2005 EVENT ARCHIVES

BooFest '05

The 2005 Western Regional Silken Windhound Boofest Specialty was held from October 21st to October 23rd, 2005 in Lafayette, California.

Results:

3 - 6 Month Puppy Dogs

Tangaloor Appley Ever After (Appley)

6 - 9 Month Puppy Dogs

Allagante Galahad (Wiley)
Winddancer Tocho Allagante (Rusty)

9 - 12 Month Puppy Dogs

Talisman's Viking Kumbaya (Loki)

(Forfeit) Gryffyn's Aeyrie My Immortal (originally placed first but entered in wrong age class - should have been 6-9)

Novice Dogs

Kristull Czar Kismet (Kismet)
Double M Winter White (Winter)
Kristull Chosen Man (Harper)

Bred By Exhibitor Dogs

Tangaloor Unusual Suspect (Space)
Talisman's Byzantine Empire (Rowan)

Open Dogs

Allagante Lunar Talisman (Gideon)
Tangaloor Raincoast Salish (Darien)
Allagante Grayson Makari (Grayson)

Companion Dogs

Gentle Winds Cinnabar (Cinnabar)

3 - 6 Months Puppy Bitches

Allagante Irresistible (Scooter)
Tangaloor Karamel Sutra (Vixen)

6 - 9 Months Puppy Bitches (5)

Gryffyn's Aeyrie Gypsy Road (Trouble)
Talisman Maia Mudita Kumbaya (Dita)
Talisman of Andromeda (Andi)
Talisman of Tarazed (Tara)

9 - 12 Months Puppy Bitches

Talisman's Scythian Huntress (Sony)
Talisman's Anasazi Sunrise (Sazi)

Novice Bitches

Double M Spring Beauty (Spring)
Kristull Esperanza Heartsong (Esperanza)

Bred By Exhibitor Bitches

Gryffyn's Aeyrie Moonage Daydream (Luna)
Allagante Hoshiko (Shiko)

American-Bred Bitches

Kristull Talisman of Sheba (Sheba)
Tangaloor Eleanor of Rubia (Ella)
Gryffyn's Moments in Love (Luv)
Gryffyn's Under the Milky Way (Kandi)

Open Bitches (7)

Gryffyn's Wildest Dreams (Dreamer)
Allagante Arwen of Rubia (Arwen)
Gryffyn's Aeyrie Fire Woman (Ember)
Allagante Evening Wind (Shadow)

Companion Bitches

Talisman of Cassiopeia (Cassie)
Talisman's Dream of Atlantis (Calantha)
Starcastle Hounds Aska (Luna)

Winners Dog: Tangaloor Unusual Suspect

Reserve Winners Dog: Allagante Lunar Talisman

Winners Bitch: Talisman's Scythian Huntress

Reserve Winners Bitch: Gryffyn's Wildest Dreams

Best of Breed: Talisman's Scythian Huntress

Best of Opposite Sex: Tangaloor Unusual Suspect

Best Puppy: Talisman's Scythian Huntress

Best Opposite Sex Puppy: Gryffyn's Aeyrie My Immortal (but forfeited because entered in wrong age class)

Judge Bio: Dennis Colbath, of Zayante Farm International has bred and shown Borzoi since 1974 with many Champions, consistant Best of Breed, Group winners and specialty Best in Show winners.

"A favorite memory was a Westminister, Madison Square Garden win with Ch. Zayante Shimmering Lace in 1984. In 1990 she went B.O.S. to her son Ch. Zayante Karastan Gable B.I.S.S. from the veterans class at the prestigious Northern California Borzoi Specialty show."

Dennis has also been breeding and showing Arabian horses since 1970 with many Show Championships and National Top 10 wins with Egyptian. The Egyptian/Spanish breeding program being his priority.

"I believe in breeding only to improve the breed, starting with the best stock you can acquire. Temperment, type and soundness is of utmost importance."

True passion for breeding fine animals has always been the driving force for Dennis. Through his travels around the world, he has had the opportunity to experience and exhibit some of the finest Borzoi hounds and Arabian horses in the world.

We were delighted to have Dennis as our judge for our Western Regional Silken Windhound Specialty Show.

