Silken Windhound vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison

Silken Windhound vs Leonberger - Breed ComparisonLeonberger is originated from Germany but Silken Windhound is originated from United States. Leonberger may grow 20 cm / 8 inches higher than Silken Windhound. Leonberger may weigh 57 kg / 126 pounds more than Silken Windhound. Leonberger may live 8 years less than Silken Windhound. Leonberger may have more litter size than Silken Windhound. Leonberger requires Moderate Maintenance. But Silken Windhound requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Hound dog
undefined
Germany
United States
Height Male:
65 - 80 cm
25 - 32 inches
47 - 60 cm
18 - 24 inches
Height Female:
65 - 80 cm
25 - 32 inches
44 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
40 - 77 kg
88 - 170 pounds
10 - 20 kg
22 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
40 - 77 kg
88 - 170 pounds
7 - 17 kg
15 - 38 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 10 Years
15 - 18 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 14
1 - 4
Size:
Giant
Medium
Other Names:
Gentle Leo, Leo, Gentle Giant
Silkens
Colors Available:
sandy or yellowish, tan, Reddish-brown
tuxedo marked or solid colored , white to black with brilliant brindles and solid red, in between. They can be spotted
Coat:
Thick double-coat - straight or wavy
silky coats of middling length longish to very long, with feathers. Some are straight, some are very curly
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Gentle, Intelligent, Outgoing, Playful, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

leonbergerHailing from Germany, and more specifically the city of Leonberg, the Leonberger is a giant dog breed.

A resident of Leonberg, Germany, was looking to develop a dog that resembled a lion and in 1846 it was announced that such a dog had been developed by crossing a Newfoundland, Saint Bernard and Pyrenean Mountain dog.

It was after 2010, when the Leonberger Club of America joined the American Kennel Club, that the strict breeding rules were no longer mandatory for all Leonbergers.

silken windhoundThe 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.

Description

leonberger puppy - descriptionAs a giant breed, the Leonberger stands at between 65cm and 80cm in height. He weighs a hefty 40 – 77kg both males and females.

These dogs are described as being dimorphic. It means that there is quite a difference in the looks of the males and females, with the male dogs being heftier and larger than the females.

The head of the dog is large, he has almond-shaped, dark brown eyes and the ears are medium sized and floppy. The tail is long and he has webbed feet which makes him a good swimmer too.

The thick, double coat can be straight or wavy and comes in different colors such as reddish-brown, tan, sandy or yellowish and the hairs can be tipped with black. He sheds quite a bit so will need regular brushing.

The Leonberger can have between 6 – 14 puppies and these puppies are like big, fat, cuddly, fluffy teddy bears. Don’t be tempted to just buy one because of his wonderful looks because they turn out to be huge dogs that eat a lot and the coat can take quite a bit of effort to keep groomed.

Temperament:

Fondly referred to as the Leo, this giant beautiful dog is social and in spite of his size, he should never be left alone in the backyard for long periods of time. He needs to come indoors from time to time to enjoy some interaction with his human family.

He is a family dog, and with training and socialization, he becomes a well-rounded, confident, obedient pet, quiet and content and sensitive to his owner’s moods.

Even though he becomes a great family pet, you need to think twice before you decide to own one of these large dogs as he can be costly to feed.

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.

Characteristics

leonberger dog - characteristicsDon’t be deceived by the looks of the big Leonberger because he isn’t aggressive, but quiet and calm. Large he may be, but he isn’t sluggish either and he will certainly require exercise such as a long, fairly lively walk every day.

They’re intelligent dogs too and respond well to socialization and training. He is a social dog and wants to enjoy plenty of interaction with his human family members.

These dogs are often used as rescue- and therapy dogs as they are so loving and sensitive. Give him lots of love and good care and you’re going to have the most wonderful pet that lives up to the saying – dogs are man’s best friend.

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.

Health Problems

leonberger puppies - health problemsLeonbergers are strong, generally healthy dogs. It is said that very large dogs like this don’t live as long as smaller dogs and they also face more health issues. Orthopedic issues such as hip dysplasia are more common with large breeds.

Hip Dysplasia:

An orthopedic problem like this is a misalignment of a joint. This large dog also tends to develop elbow dysplasia too. Fortunately today, hip- and elbow dysplasia is controlled because of efforts of breeders to have their Leonbergers screened.

Nonetheless it is important to know about this ailment. The word ‘Dysplasia’ is referring to an abnormality of development. With both hip- and elbow dysplasia, there is abnormal development of the joints, and osteoarthritis can build up, causing lameness for your giant canine.

Cancer:

Cancer is sadly a leading cause of death in dogs over the age of 10 years. Lymphoma is a blood-related cancer – a tumor of the lymph nodes. Dogs can develop different forms of lymphoma. The warning signs are a lump or a wound that won’t heal, swelling in the bone and abnormal bleeding.

Luckily cancer is very treatable in dogs, but you need to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible.

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

Caring The Pet

leonberger dogs - caringThat long coat of the Leonberger is going to require some brushing at least twice a week. He is also a moderate shedder and you want to get rid of all that loose hair and to keep him looking well groomed.

Diet:

A proper, nutritious diet is an essential part of having healthy, happy dogs and if you’re unsure about how to feed your giant pet, speak to your veterinarian.

The best diet for dogs is always very debatable, but essentially it needs to be kept simple. Try and invest in the very best commercially manufactured dog food for large breeds. Every dog wants a tasty home-made morsel from time to time. Add in cooked chicken, brown rice as well as cooked or raw vegetables. Raw meat can also be added in from time to time.

You want to avoid feeding the Leonberger puppy a high protein diet as this encourages rapid growth and you want to avoid that.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Leonberger vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Leonberger vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Leonberger vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Leonberger vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Leonberger vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Leonberger vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Leonberger vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Leonberger vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Leonberger vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Leonberger vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Leonberger vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Leonberger vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Leonberger vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Leonberger vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Leonberger vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Leonberger vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Leonberger vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Leonberger vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Leonberger vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Leonberger vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Leonberger vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Leonberger vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Leonberger vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Leonberger vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Leonberger vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Silken Windhound vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Silken Windhound vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Silken Windhound vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Silken Windhound vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Silken Windhound vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Silken Windhound vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Silken Windhound vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Silken Windhound vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Silken Windhound vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Silken Windhound vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Silken Windhound vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Silken Windhound vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Silken Windhound vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Silken Windhound vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Silken Windhound vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Silken Windhound vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Silken Windhound vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Silken Windhound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Silken Windhound vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Silken Windhound vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Silken Windhound vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Silken Windhound vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Silken Windhound vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Silken Windhound vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Silken Windhound vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison