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.
