Draft:Windsprite

The Windsprite is a small, coated American sighthound breed. This rare breed was founded in the Northeastern United States in the 1950s and 1960s by Walter A. Wheeler, Jr. Although they are closely related to the Whippet and were formerly known as Longhaired Whippets, Windsprites are a completely separate breed. They are known for their trainability, charm, athleticism, and elegance. Their temperaments make them well-suited to be family pets or adventurous companions. They excel in a wide range of areas, from leisurely walks and affectionate snuggles to fierce competition in performance sports and in the conformation ring.

Name

The Windsprite was originally referred to as the Longhaired Whippet. In 2017, the International Longhaired Whippet Club held a vote to change the breed's name. It passed and the breed and parent club were renamed. In Europe, the Windsprite is known as the Silken Windsprite, not to be confused with the Silken Windhound, of which the Windsprite is a foundation breed, along with Borzoi.

History

The Windsprite breed was founded in the 50s and 60s by Walter A. Wheeler, Jr. Wheeler was involved in breeding and showing Whippets. He believed that he had discovered a rare, recessive gene that gave his Whippets long hair. There was much skepticism at the time and the Whippet community was very opposed to the idea that Wheeler's Longhaired Whippets were purebred. Today, we have confirmation via genetic testing that these early Windsprites were in fact part Shetland Sheepdog. Whether or not this was accidental or deliberate, we may never know. The original intentions have been lost with the breed founder.

Appearance

The appearance of the Windsprite is very similar to that of a Whippet, with the addition of a longer coat and silky feathering.

Color is immaterial. All coat colors are accepted.

The Windsprite moves with a reaching, floating gait at a trot and runs in a double-suspension gallop, much like other sighthound breeds.

Temperament

Windsprites are celebrated for their exemplary temperaments. They are incredible family companions, quick learners, and ready adventure buddies. Many Windsprites excel as therapy dogs. Admirers describe them as having an excellent "on" switch. They are relaxed, calm, and gentle at home, but eagerly kick into high gear for play time and performance sports.

Health

Health concerns that appear in the breed include occasional incidences of autoimmune and digestive issues, including environmental allergies, food sensitivities, inflammatory bowel disease, and Addison's disease. Further research is needed to confirm the frequency of these issues in the breed. In the meantime, breeders are careful to avoid passing on known health issues in their dogs.

All Windsprites must undergo genetic testing in order to be registrable with the International Windsprite Club and breeding prospects are screened prior to pairing for eye and heart issues with the OFA. The results of genetic tests for MDR1 and CEA are taken into account when making breeding decisions, so as to avoid breeding carrier to carrier. Recently added genetic testing for Copper Storage Disease is now available via Embark, but its prevalence in the breed is yet to be determined.

Windsprites are known to be quite healthy in the world of purebred dogs, with lifespans frequently extending well in to the mid- to upper-teens.

Performance

Although Windsprites were not bred for hunting live game, they take after their Whippet ancestors in their love for coursing. Owners of Windsprites engage in many different performance sports, including but not limited to straight racing, obedience, rally, agility, disc, fetch, tricks, dockdiving, and even the occasional herding trial.

Recognition

The breed is not currently recognized with AKC, UKC, or FCI. However, it is recognized nationally in several European countries and is accepted by a number of specific performance sport organizations. The only organization that does not allow intact Windsprites to compete in the United States is the AKC.