Judge Critique:
To the Silken specialty participants-

Thank you for including me in the evolution of this exciting new breed. As a borzoi breeder I am intrigued to see a niche being created for those who who appreciate the style and charm of the sighthounds but need a smaller version to fit in their world. There were many very strong classes with a depth of quality, particularly in the open bitch class, which made the deliberations more difficult to decide. I appreciated the exhibitors' patience as I put many of you to a rigorous pace in an effort to be sure of my decisions. The winners all have an abundance of elegance and grace, beautiful flowing movement, and the over all quality that is important for the improvement of the breed.

I am particularly impressed by your group's decision to utilize the geneticists at UC Davis to earmark the finer traits as well as any problems that could develop over the selective process of dog breeding. The breed will need some diligence in this regard as it develops to its ideal type and consistent size and quality. It will be interesting to see how the breed evolves forward.

After a day surrounded by a sea of those endearing silkens it sure was easy to start picturing one in my own back yard. You never can tell. The costume contest was very amusing. I think the dogs enjoyed it too It was a lovely day, a very gracious setting, and the group of exhibitors was very friendly and welcoming. Thank you again for the pleasure of allowing me to be the judge of your show.

4th Annual Finnish Specialty

The SuSVK (Finnish Silken Windhound Club) held its fourth annual ISWS-sanctioned Silken Windhound specialty at the Tuomarinkartano Sighthound Center in Helsinki, Finland on September 24, 2005. The judge was Chris Swilley of Renaissance Silkens, U.S.

Results can be found here.

Western Silken Specialty

Held in conjunction with the Rarities show in Clackamette, Oregon.

Companion Dog: Allagante Astro Cabernet (Astro)
12-18 Month Dog: Allagante Edo Kodama (Haku)
Open Dog: Allagante DaVinci (Vinnie)
Companion Bitch: Raincoast Tangaloor Nicola (Tima)
12-18 Month Bitch: Allagante Evening Wind (Shadow)
Bred-By Bitch: Allagante Delaney (Delaney)
American Bred Bitch: Allagante Calliope (Chloe)
Open Bitch: Allagante Luna Chiana (Chiana)

Companion BOB: Astro
Winners Dog: Vinnie
Winners Bitch: Chiana
Reserve Winners Bitch: Chloe
Best of Winners: Chiana
Best Opposite Sex: Vinnie
Best of Breed: Chiana

Silkenfest '05

Letter from the Judge:

Thank you very much for asking me to judge Silkenfest 2005. My experience of this 4-day weekend was most enjoyable and I am honored to be a part of this emerging breed. I want to acknowledge and congratulate everyone who put this wonderful event together! The camaraderie and friendliness of all the participants was a refreshing re-introduction to dog shows. I especially enjoyed the seminars and learned a great deal more about this wonderful breed.

Several people asked what I was looking for as a judge. My response is that I was looking for dogs that represent the Silken standard. Although there were a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors among the dogs being shown, I first looked for type.

Type tends to be a subjective opinion so let me explain a little further. Type means that anyone can identify a particular breed of dog by an appearance that makes it unique from other breeds. Type is what makes a Silken a Silken and a Bulldog a Bulldog.

With the origin of the Silken Windhound being a mix of Borzoi and Whippet I made my decisions based on what I thought the best blend of both Borzoi and Whippet would be according to what the Silken standard states. Once I found what I consider the closest to my ideal of the Silken type, my next priority was for soundness.

Soundness means the dog has attributes that allow it to function properly as a sighthound – i.e. all four feet point forward; deep brisket for lung capacity while running; wide, flexible back; firm abdominal muscles; relaxed and level gait, etc.

My next ranking was for all the finer qualities such as dark, almond shaped eyes; length of neck; soft, luxurious coat and overall musculature and conditioning.

And finally, my decisions regarding my placement in each class were determined by how well the dog showed. Some dogs were very well trained and presented beautifully by their handlers. This gave them an edge over dogs who were not. There were a couple cases where better presentation and training earned better placements. I know how stressful dog shows can be so my intention was to get handlers and their dogs to relax, have fun and show their best in a positive, non-threatening environment.

It is my observation that the breed has come a very long way from the original longhaired whippets I saw 20+ years ago. Today’s Silkens are classier, better socialized and include more color variations than what I saw years ago. While currently looking very much like small Borzoi, I see the breed evolving to become a beautiful blend of both Borzoi and Whippet. I do have a concern about size, especially among the males. In most of my male classes, the dogs were very near the top limit for height. It is also my opinion that smaller is better and this aspect should be of primary consideration when breeding. Size is a major differentiation between Silkens and other sighthounds.

