The Biewer Terrier is a small, affectionate dog that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their long, silky coat.
Biewer Terriers have a moderate energy level, requiring daily walks and playtime to stay happy and healthy.
They weigh between 4.8 and 13 pounds, making them a great companion for apartment dwellers or families with small children.
To keep your Biewer Terrier's coat in top condition, brush them daily with a pin brush or slicker brush, paying extra attention to areas where matting is most likely to occur.
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Physical Characteristics
Full grown Biewer terriers typically weigh between 4-8 pounds and measure 7-11 inches tall.
Their coats are fine, straight, and silky, with two possible color combinations: white, blue, and black, or white, black, and gold/tan. The coloration is a result of the pre-existing recessive piebald gene.
Biewer terriers have a full tail that plumes over the back, which is a distinguishing feature from their parent breed, the Yorkshire terrier.
They generally have a bit more muscle and sturdier bones than a Yorkie, and their fur is not as sparse or thin as a Yorkie's.
Biewer terriers come in two coats: the longer, fancier show coat or the shorter, scruffier puppy cut.
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Temperament and Behavior
Biewer Terriers are incredibly social dogs that form strong bonds with their owners and are generally friendly towards strangers.
They crave human companionship and thrive on interaction and engagement with their human counterparts, making them suitable for families with children and active adults.
Biewer Terriers are energetic dogs that love to play and go on walks, which can be a great addition to an active home but may be too much for less active households.
They are also incredibly observant, which can sometimes manifest as excessive barking at strangers, but socialization can help reduce this trait.
Biewer Terriers are intelligent dogs that can pick up on commands quickly, but they can be stubborn and require consistent training.
They are excellent lap dogs and are very attuned to their owner's well-being, often jumping up to provide comfort and snuggles.
Despite their small size, Biewer Terriers require regular exercise and some grooming, making them a moderate-maintenance breed.
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They are generally gentle and not particularly aggressive, but socialization and supervision around children are still essential to ensure a harmonious household.
Biewer Terriers are prone to separation anxiety, so it's essential to teach them how to be alone from a young age to prevent problems later on.
Their small size also means they can be easily injured by overzealous toddlers or larger dogs, making supervision crucial when interacting with children or other pets.
Health and Care
As a Biewer Terrier owner, you'll want to be aware of the potential health issues that can arise. Biewer Terriers can suffer from tracheal collapse, bladder stones, patellar luxation, congenital portosystemic shunt, and hypoglycemia.
Regular grooming is essential to keep your Biewer Terrier's coat clean and healthy. Daily brushing and twice-monthly baths are recommended for long show coats, while shorter coats require less frequent grooming.
Frequent baths can dry out your Biewer Terrier's skin and cause dandruff, so it's best to limit them to once a month or as needed. Regular nail clipping and brushing of your dog's teeth are also important to prevent health problems.
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Care
Your Biewer terrier's grooming needs will depend on how long you keep her fur. Daily brushing is recommended for long show coats, while shorter puppy cuts require brushing every few days.
Bathing your Biewer terrier too often can dry out her skin and cause dandruff, so limit baths to twice a month for long coats and maybe a monthly bath for shorter coats.
You'll also need to clip your dog's nails whenever you start to hear them click-clack on hard floors, and brush her teeth regularly to prevent dental disease. Daily brushing can help remove tangles and distribute natural oils, reducing the need for frequent bathing.
Some owners choose to get their Biewer terrier's face, paws, and underbelly trimmed for convenience and to keep the dog cleaner, but this is not necessary.
Here's a quick rundown of your Biewer terrier's grooming needs:
- Brushing: daily for long coats, every few days for shorter coats
- Bathing: twice a month for long coats, maybe a monthly bath for shorter coats
- Nail trimming: whenever you hear your dog's nails clicking on hard floors
- Dental care: brush teeth regularly, ideally daily
By following these grooming tips, you'll be able to keep your Biewer terrier looking and feeling her best.
Health
The Biewer Terrier is a breed that can be prone to several health issues. One of the most concerning is tracheal collapse, which can cause breathing difficulties and is often age-related.
Bladder stones are another potential issue, and they can be quite painful for your Biewer Terrier. If you notice your dog straining to urinate or showing signs of discomfort, it's essential to take them to the vet right away.
Patellar luxation is a common issue in small breeds like the Biewer Terrier, where the kneecap slips out of place. This can be painful and may require surgery to correct.
Congenital portosystemic shunt is a rare condition that affects the liver and can cause a range of symptoms, including vomiting and seizures. If you suspect your Biewer Terrier has this condition, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is another potential issue in Biewer Terriers, especially if they miss a meal or exercise too much. Keep an eye on your dog's food intake and make sure they're getting regular meals to prevent this from happening.
Food Requirements
Biewer Terriers are small dogs that require a balanced and complete dog food, specifically formulated for small breeds. They can do just fine on commercial dog food, but it's essential to choose a food that's designed for their size.
Their kibble pieces should be small enough for them to eat easily, and for smaller Biewer Terriers, wet food may be a better option. This is because the vast majority of kibble can be too big for them to eat.
