Windsprite
The Windsprite is an athletic and endearing dog. These little speedsters are extremely friendly and love the company of others. They are equally happy to be cuddled up to you as they are participating in the canine sport of lure coursing.
Illustration courtesy of the Swedish Kennel Club
Quick Facts
Height
Male: 19-22in
Female: 18-21in
Weight
Male: 25-35lb
Female: 20-30lb
Fun Fact
It is was believed that the Windsprite was created by crossing Whippets with Shetland Sheepdogs. The breed's founder denied this, claiming the breed came from a recessive gene found in Whippets. Modern genetic testing, however, has shown this claim to be unfounded. In 2017, the name of this breed was changed to Windsprite by the official breed club, International Windsprite Club.
About this Breed
The Windsprite (formerly known as Longhaired Whippet) or Silken Windsprite as it is known in Europe, is a separate breed and not a Whippet with a longer coat. Walter A. Wheeler Jr. claimed he had discovered the recessive gene for long hair in Whippets and bred them into existence. However, genetic testing in the 1980s showed that these dogs had a herding breed in them, most likely Shetland Sheepdog, and probably a bit of Borzoi, bot breeds that Wheeler had in his kennel.
These dogs popped up in America during the 1970s and gained in popularity in the 1980s. Windsprites are sighthounds and are extremely athletic dogs. Their coat is very soft and often wavy or curly. Fortunately, this wonderful coat does not require more than average maintenance. This is a smart breed that absolutely adores people and values companionship above all else.
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Force
Purebred
Dojan
Purebred
Redford - CH Stone House Heart Throb
Purebred
Kyu
Purebred
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Zia
Purebred
Stone House Come Touch The Sun
Purebred
Shady
Purebred
Stone House When I Dream
Purebred
-
Ava
Purebred
Happy Dream's Damour
Purebred
Myth
Purebred
Tova's Gotta Dance
Purebred
Favorite Names
For Males
- CH Stone House Heart of Gold
- Dojan
- Force
- GrCH Stone House Milagro
- Happy Dream's Damour
- Kyu
- Max
- Redford - CH Stone House Heart Throb
- Shady
For Females
- Ava
- Brikal Willow at Stone House
- CH Stone House Firelight
- CH Stone House Kyanite
- CH Stone House Soaring to the Gold
- Leia
- Myth
- Penny
- Stone House Come Touch The Sun
- Stone House When I Dream
Common Locations
- Pennsylvania, United States
- Oregon, United States
- New York, United States
- Georgia, United States
- New Jersey, United States
- South Carolina, United States
- Virginia, United States
- British Columbia, Canada
- Washington, United States
- Ontario, Canada
