The Silken Windhound dog breed is relatively unknown in the United States. After all, this sighthound is only found in 24 countries. Thankfully, the breed’s popularity is slowly on the rise mainly due to its sweet expression that describes its kindly nature.
This relatively new sighthound dog breed first came into existence in the mid-1980s when Francie Stull – a breeder of Borzois and Lurcher hounds – first whelped the Silken litter. However, the dog breed came to be recognized by the UKC only in 2011.
Silken Windhounds are available in several colors but the rarest and most popular color is pure white. You will also find them in white marked with lemon, fawn, red, black, brindle, piebald, grey, with more or less other mixed colors.
The Silken’s prettiest features are its ears which are small and fringed with silky hair. It is perhaps this very feature that gives the breed its name. Also, like all sighthounds, the Silken is fast – as fast as the wind. They are capable of reaching speeds of 40 mph which earns them the “windhound” name.
If you’re looking to buy or adopt a Silken Windhound, you have come to the right place.
We have designed this guide to give you precise and concise information about the Silken Windhound’s basic needs as well as the costs you will incur while raising one.
As with any dog, it is important to understand that as a pet owner, you’ll be responsible for your Silken’s care and wellbeing. That is why you must be sure that your lifestyle and financial status are suited to give your dog the best care it needs.
Here is a quick summary of how much a Silken Windhound puppy costs:
The cost of a Silken puppy is between $1500 and $2500 and it depends on the pup’s bloodline, coat color, and also on its breeder. The monthly cost of raising a Silken is between $200-$500 based on your dog-parenting style. The first-year cost of Silken Windhound ownership can come to about $2000 and in subsequent years, it will be around $1000. Since Silkens live between 12 and 20 years, the lifetime cost of ownership of a Silken Windhound can go up to $20,000.
How Much Does a Silken Windhound Puppy Cost? What Factors Affect this Price?
Silken Windhound puppies tend to be expensive since this is a rare breed. Always start your search for a healthy Silken puppy by first finding a reputed breeder. You can find a list of Silken Windhound breeders in the United States here.
Before you choose your breeder, it is important that you talk to several of them. Ask them the philosophy behind their breeding programs. If possible, ask to meet their dogs Ensure that the facilities are well-kept. Check if their dogs participate in shows and performance events.
Responsible breeders of Silken Windhounds are usually members of the International Silken Windhound Society or the ISWS. They are up-to-date with the latest development about the breed and also know which health tests to subject their dogs to.
All these can greatly impact your dog’s price. Here are some factors affecting a Silken puppy’s price:
Gender
Male Silkens generally cost more because most dog owners buy Silken Windhounds with the intention of showing them in conformation rings. Since males easily participate all through the year (where females tend to need breaks), the price of male Silkens is higher.
Coat color
The luxurious silky coats of the Silken are available in black, white, black and tan, red, brindle, sable, etc. Pure white puppies are rare and hence priced higher.
Health checks
Reputed Silken breeders test their dogs using various OFA CHIC tests to ensure they do not carry genes for any orthopedic afflictions such as hip dysplasia, patella luxation, etc. Good breeders are also willing to show you the records of all these tests.
This can significantly raise your puppy’s price. Moreover, if the breeder is located far from where you stay, you will have to factor in the cost of airfare too.
The following table shows the average price of a Silken Windhound:
| The minimum price of a Silken Windhound puppy | $1000 |
| Maximum price of Silken Windhound puppy | $2500 |
| Price bracket | $1000 to $3000 |
| Average price | $1500 |
Basic Supplies to Buy for your Silken Windhound
In addition to thinking about how much a Silken Windhound puppy costs, you must also think of the other costs you’ll encounter during your pet’s first year. Of utmost importance are the basic supplies you must buy to make your puppy’s life more comfortable in the first few days in your home:
Crate or kennel
In order to keep your little puppy out of trouble, and also to give it a place to rest – a crate or kennel is very important. Crates also come in handy when you’re potty training your little puppy – after all; most dogs do not soil their sleeping areas. Since Silkens are medium-sized dogs, you will need to ensure the crate is appropriately sized too. The cost of a crate is about $50 to $75.
Dog bed/blankets
Line the crate with a crate pad, blanket, or dog bed. Make sure you choose a bed/pad that is chew proof. Don’t spend more than $50 on this.
Toys
A bored dog is a destructive dog. Give your Silken something to do and he will be a healthier and happier dog. Chew toys and Kong toys are ideal. Invest about $20 on these.