As a tribute to the owners, all the Silkens presented were very well groomed and well conditioned with good muscle tone. I only noticed one missing tooth among all the entries – this is most impressive for the breed as a whole. Almost all bites were tight scissors with very large teeth. Thick, luxurious coats were very evident on all adult dogs. There was a rainbow of exotic colors and patterns, which is a huge attraction to newcomers. Overall, the quality of the females was consistently very good and much better than the males. Several classes were a challenge because the overall quality was very good. My choice for BISS winner was an exceptional male who is an excellent representative of the breed.

Thank you once again for asking for my opinion. I truly enjoyed the weekend and look forward to Silkenfest 2006.

Kent Jones

Results/Judge's Critique
Judge: Kent Jones, Jett Borzoi

Puppy Dog, 3-6 Months

Lagniappe 'TiCayenne Cool Run - Very elegant white dog with red spots and a beautiful blended head. Luxurious coat. Very well trained to stack and on the lead. Nice front and well-knuckled feet; rise in topline appeared slightly forward with steep fall off in the rear; good rear angulation with excellent length of second thigh. Good extension when moving. This pup went on to by my BOS Puppy.

Windspirit Calumet - Well-conditioned and well-groomed self dominant black; very nice in many ways but more moderate than his competition. He was a little reluctant on moving around the ring. Overall a very nice pup. With more age and training he should mature into a quality male.

Puppy Dog, 6-9 Months

Gryffyn's Strange Brew - Nicely balanced self light gold with very good side movement; attractive head with beautiful long neck; more arch on topline preferred. Excellent dark pigment contrasting lighter background color.

Puppy Dog, 9-12 Months

SpringLane SilverStreak - Very solid self gold; broader backskull with perceptible stop at muzzle; tubular torso shape with a level topline; very deep brisket; good movement and excellent dark pigment.

Companion Dog

Kristull Formal Attire - Attractive and very typey Irish-marked orange brindle. A little narrow in front but a nice rear and good mover. Luxurious coat and feathering.

Kristull Forrest Run - Substantial self-gold with beautiful coat and deep brisket. Proper head but ears a little distracting. Elbows out; constricted movement but very, very well-trained on leash and stacking.

Kristull Mandrake - Distinguished older self black and brindle puppy; very happy and responsive; moderate angulation; quite possibly best trained dog in Silkenfest.

Novice

Kristull Jaromir - Dark brindle and white; broader backskull with perceptible stop at muzzle; moderate but balanced angulation; level topline; relaxed and level gait; very well trained and beautifully presented.

Shadows Zaccheus - Eye catching black brindle and white. Excellent type and size. Balanced front and rear angulation with deep brisket and wider front. Long thick coat. Well mannered and very sweet but reluctant to fully move around the ring.

Bred-By Exhibitor

Windspirit Austen - Masculine, athletic self-dominant black and white. Broader backskull with narrow, tapered muzzle; good ears; very nice outline with good shoulder and rear angulation; more training recommended to encourage better movement.

Open

Cool Run Enchanted Myles - Stunning black and white. Everything about this dog seemed correct - excellent head, ebony colored eyes and small ears held tightly back; gorgeous outline with thick, dripping coat; deep brisket with wide front; ideal topline with good sweep to the rear; moved very well and presented beautifully by his handler. Went on to Best in Specialty Show.

Cool Run Enchanted Barak - Very similar to dog above - excellent head, dark almond eyes with small ears tightly laid back; very nice outline with thick, luxurious coat; moved very well; had better length of neck and tail than winner; more narrow in front and feet not as knuckled. Also beautifully presented.

Kristull Fallon - Substantial, heavy coated brindle; tapered muzzle, small ears; beautiful neck and ideal topline; deep brisket and well conditioned; not as typey as #1 and #2; seemed to be largest dog shown this day. Very athletic and took up entire ring when he moved.

Kristull Ivanhoe - Striking gold brindle with white; excellent movement and very well trained; beutiful long neck; small ears; moderate but balanced shoulder and rear angulation; nicely coated; more arch on topline preferred.

Others present:

Kristull Yashi - Black and tan; beautiful long head with only a slight perceptible stop; small ears tightly held back against neck; moderate angulation; flat topline and slightly cow-hocked; presented very well.
Kristull Umber - Brilliant orange brindle with very thick coat; ideal height; tapered head with big teeth and small laid back ears; shorter neck set on straight shoulders; deep b risket; flat topline; wide, well angulated rear; rear seemed to get out of the way of front when moving (crabbing).

Champions

ISWS CH Gryffyn's Just Push Play - Excellent compact size and condition. Topline appeared a little flat; eyes lighter than ebony. Dark pigment; small ears; beautiful long neck; deep brisket. Moved very well, especially side movement. A year younger than BISS winner, so given more time to mature he may come back next year as strong candidate for Best in Specialty Show.

Puppy Bitch, 3-6 Months

Kristull Paloma - Exceptional, thick curly coated extreme white with dark brindle spots; very nice puppy all round - contender for Best Puppy in Show. Excellent head with wide, well rounded lower jaw; good type and sized; balanced angulation contributed to very good movement.

Renaissance Royal Firebird - Very attractive white with dark brindle spots; younger than #1 but a close second. Well behaved and presented beautifully; also balanced angulation and good movement; correct topline.

Windspirit Chenoa - Flashy Irish-marked orange brindle and white; excellent quality and type; balanced angulation; ideal head and ears; beautiful; reluctant to move; prefer a bit more topline.

Puppy Bitch, 6-9 Months

Gryffyn's Fire Woman - Striking dark orange brindle and white; very happy puppy whose attitude said "I'm here to win"; very sound; beautiful head with large teeth; outstanding movement; possibly best front and shoulders among all the girls; beautifully presented and very well trained. Went on to Best Puppy in Show.

Gryffyn's Under the Milky Way - Very sound extreme white with dark brindle sports on head; built solid with excellent front; backskull slightly broad with less fill on muzzle; beautiful long neck; prefer more arch on topline; moved very well.

Puppy Bitch, 9-12 Months

Kristull Arcadia by Tangaloor - Eye catching extreme white with black spots and ticking; beautiful head; long neck; slightly toed in at front and rear but moved well; deep brisket and tight tuck up (strong abdominal section). Nicely presented.

Royal R Jada by Cool Run - Brilliant orange tiger-striped self brindle; ideal size and height; slightly broader backskull; beautiful long neck; moderate angulation; prefer more arch to topline; very feminine; unsure what was expected of her during movement.

Allagante DaGracie - Exotic fawn self-brindle; gorgeous head with very dark eyes and pigment; long neck with proper topline; nice sweep to rear; moderate angulation with straight shoulders and slightly narrow front; excellent wide rear.

Companion

Raincoast Tangaloor Kitamaat - Very sweet and well-mannered self brindle and white; slightly broader backskull; shorter neck; well coated; moderate angulation; deep brisket; well conditioned and good movement.

Novice

Kristull Esperanza - Lovely dark self brindle; ideal size; very happy with loads of personality; beautiful head but independent ears; balanced angulation=good movement; deep brisket and tight tuckup; good topline; very endearing.

Kristull Charm SilknQuick - Well conditioned seld brindle; very deep brisket; straight shoulders but wide, well angulated read; narrow front; nice rise on topline; good side movement.

Kristull Natasha of Firebird - Tiny self gold brindle; broad backskull with narrow muzzle; straight shoulders with well angulated rear; narrow front; prefer more rise on topline; a real sweetheart who turned out to be a demon on the lure course.

Bred-By Exhibitor (the best quality of any class today)

Gryffyn's Moonage Daydream - Exceptional self gold brindle; ideal size; exquisite head with dark pigment; excellent shoulder and rear angulation; deep brisket complimented with tight tuckup; floated around ring when moving. Presented beautifully.

Cool Run Enchanted Bliss - Very unique dark brindle with balck saddle; gorgeous head with very dark eyes and pigment; beautiful long neck; a bit more leg than #1 and more fall away on topline; very deep brisket; excellent movement; also presented beautifully.

Allagante Shaningo Windspirit - Very feminine self cream silver and gold brindle; moderate angulation but excellent type and size; narrow front and could use more substance; misbehaved a bit on movement but excellent side movement.

Open

Cool Run Enchanted Mia - Gorgeous extreme white with dark spots; nice wide front with wider rear; very good balance; correct topline; beautiful head and excellent pigment. Many excellent details. This class came down to presentation and this beautiful girl did nothing wrong.

Allagante Arwen of Rubia - A gorgeous extreme white and silver brindle sable; this little girl had more substance and coat than #1 but did not seem happy to show or fully open up while moving. Beautiful blended head; dark pigment; lovely neck and topline. An ideal Silken type.

