed standard on the ISWS website.
EVENTS
Silkens are currently being shown in Rarities, Inc and IABCA Events, as well as ISWS-sactioned Specialties while we pursue AKC recognition. While the greater number of these events are on the East and West coasts, we have managed to finish two from our first litter as ISWS Champions (which requires a win at an ISWS-sanctioned specialty show). Josi is also the first Silken Windhound to earn the Rarities Grand Champion title.
Kalipso the Borzoi with Tyler the Silken - a size comparison
HOW DID THEY END UP HERE AT GRYFFYN'S AEYRIE?
Victor and I had each been interested in Silkens before we met. We both had been involved in the Borzoi breed, and still are. We both tend to prefer the more Borzoi-style in the Silkens, with special attention to the headpiece. In the Spring of 2001, we made the trip to Francie's in order to look at them further and possibly add one to our home. We ended up bringing home Duncan and Josi, and the rest is history...
We bred our first Silken litter in early 2003 (Ivan X Josi) and have been very pleased with the results, which have definitely gotten us hooked on the breed. Feel free to email for more information.
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