Poolky

8-20 lbs
9-15"
United States
Poodle
Silky Terrier
Silky-Poo, Silkpoo Terrier, Silkydoodle
The Poolky, which is also known as the Silky-Poo, is a designer cross between the Silky Terrier and the Poodle.  Most often, the hybrid's Poodle parent is of the Minature variety so that the Poolky can maintain a small size.  The Poolky is affectionate, loyal, and does not tolerate being left alone.  They are active and playful during the day but like to settle down and cuddle on laps at night, making them a perfect companion for about anyone.  As a small dog, the Poolky adapts well to apartment and urban living.
purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
United States

Poolky Health

Average Size
Male Poolky size stats
Height: 9-15 inches Weight: 8-20 lbs
Female Poolky size stats
Height: 9-15 inches Weight: 8-20 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Mitral Valve Disease
  • Periodontal Disease
Minor Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cataracts
  • Von Willebrand's Disease
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Diabetes
  • Addison’s Disease
Occasional Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Radiographs
  • Blood Sugar and Thyroid Tests
  • Complete Physical Examination

Poolky Breed History

The Poolky is a designer hybrid between the Poodle and the Silky Terrier and is popular for its cheerful disposition and cuddly appearance.  The hybrid is known by several competitive associations and breed registries but may go by other names.  While the American Canine Club, the Designer Breed Registry, and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club recognize the hybrid as the Poolky, the International Designer Canine Registry refers to this mix as a Silky Poo.  Other names include variations using Doodle, which is common for Poodle hybrids.  Despite its popularity, there is no established history or standards for the Poolky.  However, owners wishing to know more about their dogs can review the histories of the parent breeds. The Silky Terrier is, as its name implies, soft and and of the Terrier family.  The Silky Terrier is a relatively young breed developed in Australia, having arisen from crossbreeding the Yorkshire Terrier with the Australian Terrier.  Fanciers in Australia wished to capture some Silky traits, such as the coat, and breed standards were written in 1906.  The American Kennel Club first recognized the Silky Terrier in 1959. The Poodle has a far older history, having been an ancient breed.  However, the first well-documented accounts of Poodles are trace back to the 1400s in Germany where the breed was used for waterfowl hunting.  The Poodle size variations also developed and were documented in the 15th Century.  The Standard and Miniature sizes still enjoyed hunting and working while the Toy sizes were known as companion dogs.  By the time the breed made is throughout Europe and to the United States, many fanciers desired all sizes as companions, thus shifting some selection qualities in breeding programs.  The Poodle was not well-known in the United States before the 1950s but following a surge in popularity, held the number one spot in the U.S. for twenty years.  The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1887, and today it ranks on the top ten most favored dogs.  

Poolky Breed Appearance

The Poolky is a small hybrid weighing up to 20 pounds.  The head is flat, and the muzzle is round with a small black nose.  The Poolky's eyes are large, dark, and almond-shaped with a happy expression.  The Poolky's coat is usually short, or at least shorter than the Silky Terrier parent's coat, but is soft.  The coat hair may also range from wavy to curly.  The Poolky is a sturdy dog for its size with straight legs and a short tail that is usually docked.
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Poolky eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Poolky nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
black Poolky coat
Black
brown Poolky coat
Brown
white Poolky coat
White
sable Poolky coat
Sable
silver Poolky coat
Silver
fawn Poolky coat
Fawn
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Poolky wavy coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Poolky Breed Maintenance

The Poolky takes on several Poodle coat qualities, like the tendency to be a hypoallergenic dog as well as its continuous hair growth.  Grooming, including haircuts, are a necessity with the Poolky to maintain a soft, tangle-free coat.  The silky, soft coat makes it easy to remove dirt and debris from the hair, and frequent baths are not suggested for this hybrid.  While brushing the Poolky's coat, check its ears for any build-up or debris and remove it with a veterinarian approved solution.  Keeping your dog's ears clean will help prevent ear infections and any foul smells, though the Poolky is not known to have a strong doggy odor otherwise.
Brushes for Poolky
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Comb
Clipper
Clipper
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Poolky requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Poolky Temperament

The Poolky is an affectionate hybrid that devotedly follows its people from room to room.  They are playful during the day and sometimes mischievous but settle down easily at night.  The Terrier bloodlines give this hybrid a little stubbornness as well as increasing its prey drive so the family cat may get chased a but, but early and consistent socialization with cats, dogs, and other pets will significantly improve relationships.  The Terrier qualities also increase the alertness and willingness to bark at strangers, but overall, this hybrid is friendly with new people.  The Poolky requires consistent training with a gentle hand and even voice to learn best.

Poolky Activity Requirements

The Poolky is a small hybrid with moderate energy levels.  They enjoy playtime and a little running around outside during the day but given their size, the Poolky can satisfy most of its daily exercise requirements indoors.  The Terrier qualities may make the Poolky restless if not properly stimulated and chewing or digging behaviors may arise.  Owners can prevent negative behaviors by providing exciting chew toys and daily playtime with their Poolky.  With proper exercise and mental stimulation, the Poolky does well in small spaces, such as apartments. If your Poolky has access to a yard, make sure you supervise him as he may enjoy digging and trying to find a way out.  The Poolky also prefers more temperate climates for living.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
7 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
30 minutes
activity minutes

Poolky Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
0.7 cups
Daily Cost
$1.00 - $1.20
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Poolky Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Poolky size stats at six months
Height: 11.0 inches Weight: 12.5 lbs
Female Poolky size stats at six months
Height: 11.0 inches Weight: 12.5 lbs
12 Months
Male Poolky size stats at 12 months
Height: 12.0 inches Weight: 14.0 lbs
Female Poolky size stats at 12 months
Height: 12.0 inches Weight: 14.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Poolky size stats at 18 months
Height: 12.0 inches Weight: 14.0 lbs
Female Poolky size stats at 18 months
Height: 12.0 inches Weight: 14.0 lbs

Poolky Owner Experiences

luna
1 Year
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Run
Tug-of-war
Fetch
Luna was very shy when we first got her but she warmed up quickly and she is very fast. She always wants attention and is always playing, she does also bark at strangers.
5 months, 3 weeks ago
Dolce
18 Months
7 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
playing with ball
Walk
Fooling around
Humping
It has been more than a year when he came to me, and i love him. He is been such a love with me and my one of sister since day 2 He loves me more than anyone in family he obeys me more, play with me like anything. Only problem is that silky terrier have this kinda problem in him of barking on strangers. other wise hes best. he plays with my daughter she fed me sat/lay next to him, and she is only 1 and half years old. Over all hes love!
6 years, 8 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd