Silken, Silkens, SWH – but never “Silkies”
Many breeds acquire informal nicknames over time. The Silken Windhound is no exception.
Within the breed community, the most common informal names are:
- Silken
- Silkens
- SWH (an abbreviation of Silken Windhound)
These terms are widely used by breeders, owners, and enthusiasts around the world.
However, the breed is not commonly referred to as “Silky” or “Silkies” within the established Silken Windhound community.
The reason is simple: the term Silkie is already strongly associated with the well-known chicken breed known as the Silkie.
What is a Silkie?
A Silkie is a breed of chicken known for its distinctive fluffy plumage.
Despite the similarity in names, the Silkie chicken and the Silken Windhound are entirely unrelated.
Photo: Caesar68 (CC BY 2.5)
While an occasional newcomer may use “Silky” or “Silkies” when first encountering the breed, these terms are generally considered incorrect in the context of Silken Windhounds.
For clarity and consistency, the preferred informal terms are:
- Silken
- Silkens
- SWH
Why does this matter?
Breed names are part of a breed’s history and identity. Using consistent terminology makes communication easier and helps avoid confusion with other breeds and animal species.