Kristull Daiquiri - Very elegant and curvy self dark brindle; a little bigger than others in this class; beautiful head and dark pigment; nicely balanced with exceptional movement; very deep brisket with contrasting tight tuck up. A very nice female representative of the breed.

Gentle Winds Sola Kristull - Classy self orange and silver brindle; outstanding side movement and true coming and going; a little flat on the topline and straight in the shoulders but well angulated wide rear. Nicely coated and in very good condition.

Others present:

Kristull Jumpin' Jehosephat - Attractive dark silver brindle; I liked everything about this girl but she did not seem to be "up" to showing in today's heat. Her type, outline, angulation and movement were all very good. She was just coming back into coat possibly from a recent litter.
Kristull Kaninchen - Well mannered very dark self brindle; excellent size and type; backskull a little broad and could use more fill in the muzzle; very deep brisket with tight tuck up; straight shoulders but well angulated, wide rear. Narrow front. Good side movement.

Champions

ISWS CH Gryffyn's Dancin' Queen - Superb Irish-marked silver brindle; outstanding movement and presentation; everything proportional and a very proper small size. Gorgeous head, ears, and long, arched neck. Correct topline. Her happy attitude said "pick me!"

Best of Breed: Cool Run Enchanted Nobble

Best of Opposite Sex: ISWS CH Gryffyn's Dancin' Queen

Best Puppy - Gryffyn's Fire Woman

Best of Opposite Sex Puppy - Lagniappe 'TiCayenne Cool Run

U.C. Davis Ivermectin Sensitivity Research

The International Silken Windhound Society (ISWS), Silken Windhound owners and breeders are proud and excited that many owners volunteered their dogs to be included in the University of California-Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory study in Ivermectin sensitivity prevalence in dog breeds.

A related independent study by Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine discovered the mutated mdr1 gene responsible for sensitivity to drugs such as Ivermectin in several breeds. WSU-CVM has developed a simple cheek swab test that can be administered by individual owners to check the status of their dogs. To obtain a test kit, go to
http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-VCPL/test.asp

Use of tests, results gained from the UC-Davis study, intimate knowledge of the Silken breeding population, and the dedication of breeders to produce the healthiest Silkens possible will enable us to clear the breed of the affected gene.

Thank you UC-Davis VC and WSU-CVM for your dedication and research in assisting us to improve the health of our breed.

You may view the full UC Davis article on ivermectin sensitivity as it will be published in PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States) at http://www.pnas.org/cgi/reprint/0402374101v1. There is a link to supporting information (pictures and charts) in html format in the upper right corner of the download page.

Dog World Allows for Silkens to Participate in Advertising

With acceptance by the Slovenian Kennel Club comes recognition by Dog World magazine. Silkens had not been allowed to advertise in the magazine since they were not officially recognized outside of the ISWS.

To see more information on the advertisement and view a list of sponsors, click here.

Slovenia recognizes the Silken Windhound

The International Silken Windhound Society (ISWS) proudly announces the acceptance of Silken Windhounds into the Slovenian Kennel Club, a member of Europe's Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI).

Thanks to the unceasing efforts of Helena Arh (Wolkowo Kennel, Kranj, Slovenia), and Susann Stjernborg (Kennel Starcastle Hounds, Stockholm, Sweden), the Silken Windhound was listed in the Slovenian Kennel Club's Side Registry (SSR). The SSR is equivalent to the American Kennel Club's (AKC) Foundation Stock Service (FSS).

Helena Arh, president of the Slovenian Sighthound Club, was excited by the news. "We are very proud and happy about this for all of us. The official letter from the Slovenian Kennel Club was sent on the 19th of February and I received the original pedigrees from them on March 18th. This is a side registry, or beginning registry, but it gives us a lot of rights and possibilities for the future. It is a very large step for the Silkens and one I'm happy to have had a part of."

When the developer of the breed, Francie Stull (Kennel Kristull - Austin, Texas), heard the announcement, she stated, "I am thrilled that our beautiful Silkens have received recognition in Slovenia. Our organization is working diligently toward AKC and additional FCI club recognition. We are continually moving closer to those goals. Thank you Helena and Slovenian Kennel Club for this first step."

Please join ISWS in our delight at this announcement by learning more about our Silken Windhounds at http://www.silkenwindhounds.org/.

[printable copy of this press release]