Grooming supplies
All Silken owners will need to brush their dog’s coat every day to remove mats and tangles. Invest in a sturdy rake brush, pin brush, and a wide-toothed comb. You will also need shampoo and conditioner, nail trimming tools, ear cleaning wipes, etc. Expect to spend about $75 on grooming supplies.
Other accessories
Your Silken will also need sturdy, skid-resistant food and water bowls. Also, invest in collars and sturdy leashes when you start taking your dog out on walks. Set aside about $50 for bowls, collars, ID tags, etc.
The following table shows these approximate costs you’d spend on Silken’s basic supplies:
| Item | Cost | |
| Essentials | Leash | $10.00 |
| Collar | $10.00 | |
| Food and water bowls | $20.00 | |
| Bed | $35.00 – $50.00 | |
| First aid kit | $20.00 | |
| Dog waste bags | $10.00 | |
| Extras | Absorbent house-training pads | $10.00 |
| Harness | $10.00 | |
| Brush or comb | $10.00 | |
| Nail clippers | $10.00 | |
| Canine toothbrush and paste | $15.00 | |
| Toys | $50.00 | |
Silken Windhound Training Costs
Silkens need firm handling and training right from their puppyhood. Without training, they could develop behavioral issues. You can always watch some online videos to train your dog on your own. However, sometimes, it is best to hire a professional dog trainer for the same.
In the United States, the average cost of group dog training classes is about $50 with $30 being the minimum for a single lesson. You can also hire a private dog trainer for one-on-one lessons but these can cost between $75 and $120 per hour.
You also have the option of dog obedience training classes which charge on a weekly basis. These can cost between $200 and $500 for one week. If you choose to board your Silken with a dog trainer (dog boot camp training), then the charges, on average, could run up to $1250 per week.
Some places like PetCo and PetSmart also offer dog training for a lot less. Sometimes, they also have sales – so you’d end up only paying about $80 for the entire 6-week training program! PetSmart’s dog training is slightly higher in price compared to PetCo’s but if you can find their coupon online, you could save a bit there.
Here is a table that shows the average dog training costs in the USA:
| Group training (cost per class) | $30.00 to $80 per class |
| Private obedience school (cost per session) | $50 to $120 |
| Dog boot camp (cost per day) | $45.00 (weekly about $500 to $1250) |
| Minimum online training program price | $99.00 |
| YouTube videos | $0.00 |
| Minimum puppy basic training cost (total) | $500.00 |
| Maximum puppy basic training cost with boarding (total) | $2000.00 |
| Service dog training | $120 per hour |
Silken Windhound Food Costs
Male Silkens weigh between 35 and 55 lb. while females weigh about 45 lb. when they reach adulthood. When your pup first comes home, it is best to feed it the same food as the breeder was feeding it. This way, there will be less stress on its digestive system. As your pet grows, you can have your vet examine it and recommend the right food based on its weight and activity levels.
Here are some guidelines to bear in mind regarding Silken’s feeding:
- Feed your adult Silken 2-4 cups of dry dog food divided into 2-3 small meals.
- Puppies will need to eat at least 4-5 times a day to maintain their energy levels. The exact quantity of food will depend on the pup’s age and weight. Most food manufacturers recommend the quantity to feed on their food labels. You can follow this or seek your vet/breeder’s advice.
- If you choose to feed canned or wet food, feed about 2.5 cups of it per day to your Silken.
Here is a table showing the approximate food costs for adult Silken Windhounds:
| Type of food | Monthly quantity to feed a 40 lb. Silken Windhound | Monthly cost |
| Dry food/kibble | 16 lb. | $30-$40 |
| Wet food | 50 – 75 lb. | $50 – $75 |
| Frozen food/freeze-dried nuggets | 10-15lb | $75 -$100 |
| Raw food | 15-lb | $35 to $50 |
| Dog treats | $20 |
Best Dog Food Comparison for Silken Windhounds
Silken Windhounds, like all sighthounds, need plenty of protein. Many dog foods available commercially contain high-quality protein obtained from chicken, beef, lamb, fish, etc.
Silkens tend to gain weight rapidly if they are not exercised every day. Therefore, you must feed them lean meats and avoid foods with fat. If you cook your dog’s meals at home, try to feed it at least 150-200 grams of meat per day divided into 2-3 smaller portions.
In case you choose to feed commercial dog food, then select a brand that is made with the highest quality of ingredients. Sure, these tend to be expensive but the cheap brands are stuffed with fillers, by-products, and artificial ingredients and they do not offer any nutrition to your Silken. Furthermore, they could impact your dog’s performance, coat, and overall health.
