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âYou would be forgiven for not knowing that Silken Windsprites and Silken Windhounds are two separate breeds. For starters, one served as foundation stock for the other. Add to that the fact that they look remarkably similar, and that their names leave little room for differentiation, and even those well-versed in dogs can get confused.
Breed Histories
Windsprites came first and were bred by Walter A. Wheeler Jr.âs Massachusetts Windsprite Kennel. Sometime in the 1950s or 1960s, Walter Wheeler claimed to have seen long-haired Whippet puppies at a fellow breederâs home. Believing this to be evidence of a long-lost recessive long-haired gene in Whippets, he set off through linebreeding and inbreeding to find it. Much to the panic of the American Whippet Club, in the early 1970s he presented his long-haired Whippets at a dog show. That very night, the club updated the standard to exclude all coat types outside of the usual close, smooth coat. An investigation was launched, which ultimately concluded that Mr. Wheelerâs dogsâ all of whom were registered as Whippetsâwere not purebred, and their registrations were revoked.
Still maintaining that his dogs were purebred, Walter created the Long-Haired Whippet Association in the early 1980s, the work of which was later carried on by the International Windsprite Club, reflecting the breed's official name change as of 2017. Mr. Wheelerâs records were lost at the time of his death, but thanks to modern genetic testing, we can say with relative certainty that the foundation of Windsprites was comprised of Whippets and Shelties, possibly with a very small amount of Borzoi or Italian Greyhound.
To add to the confusion, in their country of origin (the USA), it's just Windsprite; however, in Europe, the breed is known as the Silken Windsprite.
Silken Windhounds were created by Francie Stullâs Kristull Kennel in Austin, Texas, by crossing Windsprites* to her Borzoi. The first litter of Silken Windhounds was born in 1985; however, the breed remained relatively unknown until the late 1990s. In 1999, the International Silken Windhound Society (ISWS) was created, and with it, the first official breed standard was approved. That same year, the first national show, Silkenfest, was held in Austin.
*âTo develop the breed, Stull crossed small lurchers from Walter A. Wheeler Jr.âs Massachusetts Windsprite kennel to her show and field champion Borzoi.â â The Silken Windhound Club of America
Physical Differences
While at first glance these breeds can appear very similar, some key physical traits can be used to tell them apart.
Although their sizes do overlap, on the whole Silken Windhounds tend to be larger, both in height and weight.
A popular saying goes: âWindsprites look like coated Whippets, whereas Windhounds look like Borzoi in miniature.â
Perhaps the easiest physical difference to grasp is the coat. Windsprites will have feathering, typically on their ears, tails, and the backs of their legs. Windhounds, on the other hand, tend to be much more heavily coated overall.
Head shapes are also decidedly different, with Windsprites having a slight stop, whereas Windhounds have a barely perceptible one. Windsprites also show slightly more roundness to their skulls, while Windhounds appear more angular.
The breeds vary temperamentally as well, with Windhounds tending toward a bit more of the classic sighthound aloofness and sensitivity, while Windsprites are typically warmer and more outgoing.
While they have their differences, both breeds are lovable, goofy sighthounds that bring great joy to those who share their lives with them.
Ultimately, the confusion between Silken Windsprites and Silken Windhounds is understandable, but their stories illustrate how even closely related breeds can diverge into distinct identities shaped by different goals, influences, and standards. Taking the time to understand these differences not only helps us identify them correctly, but also deepens our appreciation for the careful choices, controversies, and passions that give rise to new breedsâand reminds us that breed identity is as much about intention and stewardship as it is about appearance.â
