Height: 16–22 inches
Weight: Typically 20–35 lbs
Coat Colors: All variations of fawn, brindle, black, and tan-point, including white markings and dilute expressions.
Stud Book status: Due to the small population size, the Windsprite stud book remains open to preserve genetic diversity and reduce the risk of health issues associated with a closed population. The IWC currently allows backcrossing to whippets which results in smooth-coated F1 offspring.
Recognition status: Not currently recognized by the AKC or UKC, but is recognized by multiple European Kennel Clubs.
Considered to be the most biddable sighthound
Versatile companions
Gentle and sensitive
Able to be trained off-leash (using positive reinforcement)
Herding dogs that love repetition
Tolerant of harsh methods
Silken Windhounds (this breed was created crossing Windsprites with Borzoi)
For those interested in contributing to the future of the breed, I do offer reduced pricing for select puppies placed in approved breeding or co-ownership homes. This reflects the investment and commitment you are making to my program and to the long-term health and preservation of Windsprites.
Around the house, Windsprites are exceptional housemates: polite, unassuming, very cuddly, and happy to move with the rhythm of your day. They’re content to nap at your feet while you work from home, or snooze on the couch while you’re away and enthusiastically greet you when you return.
Some may offer a brief alert bark at the door or a stranger, but are often climbing into that same person’s lap ten minutes later. Windsprites love soft, cozy spaces, so if pets on the furniture aren’t your thing, this may not be the right breed for you. Friends often describe them as cat-like: lounging across laps and chests, perching on the backs of couches, and seeking out affection in creative ways.
One of the best parts of living with a Windsprite is their built-in natural off-switch. Lounging and finding inventive, origami-like sleeping positions are favorite pastimes. And yet, the moment an adventure is on the table, they’re all in— leaping up from a dead sleep and dashing to the door without hesitation.
Out and about, Windsprites are gentle, calm, and unassuming. Temperaments range from politely aloof with strangers to “golden retriever lite” enthusiasm when meeting a potential new best friend. Most enjoy interacting with other dogs, though willingness to engage depends on how polite the other dog is.
While Windsprites are quite biddable and naturally inclined to stay near their people, off-leash recall training is essential, as their sighthound instincts can kick in around small, fast-moving animals.
Genetically, Windsprites may carry one or two copies of either the heavy/seasonal shedding gene (C) or the lighter shedding gene (T). Their coats are very easy to maintain, requiring minimal brushing. Most dirt and mud dry and fall off naturally. For reference Eevee is (CC).
I typically run my hands through the feathering behind Eevee’s ears to prevent matting and brush her lightly in the spring when she blows coat. Baths are rarely needed unless she rolls in something unpleasant or we are preparing for a show.
Although sensitive in nature, my Windsprite is not bothered by loud or rambunctious play and often chooses to join in.
With proper management, impulse control training, and reinforcement of calm behavior, I have had no issues with cats, kittens, day-old chicks, or free-ranging chickens and my Windsprite. Individual prey drive, training, and management should always be considered.
There are many Windsprites that are thriving in city life, including a growing population in New York City. Their amiable nature, compact size, and gentle quiet demeanor make them easy going city companions, provided they have a safe off-leash area to run a few times a week.
Unfortunately no test is available to screen for these conditions so we must rely on breeder transparency and keeping up with relatives and puppy-people to track these disorders. The Windsprite health committee is currently developing a breed-wide health survey to better understand the prevalence of these conditions.
Best practice also includes Embark testing and test-mating analysis to estimate the coefficient of inbreeding (COI) and support responsible pairings. The current average COI in Windsprites is approximately 21%. For comparison, the average COI across purebred dogs is roughly 25%.
While some Windsprites are quite competitive, the breed as a whole is best suited for dabbling in multiple sports and enjoying the partnership, rather than being a consistently podium-driven breed.
Nearly all sport organizations allow intact Windsprites to compete and earn titles (including the UKC), with the primary exception being the AKC. Intact Windsprites may earn AKC certificates such as the Canine Good Citizen (CGC), though these are not recorded as official AKC titles. After being spayed or neutered, Windsprites may compete for AKC titles through the Canine Partners program.