Skypoo Basics
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.
Food/Diet
The Skypoo is a medium- to large-sized dog and will need a top-quality kibble designed for his size, age and activity level. Because he may inherit joint issues later in life, ensure he remains at his optimum weight by choosing a food high in protein and low in fillers to avoid him over-eating to feel full. Plan to feed him 2 to 3 smaller meals each day versus free-feeding him and because Poodles can be prone to digestive issues, avoid high fat foods.
Training
Skypoos are smart dogs who are quick to pick up commands and relatively easy to train. The distracted Terrier side of this pooch can require a little extra patience to net the results you are looking for and because socialization is so important with this dog, don’t hesitate to bring in a professional trainer. Take a firm, consistent approach with lots of praise and rewards for a job well done.
Weight
The Skypoo is a solid little dog that can weigh between 35 and 70 pounds when fully grown.
Temperament/Behavior
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.
Common Health Problems
In most instances a Designer Dog has been bred specifically to cancel out some of the health issues that can be a problem for his purebred parents. However, its always important to understand what your new pup could inherit down the line and in the case of the Skypoo that can include joint issues, Addison’s disease, hypothyroidism and digestive issues such as bloat.
Life Expectancy
Small dogs live longer and the average life span of a Skypoo is 12 to 15 years.
Exercise Requirements
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.
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
Whether the Skypoo inherits the Poodle’s thick, soft, curly (or wavy) coat or the Terrier’s short straight one, he will be a non- to low-shedding dog. Daily brushing will help keep him free of matts and tangles with periodic visits to the groomers helping to keep his coat shaped and looking its best. Because he is a floppy eared dog, weekly ear cleaning is a must to prevent infection.
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.
Photo credit: HeidisLight/Shutterstock; BushAlex/Shutterstock
