Silken Windhound Club of America
We are a group of dedicated individuals working towards the goal of getting Silken Windhounds fully accepted by the AKC. Now that Silken Windhounds have been accepted into the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service (FSS) program, we hope to become the AKC-accredited national club for the Silken Windhound fancy.
The Silken Windhound Club of America is located in the United States and will provide a number of services to our members, including:
- Specialty shows
- Breeder resources
- Owner resources
- Community discussion
- Visual standard examples
We are an inclusive, fun environment that encourages and helps each other in all aspects. We hold each other to high standards. We do this by following our SWHCOA Principles when making decisions and interacting with each other.
How did the club start?
This club grew out of the need for an American club to forward our goal of AKC recognition. People who have been in the breed for years and people newer to the breed with new ideas got together to form a club that will grow and meet the needs of the community as we all work toward AKC acceptance. SWHCOA incorporated on August 21, 2020.
Is this a non-profit club?
Yes, SWHCOA is a non-profit. It is registered in the state of Washington and you can see our status by going to the WA Secretary of State website and using the Corporation Search to search for our name, SILKEN WINDHOUND CLUB OF AMERICA, or UBI Number: 604 968 146
What about the Board of Directors? How are they appointed?
A list of Board members can be found here.
The current board is temporary until we hold elections. We wanted to have the major leadership positions filled so that we can get this club up and running as fast as possible. The method of voting is outlined in the club Bylaws, Article VI which can be found here.
What are the goals of SWHCOA?
Our main goal is acceptance into AKC while creating and maintaining an inclusive community. We want an environment that encourages new ideas and fosters responsible dog ownership.
Where are the Constitution, Bylaws, and Code of Ethics?
The SWHCOA Constitution and Bylaws can be found here; they were written using AKC guidelines. Our Code of Ethics is located here.
What Teams and Committees does the club have?
A list of Teams and Committees can be found here.
We have listed a few of the common teams and committees found in breed clubs; but are open to forming more if the SWHCOA members see a need. There are a lot of vacant positions; so if you would like to help contribute, please let us know in the Discord.
How do I contact the Board?
The club’s main form of communication is through Discord. It is open to the public and it is the fastest way to get a response. In case you can’t join the Discord for whatever reason, we also have a contact form for the Board: you can find it here.
What about ISWS and regional Silken Windhound clubs?
The International Silken Windhound Society‘s scope is international; while our area of operation is solely in the United States. We formed out of the desire for AKC recognition, as a US club with a constitution and bylaws that adhere to AKC rules is needed to fulfill that goal.
We are happy to support any regional clubs that wish to host a SWHCOA event. We encourage any local Silken Windhound clubs to contact our board if they have questions.
Will SWHCOA have a registry?
SWHCOA does not intend to act as a registry or breed pedigree service.
What kind of events will SWHCOA host? Will points and championship points be awarded?
SWHCOA has and will continue to host ISWS specialty shows, where dogs compete for ISWS Championships.
Now that Silken Windhounds can be registered in the AKC Foundation Stock Service (FSS) program, SWHCOA hopes to host and otherwise support AKC FSS Open shows where dogs compete for points toward AKC Certificate of Merit titles.
If and when Silken Windhounds become fully recognized by AKC, SWHCOA intends to host AKC specialty shows where Silken Windhounds compete for AKC Championship points.
If I live outside the US can I be a club member or register my dog for show points?
We welcome people from all over the world to become club members! The more support we have, the more we can grow to meet our members’ needs. However, our focus as an American club means that our international club members may not vote on club matters and may not hold office.
What does it mean to be a member of SWHCOA? What do my dues go toward? Can we vote on club matters?
Application for membership is found here; the fee is $20 for an individual application.
By becoming a member of SWHCOA, you are helping the breed toward full AKC acceptance, as your contribution and participation helps us become a valuable resource and positive, welcoming community for all people who have Silken Windhounds or who want to learn more about them.
As a member, you will have access to membership pages with the resources as we develop them, including records of official meetings and a growing Archive of our club’s history.
Your dues go toward essential club functions like event support and website functionality. Members will be provided with detailed treasury reports each year.
We welcome input from all of our club members and we will always do our best to be open with them. Members will have the opportunity to vote for Board positions and any proposals that will affect the club as a whole.
How can I volunteer with the club?
If you wish to volunteer, please join the Discord and ask any questions you may have. We are polite and no question is too small.
Additionally, if you are signing up for membership, you can let us know on your membership questionnaire what you might be interested in helping with.
How do members of SWHCOA put the club’s Principles into action?
Our Principles are found here.
We want all of our volunteers and members to feel like they have input in the club and like they are supporting its goals. We are kind and supportive of each other. We take suggestions for improvement seriously. We listen to each other, discuss new ideas, and agree on the best path forward as a whole.
Why can’t I access some of the pages on the website?
Some of the pages you can see on the site are for paid SWHCOA members. A benefit of membership is access to membership pages with the resources as we develop them, records of official meetings, and a growing Archive of our club’s history.
I have a great picture of my silken, can I have it posted on the website?
We would love to grow our collection of silken pictures for the website. We have a Photo Submission Form that you can use to properly submit your photos for use by the club. Please ensure you are the rights holder to the photo before you submit. Just because you purchased a copy of a photo from a photographer does not mean you have the rights to give the club permission to use that picture. If you have any concerns or questions about if you have the right to a photograph, please contact the photographer that took the photo.
Will there be club merchandise available (vehicle decals, apparel, bags, etc.)?
We have developed merchandise with our club’s logo/seal, which we donated to regional ISWS clubs in support of their specialty shows. We do hope to make such merchandise available for purchase, but it is a low priority for the time being.
How else can I contribute to SWHCOA?
Aside from becoming a member, we would love for you to help contribute your time or skills by volunteering. You can do that on Discord.
You can also make a monetary donation on this page if you would like.
Can I upgrade from a FREE account to a Individual Membership after registering?
Yes, you are able to upgrade your account at any time by going to the membership levels page found here.
Who gets to vote?
All voting is outlined in our constitution and bylaws which are located here.
Are there family discounts?
Currently there are not any family discounts. If you have multiple people in your family that wish to become a member, you should each make an account on the website and sign up for an Individual Membership for both accounts.