Here is a table showing the approximate costs of the best dog foods for Silken Windhounds:
| Brand | Features | Price per lb. |
| Royal Canin Medium Breed Adult Dry Dog Food.
| Contains a blend of probiotics for digestion. Skin and coat nourishing EPA and DHA. Palatable kibble to encourage chewing. | $2.5/lb. |
| Purina ProPlan Shredded Blend Rice and Chicken High Protein Food | High protein food with real chicken as the first ingredient. Interesting texture of hard kibble with soft chewy chunks of meat. Also, contains probiotics for digestion and immunity | $2.41/lb |
| Victor Dog Food Hi-Pro | Specially made for highly active dogs. High in protein. Contains beef, chicken, and fish. Fortified with vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, etc. | $1.35/lb. |
| Purina Pro Plan Sport, Energy & Vitality Support, High Protein 30/20 Dry Dog Food & Wet Dog Food | Contains 30% protein and 20% healthy fats to meet the metabolic needs of highly active dogs. Contains vital amino acids to replenish muscles after exercise. | $1.36/lb. |
Medical Costs of Silken Windhounds
A Silken Windhound from a good breeder will have few health issues but it will still need regular medical checkups and vaccines to prevent common canine diseases and keep it in optimum health.
Your breeder might have already taken care of the initial vaccines and deworming of your puppy. However, it is still important to take it to the vet in the first week itself. This way, you can have your pet examined and also begin a relationship with the veterinary expert.
Your Silken will need several vaccinations over its first year and some boosters over the subsequent years. Not only will vaccinations keep your Silken healthy, but they will also prevent the spread of diseases. Vaccines like parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, and rabies are important for your dog’s health. Vets also recommend other non-core vaccines like Bordetella, Lyme, and leptospirosis as well, depending on your area.
Here is a table showing you the vaccines your Silken will need based on its age and their approximate costs.
| Age | Vaccine | Cost |
| 6-8 weeks | Canine parvovirus – core vaccine Distemper – core vaccine Canine hepatitis – core vaccine | $100.00 |
| 16 to 18 weeks and a booster at 12-16 months and repeat as per state law | Rabies – core vaccine | $15.00 |
| 6-8 weeks | Bordetella bronchiseptica – non-core vaccine | $25.00 |
| 9-12 weeks to be repeated 2 to 4 weeks later | Borrelia burgdorferi – non-core vaccine | $25.00 |
| 10-12 weeks to be repeated every 4 weeks until the puppy is 1 year old | Leptospira bacteria – non-core vaccine | $50.00 |
Other medical costs
You may also want to invest in a monthly flea and tick prevention program for your Silken. Never ignore these small parasites because they rapidly grow in numbers and can harm you and your family members too. They even carry deadly diseases at times which could be fatal for your dog. The cost of flea and tick prevention comes to about $60 for 2-3 months depending on the medicine you use. Your vet can guide you in selecting a reliable prevention method.
It is also advisable to get your Silken neutered or spayed if you do not plan to breed it. Spaying costs about $200 while neutering can cost around $100.
Here is a table showing these miscellaneous costs:
| Item | Average cost annually |
| Flea and tick prevention | $40 to $200 |
| Spaying | $100-$200 |
| Neutering | $50 to $100 |
| Dental cleaning | $50 to $300 |
| Routine checkups | $45- $ 55 |
| Ear infection | $40 to $150 |
| Diarrhea/stomach upset | $100 to $300 |
Other Medical Costs/Emergency Costs for Serious Canine Health Issues
| Type | Average Cost |
| Cancer | $4137 |
| Chemotherapy | $4000 |
| Diabetes | $2892 |
| Eye issues | $319 |
| Fractures | $2371 |
| Arthritis | $724 |
| Dental disease | $519 |
| Heart ailments | $1140 |
Common Diseases in Silken Windhounds
Drug toxicity
Like many hound breeds, Silkens are very sensitive to Ivermectin and milbemycin due to the mutant MDR1 (multi-drug resistant) gene. These drugs are used for treating ear mites and other parasites like fleas and ticks. So, always read labels before using any such medication. In high doses, they can cause tremors, ataxia, coma, and even death in sensitive dogs.
Thankfully, there is a genetic test available for determining this and vets recommend it before the use of these drugs. Responsible breeders also avoid breeding dogs carrying the MDR1 gene.
