Longevity
Life expectancy
Its longevity is remarkable: it often lives from 14 to 18 years.
Build
A robust breed?
Robust and hardy, it is not very susceptible to diseases; its thin skin, however, is vulnerable to wounds during races.
Watch points
What to watch for
It is necessary to monitor injuries during gallops, the teeth and report to the veterinarian its possible sensitivity to certain medications, as in other greyhounds.
Drug sensitivity (MDR1) : Some medications can be toxic to dogs carrying the mutation.
Collie eye anomaly (CEA) : Hereditary eye malformation detectable by DNA test.
Skin wounds and tears : Its thin skin is easily injured while running.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Little fat and a fine coat: he is sensitive to the cold and appreciates a coat in winter. He tolerates moderate heat.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Naturally slim, he must maintain a greyhound-like silhouette: the last ribs and slightly visible hips are normal.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Report the dog's MDR1 status to the veterinarian.
- Let the dog run in areas without sharp obstacles.
- Put a coat on it in cold weather.
Vaccination
Silken Windsprite vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Silken Windsprite? Like all dogs, the Silken Windsprite receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Silken Windsprite is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Silken Windsprite vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
Which boosters for your Silken Windsprite?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Silken Windsprite
Breeding dogs are tested for drug sensitivity (MDR1 gene) and for collie eye anomaly (CEA), as well as an eye examination.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