Puppies require frequent feeding, with at least four meals a day for the smallest ones. This is because they can be prone to hypoglycemia if they don't eat enough, as their smaller size only allows them to consume a small amount of food at a time.
Adults can often eat two meals a day, but some very small terriers may still need three meals.
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Terrier Characteristics
The Biewer Terrier is a small but mighty dog breed. They typically weigh between 4 to 8 pounds and stand 7 to 11 inches tall.
These little dogs are known for their affectionate nature and are suitable for families with children, seniors, and those in apartments. They're also great companions for first-time dog owners.
Biewer Terriers are intelligent dogs, ranking high in intelligence, and are relatively easy to train. They require regular exercise, but their medium energy level makes them a great hiking companion.
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Origin of Terriers
The Biewer Terrier's origin is a topic of debate, with some believing it's a variation of the Yorkshire Terrier, while others think it's a distinct breed.
The Biewer Terrier takes its name from Werner and Gertrud Biewer, Yorkshire Terrier breeders in Germany, who began producing tricolor Yorkies in the 1980s.
It's unknown whether the Biewer Terrier is the only breed to remain unrecognized in its country of origin, but it's definitely gaining recognition in the U.S.
Mars Veterinary geneticists determined that the Biewer Terrier is a bonafide breed, stemming from the dominant traits of four others – Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, and Havanese/Bichon Frise – in a groundbreaking 2007 study.
These findings sparked a division among breeders, with some still convinced the Biewer Terrier is just a Yorkie with a recessive piebald gene.
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Breed Recognized by AKC
The American Kennel Club (AKC) has a long history of recognizing different breeds, and some have taken longer than others to get the nod. The AKC didn't recognize this particular breed until 2014.
The breed was placed in the Toy Group, which is a category of small-sized dogs. This was a significant milestone for the breed.
The AKC's recognition process has traditionally relied on pedigree, but this breed was one of the first to be recognized through genetic study. This new approach has opened up opportunities for other breeds to be recognized.
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Terriers
The Biewer terrier is a newer breed that gained American Kennel Club (AKC) recognition in early 2021, and it's pronounced like the semiaquatic rodent: "beaver." They're a direct descendant of the Yorkshire terrier, established in Germany in the mid-1980s.
Biewers are adaptable dogs that thrive in various environments, from apartments to farms, and they love the snow, beach, and hiking as much as they love being indoors.
They're intelligent and decently obedient, but they do require regular exercise and a lot of grooming, especially if you keep them in a full long silky coat.
Biewers are generally healthy, but they can be prone to sensitive gastrointestinal systems, which can be controlled with a good diet. They also need to avoid certain grooming practices, such as teasing their hair to make poofs on the forehead or putting a ponytail in the middle of their forehead.
Their temperament is friendly and outgoing, making them a great fit for families with children, seniors, and those in apartments. They're also good with cats, dogs, and other pets.
Here are some key characteristics of the Biewer terrier breed:
Owning a Dog
The Biewer terrier is a great breed for families, as they get along with cats, children, dogs, and seniors alike.
They're also a good choice for first-time dog owners, as they're typically well-behaved and easy to train.
These little dogs are intelligent, with a high intelligence level, which makes them relatively easy to train.
Their small size, weighing between 4 to 8 pounds, makes them a great companion for apartment living.
With a lifespan of 16 to 16 years, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy your Biewer's loving personality.
Their calm energy level and low drool amount make them a great choice for people who don't want a high-maintenance pet.
Here are some key characteristics to consider when thinking about owning a Biewer terrier:
Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them a joy to be around, but they can be a bit willful at times.
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 initial investment can vary depending on several factors, including breeder reputation and bloodline.
Are Biewer Terriers good pets?
Biewer Terriers make excellent family pets due to their loyal and friendly nature. They are also energetic and athletic, making them a great fit for active families or individuals.
Sources
- The Complete Guide for Biewer Terrier: The essential guide to being a perfect owner and having an obedient, healthy, and happy Biewer Terrier (amazon.com)
- Biewer Terrier. Biewer Terrier Complete Owners Manual. Biewer Terrier book for care, costs, feeding, grooming, health and training (barnesandnoble.com)
- "Biewer Terrier" (petmd.com)
- "Biewer Yorkshire Terrier | Informational Center" (yorkieinfocenter.com)
- "American Kennel Club decrees the Biewer terrier an official breed" (aaha.org)
- "The Biewer a' la Pom Pon" (nationalpurebreddogday.com)
- "AKC Biewer Terrier History" (windsongbiewers.com)
- "Biewer Terrier History | From Germany to America" (biewerterrierclubofamerica.org)
- Biewer Terrier - Dog Breeds - American Kennel Club (akc.org)
- Biewer Terrier Club of America (biewerterrierclubofamerica.org)
- Biewer Terrier Club of America (biewerterrierclubofamerica.org)
- https://a-z-animals.com/animals/biewer-terrier/ (a-z-animals.com)
- https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/biewer-terrier (dogtime.com)
- https://dogacademy.org/breeds/biewer-terrier (dogacademy.org)
- Biewer Terrier Club of America (BTCA) (biewerterrierclubofamerica.org)
- breed standard (biewerterrierclubofamerica.org)
- according to the BTCA (biewerterrierclubofamerica.org)
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