Poolky (Poodle & Silky Terrier Mix): Info, Pictures, Traits & Care

The Poolky is a designer dog breed, that is crossed between a Poodle and a Silky Terrier. They are popular cuddly dogs for families with children and other pets. The Poolky originates from Germany back in the 1400s, making it an ancient dog breed. This loveable pooch has a playful yet loyal temperament.

Breed Overview

This dog is a hybrid and the name ‘Poolky’ is a common reference to the offspring of the parent dog breeds. The name is also officially referenced by the Designer Canine Registry (DCR).¹ Despite this dog breed’s worldwide recognition, there is little information about this dog breed online. This is why we have provided this guide to provide you with all the information you need to know to care for this fascinating dog breed.

Poolky Characteristics

Poolky Puppies

If you are looking for a dog that acts and looks similar to the Silky Terrier and Poodle, then the Poolky is a great mixture of both dog breeds.

Before purchasing a Poolky puppy, it’s worth taking a look around at local rescues to check if they have Poolky puppies available for adoption. Many rescues and shelters will have a wide range of dog breeds to choose from. Furthermore, the Poolky puppy can be purchased from a breeder or pet store. This is a rare dog breed, hence the little-known information about them. It can be difficult to come across a Poolky puppy, but rescues will generally have them up for adoption.

Beware of any potential scammers within the breeding industry. Many backyard breeders will claim that they are selling a Poolky puppy when it could potentially be a Poodle with dog-friendly dyes. This is a common incident that happens within the Poolky breeder community, so it’s best to purchase a Poolky puppy from a reputable breeder with lots of positive reviews.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Poolky 🧠

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

The Poolky is a great family-orientated dog. This makes them ideal for families with children and other pets alike. The Poolky can easily be socialized with children from a young age, yet they make the perfect gentle companions for senior owners. Not only can this dog adapt to different household requirements, but their timid and sociable nature allows them to please owners of all ages.

You will find that your Poolky is willing to be left alone, adapting to a more independent and quieter lifestyle. However, they can become excitable and playful when interacting with their owners and are willing to cuddle on their owners’ laps.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

The Poolky is small and delicate, with no desire to hunt other animals. This dog was not bred for hunting or game retrieval, which makes them ideal for families with other pets. These other pets can include animals such as cats, rodents, and birds as long as each pet has a protected area. Poolkies are curious and always eager to explore certain areas of the house. Even though they may not have the instinct to hunt down smaller prey, it does not mean rodents and birds should not be protected and secured in a cage and separate room.

It is easy to introduce other similar-sized dog breeds and cats to the Poolky. They will be curious at first and bark and sniff the unfamiliar addition to the family, but they will soon become accustomed to them and tolerate their presence even when left alone.

Things to Know When Owning a Poolky:

Food & Diet Requirements

The Poolky has similar dietary requirements to the poodle and silky terrier. This makes them easy to feed and their staple diet should include ingredients that are good for their coat health.

This is dog breed has the potential to become obese with the wrong type of diet. Since they are not overly active dogs, they do not require a high-protein diet in comparison to other more energetic dog breeds. Your Poolky can thrive on a standard diet for dogs with the addition of fish oils (omega-3 & 6 fatty acids) for coat and skin health.

Avoid feeding your Poolky foods high in fillers and fats, because they are unhealthy and can contribute to their weight gain. Your Poolky should be fed two to three small meals a day in a controlled manner. The food should be of high quality, and any treats should be low in fat and fed infrequently.

Exercise

The Poolky is a moderately active dog, that can be seen bouncing around when they get excited and even running around to prove their excitement. However, they are not very agile due to their small legs and unbalanced stature. Poolkies seem to adore their toys and they are always willing to play a game of tug and war or go on a short walk in the evening with their owners.

Avoid over-exercising your Poolky, as it can be damaging to their small bodies. Moderate exercise will suffice and keep your Poolky in good shape.

Training

These are great first-time dog owners as they are easy to please and generally undemanding. Your Poolky can be taught a range of tricks, such as sit, stay, or follow. They can also be potty-trained, which is a bonus if you prefer a hygienic dog. This dog is smart, but they do require lots of treats and praise to complete a task while it’s still being taught.

Grooming ✂️

The Poolky looks best with regular grooming sessions. This can be done at home or at a salon, where they should be brushed and bathed to keep their coat looking healthy and shiny. Their fur is at risk of becoming matted if brushing is neglected, and in some cases, the knots will have to be cut out.

Their nails should also be trimmed at a salon to keep them at a healthy length so that your Poolky does not have to experience the discomfort of long, unkempt nails.

Overall, their coat is manageable and regular brushing are most important. When your Poolky becomes layered in dirt and natural oils, the fur can become dull and wiry, which is something to avoid if you want to keep up your Poolky’s luxurious appearance.

Health and Conditions

Male vs Female

There are not many differences in comparison to male and female Poolkies, however, there are slight visual differences in adults. The female Poolky is generally stockier with short legs and a rounded abdomen. Females may have shorter fur and larger heads while being more energetic and harder to potty train.

The male Poolky is slender with a longer coat that does not curl near the face. Their legs are longer, and the body is more proportionate which can make them agile and faster than the female Poolky. Males are typically taller but weigh less, whereas the female Poolky will weigh a couple of pounds more than males due to their stocky build.

In female Poolkies, the discoloration on their bellies may be more prominent. This can be seen as a light pink coloration with small patches of darker pigmentation. Males have a similar stomach but with larger patches.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Poolky

1. Not a purebred dog breed

No Poolky dog is purebred, they are all hybrids from crossing a poodle to an Australian silky terrier. This is a luxury hybrid dog breed that is not very common and has no relation to purebred dogs.

2. Non-scientific name

According to the Designer Canine Registry, the name ‘Poolky’ is used to describe this hybrid dog, as there are no scientific breed names.

3. The best of both worlds

The Poolky seems to have acquired both of its parents’ delightful appearances. The Poolky has the soft and shiny coat of the silky terrier and the independent yet sociable personality of the poodle.

Conclusion

The Poolky is an interesting dog breed with a history that spans back centuries. They are the perfect family dogs and will remain loyal and affectionate to their owners. They have many benefits to offer both in their appearance and temperament.

If you are looking for a dog that acts and looks similar to the silky terrier and poodle, then the Poolky is a great mixture of both dog breeds.

See Also:

• Mastidoodle
• Miniature Aussiedoodle
• Pinny-Poo
• Poo Shi