After a long search for a second breed to join her kennel, Francie Stull found none that met her qualifications. Through her magazine, The Sighthound, she found a multi-generational line of lurchers that piqued her interest.

While the lurchers were cute, they lacked the major traits and structural soundness that would be needed for a new breed. Francie began planning to cross in specimens of her top award-winning Borzois and judicious, rare out-crosses to Whippets.

The first generation of this project was whelped in 1985 (the Kristull "D" litter), and in 1987 one of the "Silken Windsprites," as they were called at the time, left Kristull Ranch for a new home.

For more information on the early breed history, Click Here.

Publicity:

• Francie Stull runs an ad in the American magazine Borzoi International featuring Kristull Incognito.

Kristull Northern Lights at SilkenFest 2003, by Susann Stjernborg

Exports:

• To Finland, from the US. (Kristull Northern Lights)

Publicity:

• Breed name officially becomes Silken Windhound.
• The Silken Windhound email list is formed on eGroups (renamed to Yahoo Groups in 2000).

• The first gathering of Silken Windhound enthusiasts was held along with the first SilkenFest exhibition of the breed. Read a detailed account of this event in Issue 5 of Wit, Wisdom, and Windhounds.
• The International Silken Windhound Society (ISWS) is formed and chartered, and officially approves the breed standard. The founding members were:
  Eija Achren, Keely Collins, Terri Dates, James and Doris Gates, John Gonzales, Debs Herold, Dee Jones, Lucille Meale, Betty Petron, Sussi Stjernborg, Francie Stull
• The ISWS web site is created.

Exports:

• To Sweden, from the US, after spending six months in quarantine in Germany. (Kristull Annunciata and Kristull Omniscience)

Exports:

• To Germany, from the US. (Kristull Coco Chanel)

Publicity:

• ISWS closes the Silken Windhound stud book, and initiates parental verification DNA testing for all breeding stock.

Recognitions:

• Formation of the ISWS Health and Rescue Committees.

Exports:

• To Slovenia, from Germany. (Kristull Coco Chanel)
• To Canada, from the US. (Kristull Irish Ash and Kristull Egyptian Beauty)

Litters:

• First European litter, whelped in Sweden, with one surviving puppy. (Starcastle Hounds Firelizard)

Publicity:

• The Finnish Silken Windhound Club is formed.
• First Silken Windhound advertisement appears in the US magazine Borzoi International.
• First Silken Windhound advertisement published in the Swedish Borzoi club magazine.

Kristull Texas Pinto at SilkenFest 2003, by Susann Stjernborg

Achievements:

• First Silken Windhound completes the requirements for an ISWS Championship in the US. (Kristull Suzie Q Tangaloor)
• First European specialty show, held in Finland. BISS: Kristull Texas Pinto

Exports:

• To Germany, from Sweden. (Starcastle Hounds Silver Lining)
• To Slovenia, from Germany. (Kristull Coco Chanel)

Recognitions:

• The Finnish Kennel Club is the first FCI club to agree that Silken Windhounds are a breed, but does not fully recognize them.

Kristull Quetzel and Kristull Rowan at SilkenFest 2003, by Susann Stjernborg

Exports:

• To Jordan, from the US.
• To Slovenia, from Germany. (Starcastle Hounds Silver Lining)

Litters:

• First Silken Windhound litter born in Finland, to kennel Sarafias.

Publicity:

• The third SilkenFest is held in Finland.
  
  • BIS: Kristull Rowan
  • BOS: Kristull Quetzel
• Silken Windhounds begin participation in two university health studies at UC Davis regarding the MDR1 gene and the Silken Windhound Genome Project.
• A European Silken Windhound appears in an ad in a leading European Borzoi magazine.
• BooFest, the first Western Regional Specialty, is held in Northern California.

Recognitions:

• Silken Windhounds are recognized by the Rarities, Inc kennel club.

Achievements:

• First Silken Windhound completes the requirements for an ISWS Championship in Europe. (Kristull Quetzel)
• First Silken Windhound earns a Rarities Grand Championship.

