In November 1998, a dedicated and resolute group of people from diverse regions of the United States and Europe came together on the Internet to communicate with one another for the exclusive purpose of advancing the Silken Windhound breed. To their credit, the members have accomplished a myriad of goals in an astoundingly short time!
In March 1999, these Charter Members came together in Austin, Texas, home of the breed founder, to form the International Silken Windhound Society (ISWS) and to begin the tradition of yearly "Silkenfests" and National Specialties. These members elected Francie as the founding President.
The founding charter members wrote the ISWS By-Laws, Code of Ethics, Constitution, and the Breed Standard. These charter members unanimously agreed that the long-term goal of the ISWS would be purebred recognition by the American Kennel Club. The club's short-term goal would be acceptance into the AKC's Foundation Stock Service (FSS) program for new breeds.
Since that first historical gathering at Silkenfest 1999, the Club has developed and implemented Breeder Guidelines, required DNA Testing of all Silken Windhounds to maintain the integrity of the Registry, and developed regulations to govern the registration of Silken Windhounds.
The members of ISWS are deeply committed and dedicated to their goals and they will continue to work towards their dream of AKC recognition and of filling the niche within the Sighthound breeds with a small, long-haired sighthound.