The Biewer Terrier is a relatively new breed that's quickly gaining popularity among dog enthusiasts. The breed was developed in the 1990s by German breeder Werner Biewer.
They are often referred to as "hypoallergenic" dogs, but what does that really mean? The Biewer Terrier has a low-shedding coat that produces less dander, making them a good choice for people with allergies.
With their low-shedding coat, the Biewer Terrier requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. This can be a fun bonding experience for owners, but it does require some effort.
Broaden your view: Hypoallergenic Dog Breed
What is a Biewer Terrier?
A Biewer Terrier is a small dog breed that has hair instead of fur, which makes it a great choice for people with dog allergies.
They are known for their playful and friendly personalities, and are often described as loyal to their owners.
Biewer Terriers are highly social dogs that form strong bonds with humans.
They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Their small size makes them a great fit for people who live in apartments or small homes.
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Biewer Terrier Characteristics
Biewer Terriers have hair instead of fur, which means they shed less dander and hair, reducing the likelihood of triggering an allergic reaction.
Their playful and friendly personalities make them a joy to be around, and their small size makes them a great choice for apartment or small home dwellers.
Biewer Terriers are loyal to their owners and can form strong bonds with humans, which is a testament to their affectionate nature.
They require regular exercise and mental stimulation, but their high energy level makes them a great companion for active owners.
Intriguing read: Do Hypoallergenic Dogs Have Hair or Fur
Size and Appearance
The Biewer Terrier is a tiny breed, weighing between 4 and 8 pounds.
They're quite small, standing about 7 to 11 inches tall when fully grown.
Males and females tend to be about the same size, which is one of the reasons this breed is so adorable.
Biewer Terriers have long hair that's straight and floor-length most of the time, with shorter hair on their faces.
Their small, flat heads have medium-sized dark eyes that are always full of curiosity.
Their ears are pointy and erect, adding to their cute factor.
Biewer Terriers have rounded feet with white or black toenails, and their legs and tail are covered in soft, silky hair.
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Coat & Colors
Biewer Terriers have a unique and striking coat that's a major part of their charm. Their coats tend to grow very long and look very posh, similar to a Yorkshire Terrier with long, silken hair.
One significant difference between Biewer Yorkies and traditional Yorkshires is the amount of white hair in their coats. Biewer Yorkies have three coat colors and a lot of white hair, while Yorkshires have only two colors and no white hair.
Biewer Terriers come in several different color combinations, including black, tan, and white, and chocolate, tan, and white. They also come in colors like blue and cream.
Their coats are always tricolored, meaning they have three distinct colors. This is a result of the Piebald mutation that affects their coat pattern.
Here are some of the most common coat colors found in Biewer Terriers:
- Black, tan, and white
- Chocolate, tan, and white
- Blue and cream
Biewer Terriers do not shed much, making them a great choice for people with allergies or sensitivities to hair and dirt. Some owners prefer their Biewer Yorkies to have a shorter coat, and may trim the floor-length mane to suit their preference.
Hypoallergenic Properties
Biewer Terriers have a unique characteristic that makes them a great choice for people with dog allergies: they have hair instead of fur, which reduces the likelihood of triggering an allergic reaction.
This means they shed less dander and hair, making them a hypoallergenic breed.
Their hypoallergenic properties make them a great option for people who want to own a dog but have allergies.
Biewer Terriers are small in size, which is another advantage for people who live in apartments or small homes.
Health and Grooming
Biewer Terriers are a generally healthy breed, but they do require regular medical and dental care to stay in top health. They can live about 12 to 16 years.
Their sensitive digestive system is a common concern, and GI tract issues are a common issue in this breed. As a relative of the Yorkshire Terrier, they may also be prone to some of the same health issues.
To keep their coat in tip-top condition, Biewer Terriers require daily brushing and professional grooming every few months. They need regular grooming supplies, including high-quality canine shampoo, detangler, conditioner, pin brush, and wide-toothed metal comb.
Some owners choose to have their dog's coats cut shorter to avoid matting, which can occur quickly with this breed. Regular grooming also helps to promote healthy growth and reduces tangles.
Here are some essential grooming supplies to keep on hand:
- High-quality canine shampoo
- Detangler
- Conditioner
- Pin brush
- Wide-toothed metal comb
- Patience
Remember to regularly check your pup's ears for wax buildup and clean any discharge from her eyes when grooming. Also, inspect and trim her footpads and toenails as needed to keep her in good health.
Grooming
Grooming is a crucial part of Biewer Terrier care, and it's essential to establish a regular routine from an early age.
Daily brushing is a must to prevent matting, and even skipping a few days can lead to a messy fur situation. Professional grooming every few months can help keep their coat in top condition.
On a similar theme: Boston Terrier Grooming
Grooming is a great way to bond with your pet, and making it a routine can make the process enjoyable for both you and your dog. This breed requires regular grooming and daily brushing, regardless of coat type.
Bathing your Biewer Terrier every week will keep their coat clean and soft, promoting healthy growth and reducing tangles. Using canine haircare products is a must, as human products can contain ingredients that cause discomfort.
Some essential grooming supplies include high-quality canine shampoo, detangler, conditioner, pin brush, wide-toothed metal comb, and plenty of patience. Regularly checking your pup's ears for wax buildup and cleaning discharge from their eyes is also crucial.
To keep their hairy footpads in good health, regular inspection, cleaning, and trimming are necessary. Don't forget to inspect and trim your canine's toenails as needed to prevent discomfort and pain.
Here are some essential grooming supplies you'll need:
- High-quality canine shampoo
- Detangler
- Conditioner
- Pin brush
- Wide-toothed metal comb
- Patience
Health
Biewer Terriers are a generally healthy breed, living about 12 to 16 years with proper care. Regular medical and dental care is essential to keep them in top health.
Their small size means they're prone to some health issues, including a sensitive digestive system. This can lead to problems like diarrhea and soft or discolored stool.
Some common health concerns in Biewer Terriers include diarrhea, soft or discolored stool, and bladder stones. They can also be prone to Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, Patellar luxation, and dental concerns.
Here's a list of potential health issues to watch out for:
- Diarrhea
- Soft or discolored stool
- Bladder stones
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
- Patellar luxation
- Dental concerns
- Bladder stones
- Dislocated kneecaps
- Joint issues
- Injury
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
It's essential to monitor your pet's health regularly and seek veterinary care if you notice any persistent issues.
Biewer Terrier Care and Maintenance
To provide your Biewer Terrier with the best care, they'll need a safe and comfortable home with regular medical check-ups, vaccinations, and treatments. Make sure to stay on top of these appointments, especially when they're young.
Your Biewer Terrier will be very affectionate and social, so they'll need plenty of attention and playtime. They're highly energetic, so a daily walk and some fun play sessions are a must. They can get hurt if play gets too rough, so keep things fun and safe.
They'll also need regular access to toys and grooming, and a high level of attention and care in general. Crate training can be helpful to keep them out of trouble when you're not home. With lots of TLC, your Biewer Terrier will thrive.
Living Conditions & Care
Providing a safe, clean, and comfortable home for your Biewer Terrier is essential. A Biewer Terrier will need a lot of attention, and they are highly social dogs that crave love and attention.
They are well-suited for apartment living, as they don't need a lot of outside room. You can keep them happy in smaller homes.
A Biewer Terrier is an active breed and will need an outlet for all that energy. They can get hurt if play gets too energetic, so keep things fun while making sure they don't get stepped on or injured.
Regular access to toys and daily walks is necessary for a Biewer Terrier. They also need regular grooming.
Your pup will need regular medical care, vaccinations, and treatments. Ensure these are all up to date and that you consult your veterinarian about any health or behavior concerns.
