The Biewer Terrier is a unique and adorable breed, but it comes with a price tag. The initial cost of a Biewer Terrier can range from $1,500 to $10,000.
One thing to consider is the cost of owning a Biewer Terrier in the long run. They require regular grooming, which can add up to $500 to $700 per year.
Biewer Terriers are relatively small dogs, weighing between 7 and 18 pounds, but they still need regular veterinary care. This includes annual check-ups, vaccinations, and potential health issues that may arise.
Their average lifespan is 12 to 15 years, which means you'll need to budget for their care for many years to come.
Biewer Terrier Cost
The Biewer Terrier cost can vary depending on several factors, but on average, you can expect to pay between $1,500 to $7,000.
Biewer Terriers are a rare breed, which contributes to their higher price tag. They require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their long coat, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
A puppy from a reputable breeder can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000. This price includes the initial purchase price, as well as the costs associated with breeding and raising the puppy.
Health clearances for the parents of the puppy can add several hundred dollars to the overall cost. This is a crucial step in ensuring the puppy's health and reducing the risk of inherited diseases.
In addition to the initial purchase price, you'll also need to factor in ongoing expenses such as food, veterinary care, and supplies. These costs can range from $500 to $1,000 per year, depending on your Biewer Terrier's age, size, and health status.
Show-quality Biewer Terriers can command a higher price, often ranging from $4,000 to $7,000. These dogs have been bred to meet specific breed standards and have the desired appearance and temperament.
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Biewer Terrier Characteristics
The Biewer Terrier is a small, friendly dog with a big personality. They typically weigh between 7-10 pounds and stand between 8-11 inches tall.
Their coat is one of their most distinctive features, with a three-layered texture that requires regular grooming. The Biewer Terrier's coat can be a variety of colors, including black, white, and gold.
These little dogs are known for their outgoing and affectionate nature, making them a great companion for families and first-time dog owners.
Origin
The Biewer Terrier originated in Hunstruck, Germany on January 20, 1984.
Gertrud and Werner Biewer, passionate Yorkshire Terrier lovers, bred two Yorkshire Terriers with recessive piebald genes to create the breed.
The Biewer Terrier's name comes from its creators, Werner and Gertrud Biewer, who were Yorkshire Terrier breeders in Germany.
In the 1980s, Werner and Gertrud Biewer began producing tricolor Yorkies, which they referred to as black and white Yorkshire Terriers and later as the Biewer Yorkshire.
The German Kennel Club did not recognize the Biewer Yorkshire as a separate breed.
It's interesting to note that the Biewer Terrier's genetic makeup was discovered through a 2007 DNA study by Mars Veterinary geneticists, who found that it was a bonafide breed stemming from the dominant traits of four others – Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, and Havanese/Bichon Frise.
This study made the Biewer Terrier the first breed in history to be recognized as a purebred as a result of a genetic study.
Appearance
The Biewer terrier is a small dog, typically weighing between 4–8 lb (1.8–3.6 kg) and standing 7–11 in (18–28 cm) tall.
Their fine, straight, silky coat is a defining feature of this breed. They come in two color combinations: white, blue, and black, or white, black, and gold/tan.
The Biewer terrier's tail is not traditionally docked, unlike some other breeds. This means it grows naturally and is an integral part of their overall appearance.
The coloration of the Biewer terrier is a result of a pre-existing recessive piebald gene. This gene is responsible for the unique color patterns found in this breed.
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Size
The Biewer Terrier is relatively small, basically comparable to the size of their forefather breed, the Yorkshire Terrier.
Most Biewer Terriers weigh in the range of four to eight pounds, which is a compact size that's easy to manage.
They range in height between seven to eleven inches fully grown, making them a great choice for city living or for families with small spaces.
Terrier Care and History
The Biewer Terrier is a naturally active breed that requires regular daily exercise to work off their excess energy, which can lead to behavioral problems like digging and chewing if not met.
Their long coats need daily brushing to prevent matting and tangled fur, and you can choose to shorten their coat to reduce the need for brushing.
Regular nail trimming with a nail clipper or grinder is essential to avoid overgrowth, splitting, and cracking, and their ears should be checked regularly to avoid a buildup of wax and debris that can lead to infections.
You'll also need to brush your Biewer Terrier's teeth regularly, as small breeds like these are more prone to dental issues.
Ongoing Expenses
Terrier owners can expect to spend around $50 to $75 per month on food, which is relatively low compared to other breeds.
Terriers are prone to dental issues, so regular dental care is essential, including brushing their teeth daily and providing dental chews.
A good quality dog food can cost between $20 to $50 per month, depending on the size and age of the dog.
Terrier owners should also budget for regular grooming, which can range from $30 to $90 per session.
Many terrier owners find that their dogs require more frequent nail trimming due to their active lifestyle.
Terrier owners can also expect to spend around $10 to $20 per month on treats and snacks.
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Terrier History
The Biewer Terrier originated in Hunstruck, Germany on January 20, 1984 after two Yorkshire Terriers with recessive piebald genes were bred by Gertrud and Werner Biewer.
Gertrud and Werner Biewer were passionate Yorkshire Terrier lovers who raised and bred them for 20 years, and only stumbled upon the Biewer Terrier breed after noticing the recessive piebald gene their Yorkshire inherited.
The Biewer Terrier breed fell in popularity by the year 2000 in Germany, and the number of breeders dropped significantly.
However, the breed enjoyed renewed popularity once these dogs were brought to America, where it was recognized as a full, pure breed in the Toy Group by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2021.
Mrs. Biewer joined the Biewer Terrier Club of America in 2007 to support the breeders' goals for her namesake breed, which had been determined to be a bonafide breed through a genetic study by Mars Veterinary geneticists.
Terrier Care
Biewer Terriers are surprisingly energetic, so they need regular playtime and exercise to stay happy and healthy.
A daily walk or active indoor play is a must to burn off their excess energy. Without enough exercise, they may develop behavioral problems like digging and chewing.
Their long, silky coats require daily brushing to prevent matting and tangled fur. You can also choose to shorten their coat, which would reduce the need for brushing.
Their nails should be trimmed regularly with a nail clipper or grinder to avoid overgrowth, splitting, and cracking. Their ears should be checked regularly to avoid a buildup of wax and debris, which can result in an infection.
Biewer Terriers are prone to dental issues, so their teeth should be brushed regularly. Your vet can help you form a brushing routine and give you further instructions on dental care at home.
The Biewer Terrier's unique tricolor coat comes in three color combinations: chocolate, tan, and white; black, tan, and white; and blue, tan, and white.
Here's a quick rundown of their grooming needs:
- Daily brushing to prevent matting and tangled fur
- Regular nail trimming to avoid overgrowth
- Regular ear checks to avoid infections
- Regular teeth brushing to prevent dental issues
Sources
- Biewer Terrier Club of America (BTCA) (biewerterrierclubofamerica.org)
- breed standard (biewerterrierclubofamerica.org)
- Biewer Terrier Club of America (biewerterrierclubofamerica.org)
- Biewer Terrier. Biewer Terrier Complete Owners Manual. Biewer Terrier book for care, costs, feeding, grooming, health and training (barnesandnoble.com)
- "AKC Biewer Terrier History" (windsongbiewers.com)
- Gertrud and Werner Biewer (biewerbca.org)
- Biewer Terrier diet (petguide.com)
- Biewer Terrer Club of America Rescue (biewerterrierclubofamerica.org)
- Biewer Terrier Club of America (biewerterrierclubofamerica.org)
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