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ToggleSkypoo: Skye Terrier & Poodle Mix
| Height: | 8-15 inches |
| Weight: | 35-70 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12-15 years |
| Colors: | Cream, White |
| Suitable for: | Those living in apartments, families with children, first-time dog owners |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, loyal, friendly, playful, social |
A beautiful little dog, the Skypoo, also known as a Skydoodle, is an intelligent dog that can be trained to a high standard and usually have unique behaviors. Because of their small size and relatively low exercise requirements, Skypoos are becoming more and more popular pets for busy families living in cities.
The loving Skypoo is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Poodle (Standard or Miniature) and Skye Terrier that comes in various colors and shows a wide range of hair colors and shades. The easiest way to identify a Skypoo is through their bizarre ears, which typically resemble the Skype Terrier’s and tend to be covered in long, silky hair.
The dog is extremely loyal and has much to offer the right home. They are faithful and charming personalities make them much-loved members of the family. The Skypoo is easy to train, so it is perfect for almost everybody but will require early socialization to help them interact more positively with kids and other pets.
What is a Skypoo?
The affectionate Skypoo brings together the intelligence of the fun-loving Miniature Poodle and the energy of the Skye Terrier for a wonderful family dog who gets along well with kids, other pets and even strangers. His easy-going nature means he isn’t big on barking and is a great fit for apartment living.
The affectionate Skypoo is a mix of the smart little Miniature Poodle and the energetic Skye Terrier.
Origin
The Skypoo is considered a Designer Dog meaning he is the offspring of 2 different breeds of dog that are pure-bred. This practice dates back to the 1980s when breeders first begin mixing pure-bred dogs 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 Skypoo comes from a mix of two breeds he doesn’t qualify to join the American Kennel Club (AKC) however both parent breeds are long-time members; the Skye Terrier became a member of the “terrier” group back in 1887 while the Poodle joined AKCs “sporting” group the same year.
The lively Skypoo is an affectionate, loyal and engaged member of the family who thrives on human interaction.
How easy are Skypoo to train?
The Skypoos training process is an essential aspect of these pups’ lives and needs to be given all the necessary attention to shape the dog’s behaviors and temperament. Despite the average intelligence, Skypoos are known to be relatively trainable. That is partly due to their desire to please their masters, although patience, firmness, and consistency are essential for the training process to be successful.
In addition, you need a clear, strong voice for giving instructions and commands. The Skypoo likes testing the limits of your superiority by being temporarily disobedient. Be assured that this behavior is normal during training.
Remain firm in your sentiments and commands but positive with a soft tone in your instruction. Never hit or yell at your Skypoo. That can lead to destructive or aggressive behavior toward you or your family.
Diet and Nutrition
The Skypoo is a medium to large dog that needs a high-quality kibble depending on its size, age, and activity level. Since the dog may inherit joint problems later in life, make sure your dog remains at its optimum weight by choosing a food rich in protein and low in fillers to avoid over-heating, which may result in satiety.
Feed your Skypoo 1.5 to 3 cups of nutritious dry kibble, divided into two meals per day. The meals’ separation will keep your dog satisfied and full for long, so they will be less likely to beg for food from your plate.
Avoid feeding your dog table scraps. This bad habit could lead to negative behavior, such as food stealing and constant begging. It may also result in rapid weight gain or related health problems.
Consult your vet to learn more about what you need to feed your Skypoo. Some dog food brands use fillers and by-products to enhance their kibble. Avoid such chemical-loaded brands, and instead, look for wholesale brands that use whole grains and lean meat in their dry dog kibble.
How would you describe the temperament of Skypoo?
The lively Skypoo is an affectionate, loyal and engaged member of the family who thrives on human interaction. Walks, playtime and just hanging out on the sofa with his people will meet his need for companionship however he can display destructive behaviors when bored. He has an eager-to-please personality, gets along well with kids and other pets when properly socialized and is an ideal choice for first-time dog owners. Because he isn’t overly cautious around new faces, he does well in apartments where barking could be an issue.
How Big do Skypoo Get?
The Skypoo is a solid little dog that can weigh between 35 and 70 pounds when fully grown.
How healthy are Skypoo?
The Standard Poodle has several serious issues and a few minor ones. Some of the trivial conditions that these parent breeds may hand down to the Skypoo include hip dysplasia, epilepsy, skin allergies, and bloat.
- Hypothyroidism: Caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormones, this condition leads to mental dullness, obesity, continuous fatigue, inactivity, hair loss, overeating, recurring skin and ear infections, and general weakness. If your dog acquires this condition, take it through a series of thyroid tests to make a proper diagnosis and weigh severity. Your vet will then give long-term hormone injections to restore the thyroid to working order.
- Cushing Disease: Normally lead by a tumor on the pituitary gland, this condition occurs when hormonal chemicals blow out. That leads to fatigue, lethargy, lack of immunity, skin bruising, and acutely slow metabolism. Your dog may also experience insomnia, hair loss, or evident abdominal swelling. Although the condition is incurable, you can manage it with the right hormone injections or a surgical procedure to eliminate any tumors.
Despite all these health problems that your Skypoo can inherit, these dogs are known to live long and healthy lives. The latter is a rare condition, but it can happen. You can give your Skypoo a longer and healthier life with regular vet check-ups, a proper nutritious diet, and regular exercise.
Serious Conditions
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Legg-Calve Perthes Disease
- Addison’s Disease
- Cushing’s Disease
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Patellar Luxation
Minor Conditions
- Orthopedic
- Skins Problems
How active are Skypoo?
While the Skypoo is energetic, a standard amount of exercise should be sufficient to keep him fit and happy. Daily 30-minute walks coupled with active playtime that can include throwing a ball in the yard or a visit to the dog park will be ideal. Because he has Terrier DNA in him, he can be prone to chasing small animals and has a high tendency to become distracted and wander off so ensure leash-free parks and yards are always fully fenced.
The loyal and loving Skypoo enjoys walks, playtime and hanging out with his family.
How long will Skypoo live?
Small dogs live longer and the average life span of a Skypoo is 12 to 15 years.
Recognized Clubs
The Skypoo is also known as the Skyepoo, Skydoodle and Skyedoodle and because he comes from mixed lineage, he doesn’t qualify to make the coveted American Kennel Club (AKC) list of purebreds. He is however, 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
Like the Standard Poodle and Skye Terrier, the Skypoo carry soft, silky hair with some waves or curls. Their coat is dense and plush. To maintain the thick and plush coat, brush your dog daily with a strong-bristle brush.
The Skypoo rarely shed. Bath your pup once a month to prevent their hair from accumulating too much dirt.
Clean your dog’s ears with a cotton swap weekly with a vet-recommended solution. Never insert anything into your Skypoo’s ear canals. That can lead to ruptured eardrums or severe ear infections.
Use the cotton swab to clean the edges and rim that you can see of each ear. In addition, trim your dog’s nails bi-weekly, and brush their teeth at least three times a week.
Puppies
The Skypoo pup can grow into a hard to manage dog if not socialized so begin early to ensure he fits in with kids, family pets and new surroundings from the onset. Obedience training is important for this little dog as his tendency to wander can get him into trouble if he doesn’t learn to come when called. His propensity to joint issues means leash-training and exercising should be introduced slowly and with care.
Related Questions
What’s the Price of Skypoo Puppies?
The Skypoo is one of the latest crossbreeds and has not yet settled on a solid, consistent price among breeders. On average, you may pay between $450 to $1,200 for a Skypoo puppy. It all depends on the needs and preferences of the reputable breeder.
You can also check your local rescue for a Skypoo to adopt. At most animal rescues and shelters, the adoption fees for a medium-sized pup range between $150 to $200. In addition, you need to consider the long-term cost of nutritious dog food, dog toys, vaccinations, regular vet visits, heartworm prevention, a neuter/spray fee, and flea treatments.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
Skypoos do well with dogs and other pets if they are adequately trained and socialized. They prefer to spend time with humans, soaking up attention and exhibiting their hunting prowess. Chasing and searching for sticks or balls is a perfect way for a Skypoo to satisfy its need to catch prey.
The Skypoo can be aggressive towards dogs they don’t know, but they should get along well with dogs and cats they are raised with. If you have a bird or cat, or any other small animal as a household pet, you will have to guide them carefully from your Skypoo.
Are These Dogs Good for Families?
Adorable in behavior and appearance, Skypoos are excellent family dogs, both for families with several members and for individuals who stay alone. Gentle in nature, they love being in the humans’ company for as long as possible, and they get along well with kids and other pets. However, to achieve this, you must socialize with them at a young age.
Train your kids how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise interactions between a Skypoo and young kids to prevent any nipping and tail or ear pulling on the side of either party. No matter how good-natured, no dog should ever be left unsupervised with a kid.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
Skypoos do well with dogs and other pets if they are adequately trained and socialized. They prefer to spend time with humans, soaking up attention and exhibiting their hunting prowess. Chasing and searching for sticks or balls is a perfect way for a Skypoo to satisfy its need to catch prey.
The Skypoo can be aggressive towards dogs they don’t know, but they should get along well with dogs and cats they are raised with. If you have a bird or cat, or any other small animal as a household pet, you will have to guide them carefully from your Skypoo.
Final Thoughts
If you want an intelligent, lively, loyal, fun dog to have around who will get along well with all your family members and other pets, a Skypoo could be the answer.
A Skypoo will live happily in an apartment or a large house with a yard, if you are always around to offer them love and attention. The Skypoo believes in a give-and-take relationship. If you give them the respect, love, and attention they deserve, the dog will lavish the same on family members.
They can be suitable for new owners, but you will need to give them regular training sessions and mental stimulation to keep them well-mannered. The dogs are great for those with a pet fur allergy, as Skypoo’s curly coat shed minimally.
