Silken Windhound Club of America
We are a group of dedicated individuals working towards the goal of getting Silken Windhounds accepted in the AKC.
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
- Championship point tracking
- 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.
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.
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.
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 Constitution, Bylaws are based on the AKC guidelines, which can be found here.
They are located here.
The Code of Ethics is still in progress.
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.
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 and 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 and a US club was needed to fulfill that goal with a constitution and bylaws that adhere to their rules.
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.
While SWHCOA will register dogs on our site for show point tracking, we will not operate as a breed pedigree service.
We will have an online form to register your dogs with us at some point in the future.
What kind of events will SWHCOA host? Will points and championship points be awarded?
We will eventually offer specialties around the US and we will be awarding points toward a SWHCOA Championship. As specialties are scheduled, we will post on the website pages under the Events tab.
We will establish a show committee and have a member who will record points and announce championships.
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.
Our focus as an American club means we cannot register dogs outside the US for show points.
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 and the fee is $20 for an individual application.
By becoming a member of SWHCOA, you are helping the breed toward AKC acceptance and becoming a true resource and community for all people who what to learn more about Silken Windhounds. You will have access to membership pages with the resources as we develop them, records of official meetings, and a growing Archive of our club’s history.
Your dues go toward essential club functions like show point tracking operations, 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 on any proposals that will effect 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 do want to develop merchandise with the club’s logo/seal and have it available for purchase, but it is a low priority for the time being as we are still in need of other things.
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.
All voting is outlined in our constitution and bylaws which are located here.
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.