Silken Windhound vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison

Silken Windhound vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed ComparisonSilken Windhound is originated from United States but Portuguese Pointer is originated from Portugal. Both Silken Windhound and Portuguese Pointer are of same height. Silken Windhound may weigh 7 kg / 15 pounds lesser than Portuguese Pointer. Silken Windhound may live 4 years more than Portuguese Pointer. Silken Windhound may have less litter size than Portuguese Pointer. Both Silken Windhound and Portuguese Pointer requires Low maintenance.

History

silken windhound - historyThe Silken Windhound is a breed intentionally developed by Borzoi and Deerhound breeder, Francie Stull. Although the first litter of the Windhoud was not born until 1995, their development began in discussions ten years later. Bred as a cross between her beloved Deerhounds and Borzoi, the first Society for the breed formed in 1999 and they were recognized by the UKC in 2011.

Ms. Stull wanted another breed for her kennel and decided on a smaller sighthound than her Borzoi. She wanted a long coat, a good temperament, good health, and possessing the same athletic abilities, grace and poise as the sighthounds that are larger. She developed the Silken Windhound based on this vision.

With this in mind, the kennel purchased the pick of a litter from the American and English Borzoi Champion bitch, Stillwater Virginia Reel. This puppy was eventually bred to Stillwater White Lightning and produced puppy that was a blue brindle. This dog, Stillwater Kristull Peacock, had the coat, personality and structure that Ms. Stull wanted for the new breed. She was bred to Deerhound Windsprite Autumnal Xenon to form the foundation for the Silken Windhound.

Over time champion Borzoi were bred with multi-generation Whippet based dogs and small Whippet from coursing and show lines. Finally, all of this work was rewarded with an incredible little sighthound to fit in the line of sighthounds between the giant and large breeds and the smaller whippet type breeds.

The Silken Windhound lives today in 24 different countries. They take their place in hound competitions all over the world in obedience, lure coursing, and racing. They are a Limited Stake Breed in the ASFA and competed with 40 other dogs in 2010. Then they were accepted by the NOFCA or National Open Filed Coursing Association, also in 2010. Finally, in 2011 they were fully accepted by the UKC.

The Silken Windhound is recognized in addition to the UKC, by the Dog Registry of America, the Rarities Inc., the American Canine Association, the Kennel Club of Slovenia, the American Pet Registry, Inc., the International Silken Windhound Society and the International, All-Breed Canine Association of America.

portuguese pointer - historyThe Portuguese Pointer comes from Portugal where the dog was developed as a gun dog. It is believed that the dog is descended from the Spanish Pointer and developed to point out game.

The dog was was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1996.

The dog was introduced to England in the 18th century and the modern type of the Portuguese Pointer became established in the early 1900’s when the breed had become endangered. A group of breeders re-established its numbers.

Today it is both working- and companion dog. The UK Kennel Club recognised it as a breed in 2014.

Description

silken windhound puppy - descriptionThe Silken Windhound is a breed of beautiful, athletic medium sized dogs. They have the long coat, athletic build and classic lines of the sighthound/coursing dog. Just looking at them and you know they have strength, balance and grace in those medium sized bodies. Their running ability is exceptional. They perform well in the confirmation rings.

They are sine boned, balanced with smooth muscles – a sleek hardy looking dog. They have almond-shaped, large, dark eyes with small folded ears. Looking in their faces you see intelligence, friendliness and alertness. The head is long with a well balanced muzzle and a dark, slightly down-turned nose. Her lips are dark and full and her neck long and slender. The Silken Windhound must have a flexible loin because they have a gallop of double suspensions and are amazingly fast. A deep chest is also a must with a flexible, curving tail. Her legs are straight and long, as she is built for speed.

portuguese pointer puppy - descriptionOriginating from Portugal, the attractive, almost Boxer-like looking dog is a medium sized purebred dog that stands at between 48 and 60cm in height and weighs roughly 16 to 27kg.

The Portuguese Pointer has a coat that is light brown, tan or yellow. The dog has a short, easy to maintain coat. He has a fairly square face, much like the Boxer, floppy ears with a long tail. The tail is usually docked. The eyes are brown and he a bright, alert, kind expression.

Temperament:

The Portuguese Pointer is a dog with strong hunting instincts, but who still has time to make a splendid companion for his human family. He is gentle and loyal to his human family, being somewhat reserved with strangers. This is a good thing really as this makes him a good watchdog.

He is good with other pets in the home as well as with children. He badly wants to please his family, and because he is intelligent and a fast learner, you won’t have any trouble with training and socialization.

He is a sociable dog, loving to be close to its owner. He is active and will require quite a bit of exercise, loving to join in with games with the children. He gets on well with children in the home as well as with animals.

Characteristics

Characteristics

silken windhound dog - characteristics1. Children friendliness – they are great with children and would romp with them all day.

2.Special talents – speed and agility.

3.Adaptability Like most sighthounds they can be couch potatoes but being medium sized they can live just about anywhere as long as it is inside.

4.Learning ability - They are smart but their learning ability can be hampered by their stubbornness.

portuguese pointer dog - characteristicsThe gorgeous Portuguese Pointer makes such a loyal and loving pet. He is always looking out for his human family, making sure that they are safe and protected under his watch.

He is an excellent watch dog too, proudly running around outside and making sure that there are no intruders around. They are good with kids too if the kids are gentle and kind with animals.

He loves a good game too and is always ready to take part in any activities you’re taking part in. The Portuguese Pointer is truly an awesome pet and companion.