Crate training can be helpful for Biewer Terriers, as they feel secure in the crate, and it keeps them out of trouble when you are asleep or not home.
A Biewer Terrier needs daily exercise, entertainment, attention, and grooming. Make sure they have lots of love and a place to feel safe.
You will need to visit the vet every few weeks when your dog is young and then every few months after that.
Nutrition
The Biewer Terrier's nutritional needs are unique, and it's essential to feed them a balanced diet to stay healthy. A low-protein diet is recommended.
Dry food, or kibble, is a great option for Biewer Terriers. Wet food can be high in fat, leading to plaque buildup and weight gain.
You can feed your Biewer Terrier on a schedule or freely, but keep a close eye on weight gain if they're free-feeding. Smaller breeds like Biewer Terriers gain weight quickly, and even a pound can be a concern.
Poor nutrition can lead to a degradation of your pup's coat, so if you notice changes, talk to your veterinarian about their diet.
Additional reading: Border Terrier Size and Weight
Biewer Terrier Ownership
Biewer Terriers are a great choice for people with allergies, as they have hair instead of fur, reducing the likelihood of triggering an allergic reaction.
They are small in size, making them a good fit for apartment living or small homes. Their playful and friendly personalities also make them a great addition to any family.
Biewer Terriers are highly social dogs that crave love and attention, so be prepared to spend plenty of time with your pet. They will be very affectionate with their owners and form strong bonds with humans.
To provide your Biewer Terrier with a happy and healthy life, you'll need to provide regular medical care, vaccinations, and treatments. Expect to visit the vet every few weeks when your dog is young and then every few months after that.
Crate training can be helpful for these little dogs, as they feel secure in the crate, and it keeps them out of trouble when you're asleep or not home.
Suggestion: Every Hypoallergenic Dog Breed
Breeders & Costs
Biewer Terriers are a rare and expensive breed, with prices ranging from $1,500 to $4,000 or more depending on the quality of the dog.
Companion puppies can be found for around $1,500 to $3,000, while show quality dogs cost much more, often exceeding $4,000.
You may have to wait in line to get a Biewer Terrier, as they are highly sought after, so it's essential to check with reputable breeders and organizations like the Biewer Terrier Club of America and the AKC Marketplace.
To ensure you're getting a purebred pup, research the breeder thoroughly and ask questions, such as seeing the parent dogs or a previous litter, which can give you insight into the breeder's experience and history.
Be cautious of pet stores or breeders who may be running puppy mills, and watch out for less reputable breeders trying to pass off mixed breeds as purebred Biewer Terriers.
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Rescues & Shelters
If you're considering adopting a Biewer Terrier, you may be able to find one through a rescue or shelter. These organizations work to find homes for Biewer Terriers in need.
While it's not common to find a purebred Biewer Terrier in a city animal shelter or rescue, several groups are devoted to caring for this breed. The price of a shelter or rescue dog will be much lower than that of a breeder.
Retired show dogs often find their way to rescues or shelters and make excellent companions for folks looking to adopt an older dog. Some rescue groups also work to help find homes for Yorkies and other Terrier breeds.
If you're interested in adopting a Biewer Terrier from a shelter or rescue, here are some resources to consider:
- The Biewer Terrier Rescue Association
- United Yorkie Rescue
- Save A Yorkie Rescue
Sources
- anti-allergen shampoo (amazon.com)
- considered to be a terrier (vcahospitals.com)
- Breed Spotlight: What is a Biewer Terrier? (substack.com)
- Biewer Terrier Club of America (biewerterrierclubofamerica.org)
- our club’s website (biewerterrierclubofamerica.org)
- dog allergy (healthline.com)
- isn’t actually an allergen (aafa.org)
- Reddit (reddit.com)
- Biewer Terrier Club of America (biewerterrierclubofamerica.org)
- The Biewer Terrier Rescue Association (biewerterrierclubofamerica.org)
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