Bloat/Gastric dilation volvulus (GDV)
GDV is common in dog breeds with deep chests like Borzois and Silkens. It occurs if the dog eats too fast and swallows too much air. This can cause bloating. In dogs susceptible to GDV, the intestines can also twist causing pain, retching, vomiting, etc. Often, surgery is the only option.
Cryptorchidism
This is another inherited disease where the testes do not descend. Responsible breeders can avoid it by castrating neutered dogs or preventing them from breeding.
Cataracts
Older Silkens are sometimes likely to develop cataracts. The cost of treating cataracts in dogs can be as high as $3500 including exam fees, surgery, hospitalization, etc.
Pet Insurance for Silken Windhounds
Whether you buy your Silken from a reputed breeder or adopt one from a rescue home, it is better to buy pet insurance as soon as you bring your pet home. After all, an emergency can arise anytime, even though we pet owners do not want to think of it. Also, insurance premiums are lower for younger pets whereas the prices increase dramatically as your Silken gets older.
Pet insurance can cover many life-saving treatments and medical emergencies. You need not be concerned that all pet insurance is unaffordable. Many reliable pet insurance companies offer basic accident and wellness plans costing just $10 per month.
As with insurance for humans, you need to understand the nuances involved in pet insurance. Therefore, do your research before signing up and if needed speak with other Silken owners as well. Here is a table showing the top pet insurance companies in the USA, their pros and cons, and approximate monthly costs.
| Name | Cost | Pros | Cons |
| Figo Insurance | As low as $1.5 per day | You can choose your annual benefit, deductible, and reimbursement rate. They have a Pet Cloud app that connects policyholders to a live vet 24/7
| May not cover pre-existing conditions. |
| Embrace Insurance | Basic coverage starts under $7 | Covers most types of cares | They have hidden fees. |
| PetsBest | About $20/month | Their plans offer customizable annual limits, annual deductibles, and 70, 80, or 90% reimbursement. | Limited annual limit options. Also, end-of-life expenses are not covered. |
| Trupanion | The average starting monthly premium is about $59 | Pays directly to the vet/animal hospital so eliminates the need to fill forms or pay first and get reimbursed later. | Higher premium than others. |
Additional Costs of Owning Silken Windhounds
In addition to medical costs, food and treats, training, and other basic supplies, you might also spend on the following for your Silken Windhound:
Microchipping/registration and license renewal
Renewing your Silken’s license costs about $25 per year. You must also consider the cost of microchipping – it isn’t necessary but it is good to have. The chip can help you track your silken in the event it gets lost. The cost of microchipping and registration is about $45 which includes the vet’s fees, cost of the chip, and the registration too.
Grooming
One of the major expenses you will incur and need to budget for is your Silken’s grooming. This dog breed needs professional grooming from time to time. This is important to maintain their silky coats. The average cost of professional grooming is about $45 for basic services like bath, nail trimming, ear cleaning, etc.
Home adjustments
Remember – this is a high-energy dog breed that needs to run in an enclosed area every day. If possible take your pet daily to a dog park with a safe perimeter where it can run and play. Alternatively, you may want to invest in fencing in your backyard. The cost can run into a few hundred dollars depending on the yard’s size.
Dog walker
As mentioned before, Silken Windhounds need plenty of activity and exercise. If you are too busy to walk your dog twice or thrice a day, hire a reliable dog walker. Charges of these services are about $30 per hour.
Travel/pet-sitter/dog-boarding
Most Silken Windhound owners board their dogs at the pet hostel when they travel. This can cost between $50 to $75 per night. Hiring a pet-sitter to walk your dog and feed your pet at your home can cost around $45 to $60 per day depending on the services included.
Key Takeaways – How Much does a Silken Windhound Cost?
First-year cost breakdown
The cost of owning any dog in the first year is generally higher than that of the subsequent years. This is due to its purchase price, basic supplies, spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and dog training expenses. Expect to pay around $2000-$4000 in the first year as your puppy’s price itself will be around $1500 on average.
Monthly costs
The monthly cost of owning a medium-sized dog like the Silken is about $200 per month mainly on food, medical bills, flea and tick prevention, etc. You can also set aside money for emergency expenses or buy a pet insurance plan to cover medical expenses. This can increase the monthly cost further.
Annual and lifetime costs
The average annual cost of dog ownership in the United States for a medium-sized dog like Silken Windhounds is around $2000. Since Silkens live for an average of 12 to 20 years, you need to set aside at least $20000-$30000 for your pet.
We hope this guide helps you prepare financially for your Silken Windhound.
