Poolky Basics

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.

Food/Diet

The Poolky is a small dog who is not overly active. Because he has a propensity for becoming obese its important that his food be a nutrient-rich kibble designed specifically for small breeds. Avoid fillers that can cause him to over-eat to feel full and because of potential digestive issues, a low-fat version is best. Plan to feed him 2 to 3 small meals daily versus free-feeding.

The Poolky is an active little dog however his exercise needs are not excessive.

Training

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.

Weight

The Poolky typically weighs in the range of 8 to 20 pounds once he reaches adulthood.

Temperament/Behavior

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.

Common Health Problems

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.

Life Expectancy

The average life span of a Poolky is 12 to 15 years.

Exercise Requirements

The Poolky is an active little dog however his exercise needs are not excessive. Daily walks will keep him physically fit and mentally stimulated while a tossed ball in his backyard will allow him to run and chase – a strong instinct in Terriers. Because he is inclined to become distracted and wander off easily, ensure any leash-free zone is fully fenced before allowing him to roam. A lack of exercise with this dog can result in boredom and destructive behaviors such as chewing, digging and barking.

The spirited Poolky loves nothing more than to spend time with his family.

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 will typically have a short, wavy or curly coat that is soft and silky in feel. Because of his Poodle DNA, he is considered a low-shedding dog and while vacuuming hair won’t be an issue he will still need to be brushed 4 to 5 times per week to keep his fur tangle- and mat-free. Bathing should only be done as needed but his floppy ears should be inspected and cleaned weekly to prevent a build-up of dirt and potential infections.

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.