FUTURE
Present Situation
From a breeding perspective, the Silken Windsprite has already reached an advanced stage. A defined type exists, along with a controlled breeding base. The objective should be to achieve recognition by the FCI. This can only be accomplished through coordinated efforts across countries.
As it appears, FCI countries cannot rely on recognition by the American Kennel Club, despite the breed’s country of origin. Whether this is due to historical circumstances related to the founder Walter A. Wheeler Jr. or simply a lack of engagement in the United States remains open.
Within the FCI framework, it is therefore necessary for one country to take the lead and assume patronage for the breed, guiding it through the formal recognition process.
If no country is willing to take on this role, the breed will remain at a standstill and continue to exist in some countries within FCI Group 11 as a tolerated appendix.
Future & Breeding
The Silken Windsprite is no longer “just a Longhaired Whippet,” even if this perception still persists in some circles—particularly among judges and within the Whippet community—and the breed is still occasionally regarded with scepticism.
The long-standing commitment of many responsible breeders should ultimately be recognized not only at national levels but also by the FCI.
Compared to many other breeds, the breeding base is relatively broad and internationally connected. Health management is up to date, supported by modern DNA testing. Through networking and the use of contemporary tools and platforms, purebred dog breeding has become significantly more transparent.
Algorithms can be a useful tool in breeding, but they are not a substitute for producing healthy and type-consistent dogs. Sound judgment, a comprehensive understanding of the breed, and sufficient self-reflection regarding both personal and defined breeding goals remain essential.
Back Breeding – Back Cross
With today’s possibilities—combined with transparency, international cooperation, and the willingness to invest effort, whether through travel to suitable studs or the import of breeding stock—it should be possible to breed the Silken Windsprite without reverting to foundation breeds. Such an approach would effectively mean “returning to square one.” The example of the English Lurcher illustrates this: while it involves sighthound crosses, it lacks a defined breeding objective in terms of type, does not follow a standardized framework, and typically has no formal pedigree documentation.
Ultimately, each breeder must decide in which direction their breeding ambitions lie—whether to breed Silken Windsprites or to pursue a more open crossbreeding approach.
It’s up to you—with all the consequences.