Poolky Dog Breed

The Poolky dog breed, as a hybrid, is not an official member of any breed group. Neither does any info exist about these hybrids' specific origin; while a Silky Terrier mix with Poodle has probably existed naturally for a long time, no breeder or breed club has claimed its creation. The Silky Poo likely gained popularity during the designer dog "explosion" in North America in the late 20th century. Whatever the case, these spirited, intelligent little dogs make excellent companion pets for families of any size.

A few facts about the Poodle-Silky Terrier mix: they're usually small-sized, averaging 11 inches at the shoulders in height and 12 pounds in weight; they normally have medium-length, wavy to curly coats that don't shed much at all; and they need a lot of companionship, and will suffer separation anxiety if left alone.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Poolky:

Silky Poos are the offspring of two beloved companion dogs--so naturally, Silky Poo dogs make terrific companion pets themselves. The Silky Terrier x Poodle mix combines the intelligence and loyalty of the Poodle with the spirit and personality of the Silky Terrier--and the result is a personable, smart, fun-loving little dog.

Physically, the Silky Poo Terrier is pretty small: height at the shoulders is 9-13 inches, and weight is typically 8-14 pounds (though Poolky size can vary depending on the size variety of the Poodle parent). In terms of coat, though the Silky Terrier parent's coat is long and, well, silky, most Poodle mixes have coats more like that of the Poodle--which means these hybrids usually have shorter, wavy to curly locks. Coat colors are varied, and include black, brown, cream, tan, white, and gray, usually in multi-colored patterns.

Personality-wise, Poolky mixes are affectionate, intelligent, loyal, and enthusiastic. One important bit of Silky Poo information is that these hybrids are very vocal--and while that may mean owners will need to teach their dogs the "Hush!" or "Quiet!" command, it also makes SilkyPoos great watchdogs. They normally respond well to most training, and they get along well with kids and other pets; even so, owners say it's best if a Poolky grows up alongside any children or household pets, so they learn to be accustomed to one another.

These hybrids are also full of energy. While they'll fulfill a lot of their daily activity needs just running around being their animated little selves, providing some true exercise--a walk or two and a 30-minute period of play, for example--is a good idea as well.

Silky Poo mixes, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits of its parent breeds), are very healthy. Even so, these hybrids can suffer ailments common to the parent breeds including hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and epilepsy, among others. Potential Poolky owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for these hybrids is 12-15 years.