Appearance of the Poolky
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The Poolky, or Silky Poo, is a dog of fairly varied appearance, not least because its parent can be a Poodle of any size. They have a small skull with almond-shaped brown eyes and a small black nose. Their expression is gentle and confident. Their muzzle is square and in proportion to their face. Their small ears hang down in triangular flaps. Their short necks lead to strong, supple bodies. Dogs of this breed generally weigh between 3.5 and 10 kilos and measure between 23 and 38 centimeters at the withers at maturity. Most Poolky dogs have lost the long, silky coat of their Australian Silky Terrier parent. Instead, they have a short to medium wavy coat, which is certainly lower maintenance, although it can sometimes look a little unkempt. Their coat color is variable and can be a solid color, such as black, white or brown, although many also have white or brown patches. |
Temperament of the Poolky
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A wonderful pet and a dog that loves to be hustled into action, the Poolky will fit in perfectly with most families. They love spending time with children and are gentle and patient in their presence. While their loving nature and desire to be around people is certainly an advantage, they can become overly dependent on their owners' company and tend not to like being left alone for too long. In some individuals, separation anxiety can become a real problem. As Poolkies are small dogs, they can be kept in small houses and apartments and don't necessarily need access to the garden, provided they get enough exercise. However, owners shouldn't expect a dog that sits still all day, as this breed is playful and energetic despite its small size. As both breeds have hunting in their history, it's not surprising that the Poolky can have a well-developed prey drive. It's important that owners are aware of this and don't try to accommodate the dog with smaller animals such as gerbils or rats. With thorough socialization, it's possible for the Poolky to coexist with other dogs, as well as cats. The Poolky's inherently friendly nature makes it a poor defense dog. However, they make great watchdogs, as they are constantly on the alert and will hold their attention unwaveringly when a new person arrives at the house. |
Needs and activities of the Poolky
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The Poolky is a small, moderate-energy hybrid. They like to spend time playing and having a bit of fun outdoors during the day, but given their size, the Poolky can satisfy most of their daily exercise needs indoors. Terrier qualities can make the Poolky restless if not properly stimulated, and chewing or digging behaviors can occur. Owners can prevent negative behaviors by providing exciting chew toys and daily play with their Poolky. With proper exercise and mental stimulation, Poolky does well in small spaces, such as apartments. If your Poolky has access to a yard, be sure to keep an eye on him, as he may enjoy digging and trying to find a way out. The Poolky also prefers to live in more temperate climates. |
Maintenance of the Poolky
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The Poolky has many of the qualities of a Poodle coat, such as the tendency to be a hypoallergenic dog, as well as continuous hair growth. Grooming, including trimming, is a must for the Poolky to maintain a soft, tangle-free coat. The soft, silky coat facilitates the removal of dirt and debris from the hair, and frequent bathing is not suggested for this hybrid. While brushing your Poolky's coat, check his ears for debris and remove it with a veterinarian-approved solution. Keeping your dog's ears clean will help prevent ear infections and bad odors, although the Poolky is not known for having a strong dog odor. |