Health Problems

silken windhound puppies - health problemsMost inherited diseases and conditions are rare. There is some drug related sensitivity, especially to ivermectin, and some dogs carry a MDR1 (multi-drug resistance gene) that is defective. Breeders are attempting to breed this out of the Silkens. A few other rare instances of concern include:

  • Cryptorchidism – a birth defect resulting in undescended testicles.
  • Lotus Syndrome – an occasional birth defect resulting in death.
  • Umbilical hernias – may require surgery.
  • Cataracts - may lead to old age sight problems
  • Deafness

portuguese pointer puppies - health problemsYour robust Portuguese Pointer isn’t known to be a dog to suffer with too many breed related health problems. With good care he can reach 14 years of age.Portuguese Pointers are a healthy breed, but some health issues can crop up -

Cancer:

Cancer is a leading cause of death in dogs young and old. Luckily, if caught early, cancer is curable. Some of the cancers found in dogs are malignant lymphoma – a tumor of the lymph nodes.

Skin cancer is also fairly common. The warning signs of cancer in dogs can be a new lump or a wound that won’t heal. While these are classic signs, sometimes there are no signs. If your dog isn’t feeling well, it’s time to get him to the veterinarian.

Liver Disease:

The liver is one of the vital body organs but it is susceptible to a wide variety of problems. It detoxifies the blood, stores vitamins and assists with digestion among other things.

One of the most common symptoms of liver disease is jaundice. When the liver isn’t functioning properly, bilirubin builds up in the blood and leads to the yellowish appearance of the dog.

Other common symptoms of liver disease include vomiting, weight loss and diarrhea. Veterinary attention will be required.

Caring The Pet

silken windhound dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy This is a medium sized, active breed. They need high quality dog food with plenty of protein. Feed them 3 times a day from a food made for high energy active medium sized breeds.

2.Feeding the adult - Feed them 2 times a day from a food made for high energy active medium sized breeds.

3.Points for Good - Exceptional agility and speed.

4. Games and Exercises The breed is active, and they love to run. They need daily exercise and they usually excel at flyball, agility, obedience and therapy. Obviously, they are very good at lure coursing and racing. They love to run or jog with you.

Exercise:

portuguese pointer dogs - caringThe Portuguese Pointer has been a working dog and doesn’t enjoy lying around with nothing to do. Apart from a walk every day which he loves, he’ll want other activities that stimulate him mentally and physically.

Grooming:

His short coat means that he won’t require any special grooming. He does shed constantly, like many other dogs, and a good brush twice a week will keep his short coat vibrant and shiny.

Diet:

Your canine friend will require protein in his diet as well as all the vitamins ad minerals for health. The very best commercially manufactured dog foods will be required for his health.

The dry kibble can be a wonderful convenient way to feed your pet. The best commercial foods meet the requirements for a dog’s diet. Give him some delicious home made food too. Boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach can be cooked in bulk and then chopped up and small portions mixed into the dry kibble twice a week as a treat.

It provides your pet with an alternative to the dry kibble, it is healthy, easy to digest and your pet will love it. Dogs thrive on simple consistency. Once in a while you can also give him some raw meat. Never leave him without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Gun dog
Origin:
United States
Portugal
Height Male:
47 - 60 cm
18 - 24 inches
48 - 60 cm
18 - 24 inches
Height Female:
44 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
48 - 60 cm
18 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
10 - 20 kg
22 - 45 pounds
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
7 - 17 kg
15 - 38 pounds
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
15 - 18 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 4
5 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Silkens
Portuguese Pointing Dog
Colors Available:
tuxedo marked or solid colored , white to black with brilliant brindles and solid red, in between. They can be spotted
fawnish - some white, Tan
Coat:
silky coats of middling length longish to very long, with feathers. Some are straight, some are very curly
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Gentle, Intelligent, Outgoing, Playful, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Silken Windhound vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  2. Silken Windhound vs Pharaoh Hound - Breed Comparison
  3. Silken Windhound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  4. Silken Windhound vs Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  5. Silken Windhound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  6. Silken Windhound vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  7. Silken Windhound vs Redbone Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  8. Silken Windhound vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  9. Silken Windhound vs Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  10. Silken Windhound vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  11. Silken Windhound vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  12. Silken Windhound vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  13. Silken Windhound vs Santal Hound - Breed Comparison
  14. Silken Windhound vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Silken Windhound vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  16. Silken Windhound vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  17. Silken Windhound vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  18. Silken Windhound vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  19. Silken Windhound vs Podenco Canario - Breed Comparison
  20. Silken Windhound vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  21. Silken Windhound vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  22. Silken Windhound vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  23. Silken Windhound vs Podenco Andaluz - Breed Comparison
  24. Silken Windhound vs Podenco Galego - Breed Comparison
  25. Silken Windhound vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  26. Portuguese Pointer vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  27. Portuguese Pointer vs German Shorthaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  28. Portuguese Pointer vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  29. Portuguese Pointer vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  30. Portuguese Pointer vs Perdiguero de Burgos - Breed Comparison
  31. Portuguese Pointer vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  32. Portuguese Pointer vs Pachon Navarro - Breed Comparison
  33. Portuguese Pointer vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  34. Portuguese Pointer vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  35. Portuguese Pointer vs Braque Francais (Gascogne Type) - Breed Comparison
  36. Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  37. Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Smooth Haired Weimaraner vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  39. Spanish Pointer vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  40. Spinone Italiano vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  41. Talbot vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  42. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  43. Weimaraner vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  44. Samoyed vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  45. Presa Canario vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  46. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  47. Saluki vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  48. Rough Collie vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  49. Rajapalayam vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  50. Schnauzerdor vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds