The AKC Biewer Terrier: A Comprehensive Guide

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The AKC Biewer Terrier is a breed that's gaining popularity, and for good reason. They originated in Germany in the 1980s.

These dogs are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities and are often described as "Velcro dogs" because they love to be close to their owners. They're naturally wary of strangers, but with proper socialization, they can become great family pets.

Biewer Terriers are relatively small, weighing between 4.8 and 8.8 pounds, making them a great choice for city dwellers or those who live in small spaces.

For your interest: Small Münsterländer

Breed Characteristics

The Biewer terrier is a small dog, typically weighing between 4-8 lb (1.8-3.6 kg) and measuring 7-11 in (18-28 cm) in length.

Their fine, straight, silky coat is a result of their parent breed, the Yorkshire terrier, and comes in two color combinations: white, blue, and black, or white, black, and gold/tan. The coloration is due to the pre-existing recessive piebald gene.

Biewer terriers have a long coat that requires daily brushing if left unshortened, but they are considered hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for those with allergies.

Appearance

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The Biewer terrier is a small dog that closely resembles its parent breed, the Yorkshire terrier, with a fine, straight, silky coat.

Their tail is not traditionally docked, and Biewer terriers come in two combinations of three colors: white, blue, and black, or white, black, and gold/tan.

Biewer terriers are generally between 4–8 lb (1.8–3.6 kg) and 7–11 in (18–28 cm) in size.

Their coloration is a result of the pre-existing recessive piebald gene, which causes irregular patches of colors.

Their coats might be similar to the Yorkshire terrier's, but their coat colors will have differences, including white or blueish-white patches over white fur on their chests, legs, and undersides.

Daily brushing is required if you decide to keep their coat long, but they are also considered hypoallergenic and easy to groom.

A fresh viewpoint: Wheaten Border Terrier

Size

The Biewer Terrier is relatively small, comparable in size to their forefather breed, the Yorkshire Terrier. Most Biewer Terriers weigh in the range of four to eight pounds. They typically range in height between seven to eleven inches fully grown.

Health and Care

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The Biewer Terrier is a generally healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Some of the potential health concerns include gastrointestinal tract sensitivity, dental problems, and hypoglycemia.

Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to detecting any health concerns early, and your vet can help you develop a care routine specific to your dog's needs. They can also help you manage sensitive stomachs and prevent dental issues.

A balanced diet, proper exercise, and regular grooming are essential to maintaining your Biewer Terrier's overall health and well-being. Here are some key health and care tips to keep in mind:

  • Gastrointestinal Tract Sensitivity: Feed high-quality foods and monitor for signs of vomiting, diarrhea, or gastrointestinal distress.
  • Dental Problems: Brush their teeth regularly and schedule professional cleanings to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.
  • Hypoglycemia: Feed frequent small meals and monitor for signs of weakness, seizures, or collapse.
  • Nail and ear care: Trim their nails regularly and check their ears for wax and debris buildup.

Health

As a Biewer Terrier owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your furry friend. Regular check-ups with a reputable veterinarian who's familiar with the breed can help detect and manage these conditions.

Biewer Terriers can suffer from gastrointestinal tract sensitivity, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or gastrointestinal distress. A proper diet and feeding practices can help manage this sensitivity.

Terrier Dog being Groomed by a Professional Groomer
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Dental problems are another common issue in Biewer Terriers, including tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Regular dental care, including tooth brushing and professional cleanings, can help maintain their oral health.

Portosystemic shunt is a congenital condition where blood flow bypasses the liver, leading to a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream. This can cause symptoms like stunted growth, neurological problems, and gastrointestinal issues.

Biewer Terrier puppies are prone to hypoglycemia, which can result in weakness, seizures, or collapse. Frequent small meals can help prevent hypoglycemic episodes.

Some other potential health issues in Biewer Terriers include luxating patella, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, and eye conditions such as cataracts, retinal issues, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Regular eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist can help detect and manage these conditions.

Here are some common health issues in Biewer Terriers, along with their potential symptoms and management strategies:

  • Gastrointestinal Tract Sensitivity: vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal distress; manage with proper diet and feeding practices
  • Dental Problems: tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss; manage with regular dental care (tooth brushing and professional cleanings)
  • Portosystemic Shunt: stunted growth, neurological problems, gastrointestinal issues; manage with veterinary care
  • Hypoglycemia: weakness, seizures, collapse; manage with frequent small meals
  • Luxating Patella: lameness, discomfort; may require surgical intervention
  • Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease: pain, lameness; may require surgery
  • Eye Conditions: cataracts, retinal issues, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA); manage with regular eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist

Care

Regular veterinary checkups are crucial to detect any health concerns early in your Biewer Terrier. Your vet can help you develop a care routine specific to your dog's needs.

Selective Focus Photo of a White Terrier Dog
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This breed requires regular daily exercise to work off excess energy, or they may develop behavioral problems like digging and chewing.

Daily brushing is essential to prevent matting and tangled fur in your Biewer Terrier's long coat. You can also choose to shorten their coat to reduce brushing needs.

Trimming their nails regularly with a nail clipper or grinder is vital to avoid overgrowth, splitting, and cracking.

Biewer Feeding

Biewer Terrier Feeding is a crucial aspect of their overall health. An ideal Biewer Terrier diet should be formulated for a small breed with high energy.

Because they are a smaller breed, their GI system might be a little more sensitive than most dogs. This means you should stick to high-quality foods.

Stick to a regular feeding schedule with few treats in between. Overfeeding can lead to weight gain in these pups.

Their dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years.

If this caught your attention, see: German Shorthaired Pointer Feeding Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of a Biewer Terrier?

The average cost of a Biewer Terrier is between $2,000 and $3,000. This price range includes the initial purchase cost, but may not account for ongoing expenses and care.

What are the disqualifications of a Biewer Terrier?

Biewer Terriers are disqualified if they have unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism, or exhibit viciousness or extreme shyness. These conditions can affect their temperament and overall health, making them unsuitable for breeding or registration.

Robin Morissette

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Robin Morissette is a versatile and engaging writer with a passion for crafting compelling content. With a keen eye for detail and a love for storytelling, Robin brings a unique perspective to their writing. Their portfolio showcases a range of topics, from in-depth explorations of the Havanese breed, to informative articles on canine origins.

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