Kennel Starcastle Hound’s in Sweden celebrate their 25th Anniversary as breeder of Silken Windhounds

Omni was not just the foundation of Swedish Silken Windhound kennel Starcastle Hound’s, she was also the foundation of the oldest Silken Windhound line in Europe.

The first Silken Windhound litter born in Europe

A chronological overview of when Silken Windhounds first arrived in each country.

Here are some interesting ways the breed is referred to around the world. The name Silken Windhound is used internationally, but in many countries it is translated, adapted, or interpreted in different ways. Some languages preserve the original English name, while others create their own version that reflects local language and culture. The following examples…

Stories, history and occasional news from Starcastle Hound’s.

Essays, reflections, and historical perspectives on everything about the Silken Windhound and more

A reflection on when a breed’s identity truly begins — seen through the unique lens of perception, technology, and the early internet.

My Name Book. Whenever I hear, see, or think of a word that could work as a puppy name, I write it down in the book. Often it leads to more names in the same spirit – a theme slowly taking shape.

Conversation with Saabis. A very important discussion about puppies.

The development of the Silken Windhound spans more than four decades.This section documents key milestones, organizations, and historical events in the breed’s development, as well as the global expansion of the breed.

Key milestones in the development of the Silken Windhound breed. This section includes events documented in the ISWS timeline as well as background stories from the breed’s early years.

Short historical pieces about the early development of the Silken Windhound, including the origin of the breed name and other lesser-known details from the breed’s formative years.

As you probably know, the Silken Windhound was created using what were called Longhaired Whippets (LHW for short), Borzoi and Whippets. But this did not happen overnight. It was a gradual process. Francie Stull, the creator of the Silken Windhound breed, originally bought LHW from Walter Wheeler of Kennel Windsprite. Walter was the creator of…

A bit of the early history of ISWS, International Silken Windhound Society, in chronological order

If you’re wondering what’s new, start here.

The map below is maintained independently and shows breeders and owners worldwide who have chosen to be visible. Participation is voluntary. The map opens in a neutral global view. Zoom in to explore specific regions.

Silken Windhounds have been present in 38 countries across five regions.

This table shows when the first Silken Windhound litter was born in each country. While the arrival of an individual dog marks the physical presence of the breed, the birth of a first litter indicates the beginning of local breeding activity. It represents a transition from ownership to stewardship — from keeping the breed to…

Last updated February 2026