Poolky: Poodle & Silky Terrier Mix
| Height: | 9 – 15 inches |
| Weight: | 8 – 20 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12 – 15 years |
| Colors: | Black, white, brown, white & brown patches |
| Suitable for: | Families with children and other pets |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, sociable, loyal, cuddly, good lapdog |
The Poolky is a designer dog breed, that is crossed between a Poodle and a Silky Terrier. They are popular cuddly dogs for families with children and other pets. The Poolky originates from Germany back in the 1400s, making it an ancient dog breed. This loveable pooch has a playful yet loyal temperament.
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This dog is a hybrid and the name ‘Poolky’ is a common reference to the offspring of the parent dog breeds. The name is also officially referenced by the Designer Canine Registry (DCR). Despite this dog breeds worldwide recognition, there is little information about this dog breed online. This is why we have provided this guide to provide you with all the information you need to know to care for this fascinating dog breed.
What is a Poolky?
The vocal little Poolky brings the playful smarts of the Miniature Poodle together with the spirited nature of the Silky Terrier for a fun family dog that thrives on human companionship. The alert nature of this loyal little pooch makes him a great potential watchdog.
The vocal Poolky brings the playful nature of the Miniature Poodle together with the spirited little Silky Terrier.
Origin
The Poolky is considered a Designer Dog and likely dates back 30 years to when breeders first begin mixing different pure-breds to produce puppies that carried the desired traits of both parent breeds – typically a healthier, smaller, hypo-allergenic or gentler form of a popular breed.
Pedigree
Because the Poolky is not a pure-bred dog he can’t join the elite American Kennel Club (AKC) however both his parent breeds are long-time members; the Silky Terrier joined AKCs “toy group in 1959 while the Poodle became a member of the “non-sporting” group back in 1887.
How easy are Poolky to train?
The Poolky is the ideal choice for first-time dog owners because he listens to commands, is quick to obey and makes training a snap. Like most dogs, this clever pooch needs a take charge pack leader with a firm, consistent approach and lots of praise and rewards for a job well done.
Diet and Nutrition
The Poolky has similar dietary requirements to the poodle and silky terrier. This makes them easy to feed and their staple diet should include ingredients that are good for their coat health.
This is dog breed has the potential to become obese with the wrong type of diet. Since they are not overly active dogs, they do not require a high-protein diet in comparison to other more energetic dog breeds. Your poolky can thrive on a standard diet for dogs with the addition of fish oils (omega-3 & 6 fatty acids) for coat and skin health.
Avoid feeding your Poolky foods high in fillers and fats, because they are unhealthy and can contribute to their weight gain. Your Poolky should be fed two to three small meals a day in a controlled manner. The food should be of high quality, and any treats should be low in fat and fed infrequently.
How would you describe the temperament of Poolky?
The spirited little Poolky absolutely thrives on human companionship. This playful pooch loves kids and other pets however is cautious with strangers and won’t hesitate to bark when he sees fit – making him an ideal potential watchdog. The fun-loving and active Terrier in him can be a bit stubborn and up for the chase when it comes to smaller animals however he is always happy to cuddle up on the sofa with his human pack during down time. Because of how strongly he bonds with his family, this dog doesn’t do well when left alone for long periods.
Weight
The Poolky typically weighs in the range of 8 to 20 pounds once he reaches adulthood.
How healthy are Poolky?
While designer dogs are typically healthier than their pure-bred parents it’s important to know what your pooch may be prone to later in life. With the Poolky that can include digestive issues including bloat, joint issues and a heart condition known as mitral valve disease.
Serious Conditions
- Tracheal collapse
- Patellar luxation
- Cancer
- Von Willebrand’s
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Epilepsy
Minor Conditions
- Obesity
- Hypothyroidism
- Eye problems
- Bloat
- Overgrown nails
- Hair loss
- Hip dysplasia
- Skin problems
How active are Poolky?
The Poolky is a moderately active dog, that can be seen bouncing around when they get excited and even running around to prove their excitement. However, they are not very agile due to their small legs and unbalanced stature. Poolkies seem to adore their toys and they are always willing to play a game of tug and war or going on a short walk in the evening with their owners.
Avoid over-exercising your Poolky, as it can be damaging to their small bodies. Moderate exercise will suffice and keep your Poolky in good shape.
Male vs Female
There are not many differences in comparison to male and female Poolkies, however, there are slight visual differences in adults. The female poolky is generally stockier with short legs and a rounded abdomen. Females may have shorter fur and larger heads while being more energetic and harder to potty train.
The male poolky is slender with a longer coat that does not curl near the face. Their legs are longer, and the body is more proportionate which can make them agile and faster than the female poolky. Males are typically taller but weigh less, whereas the female poolky will weigh a couple of pounds more than males due to their stocky build.
In female Poolkies, the discoloration on their bellies may be more prominent. This can be seen as a light pink coloration with small patches of darker pigmentation. Males have a similar stomach, but with larger patches.
Recognized Clubs
While the Poolky doesn’t qualify to join the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) roster of purebred dogs, this pooch – also known as the Silky-poo, Silkypoo, Silky Poo Terrier and Silkydoodle Terrier – is recognized by the Designer Breed Registry (DBR), American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA) and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
Coat
The Poolky looks best with regular grooming sessions. This can be done at home or at a salon, where they should be brushed and bathed to keep their coat looking healthy and shiny. Their fur is at risk of becoming matted if brushing is neglected, and in some cases, the knots will have to be cut out.
Their nails should also be trimmed at a salon to keep them at a healthy length so that your Poolky does not have to experience the discomfort of long, unkept nails.
Overall, their coat is manageable and regular brushing are most important. When your Poolky becomes layered in dirt and natural oils, the fur can become dull and wiry, which is something to avoid if you want to keep up your Poolky’s luxurious appearance.
Puppies
Poolky pups are small so care should be taken when handling or allowing children to handle. Because this little pooch can grow into a stubborn, overly cautious dog that is quick to bark at strangers, early socialization and obedience training are recommended. His tendency to have joint issues later in life mean that playtime and exercise should be easy-going to avoid injuring tiny limbs.
How long will Poolky live?
The average life span of a Poolky is 12 to 15 years.
Related Questions
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
The poolky is small and delicate, with no desire to hunt other animals. This dog was not bred for hunting or game retrieval, which makes them ideal for families with other pets. These other pets can include animals such as cats, rodents, and birds as long as each pet has a protected area. Poolkies are curious and always eager to explore certain areas of the house. Even though they may not have the instinct to hunt down smaller prey, it does not mean rodents and birds should not be protected and secured in a cage and separate room.
It is easy to introduce other similar-sized dog breeds and cats to the poolky. They will be curious at first and bark and sniff the unfamiliar addition to the family, but they will soon become accustomed to them and tolerate their presence even when left alone.
Are These Dogs Good for Families?
The poolky is a great family-orientated dog. This makes them ideal for families with children and other pets alike. The poolky can easily be socialized with children from a young age, yet they make the perfect gentle companions for senior owners. Not only can this dog adapt to different household requirements, but their timid and sociable nature allows them to please owners of all ages.
You will find that your poolky is willing to be left alone, adapting to a more independent and quieter lifestyle. However, they can become excitable and playful when interacting with their owners, and are willing to cuddle on their owners’ laps.
What’s the Price of Poolky Puppies?
Before purchasing a poolky puppy, it is worth taking a look around at local rescues to check if they have Poolky puppies available for adoption. Many rescues and shelters will have a wide range of dog breeds to choose from. Furthermore, the Poolky puppy can be purchased from a breeder or pet store for $800 to $2,000. This is a rare dog breed, hence the little known information about them. It can be difficult to come across a poolky puppy, but rescues will generally have them up for adoption for $75 to $100.
Beware of any potential scammers within the breeding industry. Many backyard breeders will sell claim that they are selling a poolky puppy when it could potentially be a poodle with dog-friendly dyes. This is a common incident that happens within the Poolky breeder community, so it is best to purchase a Poolky puppy from a reputable breeder with lots of positive reviews.
Final Thoughts
The Poolky is an interesting dog breed with a history that spans back centuries. They are the perfect family dogs and will remain loyal and affectionate to their owners. They have many benefits to offer both in their appearance and temperament.
If you are looking for a dog that acts and looks similar to the silky terrier and poodle, then the poolky is a great mixture of both dog breeds.
