WHAT IS A SILKEN?
The Silken Windhound is a relatively recently developed breed which truly fulfills a niche within the Sighthound family - a small, long-haired Sighthound. I've met many people who loved the overall appearance and personality of a Borzoi, but they were just too large for them. Afghans are the smallest coated Sighthound recognized by the AKC, but their coat care needs are enormous.
SOME HISTORY
In 1984, Francie Stull (Kristull Borzoi) acquired a pair of "long-haired Whippets", a breed which had been introduced in the 1970s. These two dogs became the foundation for the Silken Windhounds and several more dogs were acquired from the same kennel between 1984 and 1988. Later, two registered smooth coated Whippets and a small addition of Borzoi was added to the genetic mix. Several generations of the Silken Windhounds now exist.
The International Silken Windhound Society (ISWS) was formed in April 1999 and is the parent club for this exciting breed. A breed standard has been adopted and ISWS members strive to follow the standard within their breeding programs. ISWS members are currently working towards getting AKC recognition as their own breed, with the first step being inclusion in the Foundation Stud Service program.
Silkens also have been exported to Sweden, Finland, Germany, Holland and have reached Slovenia, and the UK, members are striving for the breed's recognition overseas. 
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Silkens are small, typically 18-24 inches at the shoulder. The photo 'of 3' on this page shows a female adult full-grown Borzoi (back), an adult female Silken Windhound and a female, 10 week Silken puppy. Their coat is easy to care for and comes in all colors and spotting patterns. They should have dark eyes and pigment, scissors bites with full dentition, lovely angles front and rear, and that elegant outline so often seen in Sighthounds. Desired attributes are listed in the Silken's breed standard on the ISWS website.
EVENTS IN AMERICA and  EUROPE
Silkens are currently being shown in Rarities, Inc and IABCA Events, as well as ISWS-sactioned Specialties. Silken speciality shows - Silkenfests have also been held in other countries,  Finland, Sweden and more recently Slovenia. Slovenia have recognition as a Breed, for the Silken and are working toward acceptance by the FCI.
NEWS Slovenia is the first country to gain recognition for the Breed of Silken Windhounds and Silkens with the title of Slovenian Champion now exist. Canada have gained approval to exhibit Silken Windhounds in Rare Breeds Varieties and had a good attentance for the classification at their show in March 07.