Exports:

• To the Bahamas, Netherlands, and South Africa, from the US.
• To Switzerland, from Slovenia. (Starcastle Hounds Silver Lining)

Publicity:

• First advertisement in the American all-breed magazine Dog World.
• DNA proves the existence of a herding breed in the distant background of Silken Windhounds.
• Silken Windhounds appear in the book Sighthounds Afield by Denise Como. (Starcastle Hounds Firelizard, Kristull Annunciata, and Kristull Omniscience)

Recognitions:

• The Slovenian Kennel Club (FCI member) recognizes the Silken Windhound as a breed.
• Following the recognition in Slovenia, the Swedish Kennel Club (FCI member) agrees that the Silken Windhound is a breed, but does not fully recognize them. This was the rare first exception to its rules, allowing Silkens to be bred by members of the club despite lacking full recognition. Silken Windhounds remained the sole exception until 2023.

Achievements:

• First Silken Windhounds achieve Slovenian Championship title. (Starcastle Hounds Silver Lining and Kristull Coco Chanel)
• First Silken Windhound earns a European Sighthound event competition award for Beauty and Performance.
• First ISWS SRC racing title awarded. (Allagante Lunar Talisman)
• First Silken Windhound earns a IABCA Championship.

Exports:

• Two Silken Windhounds moved from Switzerland to Italy with their owners. These were the first Silken Windhounds in Italy.
• To the United Kingdom, from Sweden. (Starcastle Hounds Fire Fly)
• To Dubai, from Finland.

Recognitions:

• Formation of the Swedish Silken Windhound Club.
• ISWS Straight Racing Program (ISWRA) was founded, and the first meet was held in conjunction with the Borzoi Rescue-Northern California LGRA club.
• Silken Windhounds recognized by the International All-Breed Canine Association (IABCA)

Publicity:

• Silken Windhounds are featured in the UK publication Our Dogs.
• Silken Windhounds are featured in Dogs 24/7, published by Chronicle Books.
• First specialty show held by the Swedish Silken Windhound Club. BISS: Kristull Northern Lights

Achievements:

• First ISWS Dual Championship awarded.

Exports:

• To Japan, from the US.
• To the United Arab Emirates, from Finland.

Litters:

• First Silken Windhound litter born in the UK, co-bred between kennels Endevor and Starborough.

Publicity

• Silken Windhounds appear in volume three, issue one of the Performance Sighthound Journal.
• ISWS Silken Windhound ad appears in a US all-breed children's magazine.
• First full color Silken Windhound article in a leading Dutch dog magazine.
• First ISWS National race meet held at SilkenFest.
• First European ISWS Specialty with both European-bred Winners Dog and Bitch.

Achievements:

• First Silken Windhounds are coursing instinct certified, evaluated by two ASFA judges in Ohio.
• First ISWS SRCX racing title awarded. (Allagante Lunar Talisman)

Exports:

• To Austria, from Sweden. (Starcastle Hounds Buzzer)
• To Norway, from Sweden.
• To New Zealand, from the US.

Litters:

• First Silken Windhound litter born in Canada, to kennel Sangilak.
• First Silken Windhound litter born in Netherlands.

Publicity:

• ISWS Lure Coursing program started, with the first trial hosted by the Blue Grass Coursing Club (BGCC).
• Silken Windhounds are featured in the books The Howell Book of Dogs and Positive Training for Show Dogs - Building A Relationship for Success. 
• The Silken Windhound magazine is published in Germany, lasting two issues.

Achievements:

• Silken Windhounds celebrate ten years in Finland.
• First Silken Windhound wins the title ISWS Grand Champion. (Windspirit Apache Allagante)
• First Canadian Silken Windhound to achieve the title ISWS Champion. (Kristull Irish Ash)
• First Silken Windhound Lure Coursing Championship awarded. (SpringLane Kristull Dancer)
• Agriette Wild Thyme is awarded the title of International Champion by IABCA.

Litters:

• First Silken Windhound litter born in New Zealand.
• First Silken Windhound litter born in Japan, to kennel B.D.S. Silken Windhounds.

Publicity:

• First German ISWS-sanctioned specialty show held in Hoope, Germany.
• ISWS Oval Racing Program established and first oval track meet held in Elk Grove, CA in conjunction with a River Cities Racing Association NOTRA meet.

Achievements:

• Silken Windhounds celebrate ten years in Sweden.
• First Silken Windhound awarded a NAFA Flyball Champion title. (Debs SmallWorld Kentucky Derby)
• First Silken Windhound awarded a Japanese Champion title. (Kumbaya El Valiente Yukimura)
• First Silken Windhound awarded SRCXII, III and IV titles in ISWS Straight Racing. (Talisman's Ursa Major)
• Silken Windhound wins Best in Field and the Christmas Cup at an NLCC meet in GA.
• First European Silken Windhounds earn ISWS coursing instinct certifications.
• Second Silken Windhound wins the title ISWS Grand Champion. (Gryffyns Just Push Play)

Exports:

• To Mexico, from Japan.
• To France, from Germany.

Litters:

• First Silken Windhound litter born in Germany.

Recognitions:

• Silken Windhounds become eligible to compete in ASFA lure coursing in the Limited Stake.
• Silken Windhounds recognized by Kennel Club Japan (not associated with FCI)

Achievements:

• First Silken Windhounds to achieve OTRC in ISWS Oval Racing. (Scrirocco's Blue Djinn and Talisman's Ursa Major)
• Talisman's Ursa Major achieves SRCX V and SCRX VI in ISWS Straight Racing.
• First ISWS Expert Courser (EC) and ISWS Lure Courser of Merit titles awarded to Tangaloor Eleanor of Rubia.
• Silken Windhounds participate in the FCI Euro Dog Show 2010, in Slovenia. Shows by the Slovenian Sighthound Club and ISWS were held in conjuction. The ISWS show was judged by Francie Stull — the only time she has judged her own breed.
  • FCI BOB: Firesmoke Spirit of Endevor 
  • SSC BOB: Talisman of Electra Sarafias
  • ISWS BIS: Ilanja's Mata-nui

Recognitions:

• Silken Windhounds become eligible to compete in NOFCA hunts.
• Silken Windhounds become eligible to compete in ASFA as a Limited breed.
• The Hungarian Kennel Club allows Silken Windhounds be shown at their shows to take Hungarian champion titles, but does not recognize the breed.
• The United Kingdom Silken Windhound Club (UKSWC) is founded.

Publicity:

• First breed specialty ASFA trial hosted by a Silken Windhound club, Silken Windhounds of California, during BooFest.

Recognitions:

• Silken Windhounds recognized in Germany by German Dog Club e.V (not associated with FCI)

Achievements:

• First European-bred (Finland) Silken Windhound achieves the title of ISWS Field Champion, also becoming the first European ISWS Dual Champion. (Talisman of Electra Sarafias)
• First Silken Windhound to be awarded the title of UKC Grand Champion. (Gryffyn’s Aeyrie Sylvan Song)
• First Silken Windhound earns a Canine Nosework Two title.
• First Silken Windhound to earn the OTRCX title in ISWS Oval Racing. (Allagante Sangaris)
• Talisman's Ursa Major achieves SRCX VII and SCRX VIII in ISWS Straight Racing.

Exports:

• To Slovakia, from Austria.
• To Czhech Republic, from Germany.
• To Hungary, from Slovenia.
• To Spain, from Austria.

Litters:

• First Silken Windhound litter born in Austria.

Publicity:

• Silken Windhounds are featured in two issues of the magazine Sight & Scent, published by Doll-McGinnis.

Recognitions:

• Silken Windhounds recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC).

Achievements:

• First Silken Windhound awarded the title of Slovakian Champion. (Jaina Silkendream)
• Talisman's Ursa Major is awarded the titles of SRCX IX, SCRX X, and SCRX XI in ISWS Straight Racing, and GRC, SGRC, SGRC2, and SGRC3 in LGRA.
• First Silken Windhound to earn the OTRCX II title in ISWS Oval Racing. (Allagante Sangaris)
• First oval track event held by the UKSWC. Winner: Kristull Paladin at Bon Zoi'z 

Publicity:

• Silken Windhounds are featured in the book Sighthounds: Their Form, Their Function and Their Future by David Hancock.
• Silken Windhounds are featured in the Swedish Sighthound Club's 2012 Yearbook, which contained a six-page article about Silkens and multiple ads from Amercian breeders. This was the first time Silkens were officially acknowledged within the Swedish dog community.

Recognitions:

• Silken Windhounds accepted as a Provisional breed in ASFA and LGRA.
• The Slovakian Kennel Club allows Silken Windhounds to be shown and get Slovakian champion titles, but does not recognize the breed.

Achievements:

• First Silken Windhound awarded the title of Champion in Serbia. (Jaina Silkendream)
• Talisman's Ursa Major achieves SRCX XII–XIV in ISWS Straight Racing, and SGRC4–SGRC6 in LGRA.
• First Silken to earn a NOTRA racing championship (ORC). (Allagante Sangaris)

Exports:

• To Belgium, from Holland.

Recognitions:

• Silken Windhounds receive fully recognized status from LGRA.
• UKC-registered Silken Windhounds will be able to enter NOTRA oval track race meets as a Provisional breed.
• First UK Silken Windhound ISWS specialty show is held by the UKSWC. BISS: Endevor Prince of Thieves
• The Serbian Kennel Club (FCI member) allows Silken Windhounds to be shown and earn championships, but does not fully recognize them.

Achievements:

• Allagante Sangaris earns the OTRCX III title in ISWS Oval Racing, and SORC in NOTRA.
• First Silken Windhounds awarded the title of Croatian Champion. (Honey Hair Wolkowo and Handsome Hooligan Wolkowo)

Recognitions:

• April 1: Silken Windhounds gain full recognition to ASFA.
• The Croatian Kennel Club (FCI member) allows Silken Windhounds to be shown and earn championships, but does not fully recognize them.

Achievements:

• Allagante Sangaris earns the OTRCX IV title in ISWS Oval Racing.
• Debs SmallWorld Kentucky Derby earns the Iron Dog Award in NAFA Flyball.

Achievements:

• First Silken Windhounds awarded the title of Champion in Hungary. (Kristull Brocade at Bon Zoi'z and Bon Zoi'z Dutch Dandy)

Exports:

• To Denmark, from Norway. (Kylie Karisma Avrina)
• To Czech Republic, from Germany.

Litters:

• First Silken Windhound litter born in Norway, to kennel Avrina.

Recognitions:

• UK Silken Windhounds are officially allowed to course at meets held by the British Sighthound Field Association (BFSA).
• Beginning of the Silken Windhound Genetic Diversity Project.

Achievements:

• First Silken Windhound to earn a weight pull title (UWP). (CSB Agent Three Blind Mice)

Litters:

• First Silken Windhound litter born in Hungary.

Exports:

• First Silken Windhounds exported to Poland and Romania.

Recognitions:

• The Poland Kennel Club and Romania Kennel Club (FCI members) allow Silken Windhounds to be shown and earn championships, but do not fully recognize them. 

Achievements:

• First Silken Windhound in Canada to obtain the titles of ASFA FCH and LGRA GRC. (Attaway Jaguarundi)

Recognitions:

• The Belgian Kennel Club (FCI member) allows Silken Windhounds to be shown and earn championships, but does not fully recognize them.

Recognitions:

• Silken Windhounds are recognized as a breed by the British Flyball Association.

Achievements:

• First Silken Windhound to earn the Trick Dog Grand Champion and Rally Excellent titles. (Imperial Purple Viking)

Litters:

• First Silken Windhound litter born in Estonia.

Publicity:

• Silken Windhounds are mentioned in an article by Caroline Coile in The Canine Chronicle.

Recognitions:

• The Switzerland Kennel Club and Hungarian Kennel Club (FCI members) recognize the Silken Windhound as a breed.
• The Luxembourg Kennel Club allows Silken Windhounds to be shown and earn championships, but does not fully recognize them.

Achievements:

• First Silken Windhound to earn the title of Working Shed Dog. (Winsome Macintosh)
• First Silken Windhound to be titled in UpDog. (Regalant Allstar)

Publicity:

• Silken Windhounds are featured in several full page ads and an article in the magazine Sighthound Review International Annual 2022-2023. This magazine was started by Francie Stull in 1984 under the name The Sighthound, then sold to and relaunched by Bo Bengtsson as Sighthound Review.
• Silken Windhounds are featured in articles written by Wayne Cavanaugh and Amy Fernandez in The Canine Chronicle.
• Silken Windhounds are featured in the Swedish magazine Pet Scandinacia in an article written by Gabrielle Ekström. (Windspirit Brendan Renaissance, Starcastle Hound's Noble, and Starcastle Hound's Spacejump)

Recognitions:

• Silken Windhounds from accepted countries are permitted to exhibit in Group 11 at World Dog Show, Geneva.
• The German Kennel Club (FCI member) recognizes the Silken Windhound as a breed.
• The Dutch Kennel Club (FCI member) recognizes the Silken Windhound as a breed.
• The Health and Rescue Committees become a separate 501(c)(3) organization, Silken Windhound Health & Rescue. 

Achievements:

• First Silken Windhound earn the titles of UKC Handler Discrimination Champion, RATM, and SDDA Games Champion. (Imperial Purple Viking)
• First Silken Windhound to earn the UL-II title in NASDA. (Wyndolyn Persephone)
• First Silken Windhound to earn an advanced Dock Diving title. (Satara’s Here Comes Treble)

Exports:

• To South Korea, from the US.

Litters:

• First Silken Windhound litter born in Poland.

Recognitions:

• Netherlands Kennel Club (FCI member) recognizes the Silken Windhound as a breed

Achievements:

• Slovenia celebrates 20 years of national recognition.
• First Silken Windhound to earn SDDA MACH title. (Imperial Purple Viking)
• First Canadian-bred ISWS Dual Champion. (Runways Best Part of Waking Up)
• First UK Silken Windhounds to earn the title Trick Dog Grand Champion. (Endevor Moonlight Shadow and 24k Look of Love)

Exports:

• To Latvia, from France.
• To Lithuania, from Slovenia.

Publicity:

• Silken Windhounds appear in the Amazon show "Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power". (Kushbudar The Heart's Cry, Endevor Miz Teeq, Kushbudar Cloudsong at Endevor, Endevor Moonlight Shadow)

Recognitions:

• Introduction of the ISWS Versatility Program.
• Silken Windhounds are recognized by the Latvian Kennel Club (FCI member)

Winsome's Lomei Sky

Achievements:

• First Silken Windhound to earn all UKC advanced rally titles. (Tangaloor Whole Nine Yards)
• First Silken Windhound to the C-ATE title in CPE Agility. (Clayborn's Silver Plume)
• First Silken Windhound to win AKC Best in Open Show, and to be awarded an AKC Certificate of Merit. (Winsome's Lomei Sky)

Publicity:

• A Silken Windhound attends Crufts as a representative of the charity Therapy Dogs Nationwide and breed ambassador. (NavyRose SH Anchors Aweigh)
• July 18-19: First AKC FSS Open show with Silken Windhound exhibitors and a Meet the Breed booth, hosted by the Tacoma Kennel Club.

Recognitions:

• The Finnish Kennel Club recognizes the Silken Windhound as a breed.
• April 13th: Silken Windhounds accepted into AKC Foundation Stock Service.
• The Estonian Kennel Club recognizes the Silken Windhound as a breed.
• October 1st: The Royal Kennel Club recognizes the Silken Windhound as a breed.