The Biewer Terrier breed is relatively new to the world of dogs, as it was produced when a recessive gene from a pair of Yorkshire Terriers originated from a single puppy.
Typically Yorkies are slate gray and light brown or cream, so this pale breed puppy intrigued and delighted German breeders Werner and Gertrud Biewer , who decided to selectively start breeding dogs with the ultimate goal of creating more puppies with attractive coat color.
Today, although they are still quite unknown in most parts of the world, aside from Yorkshire Terrier enthusiasts , these charming little dogs with their beautiful coats are starting to make an impact on the canine world thanks to their charming looks and friendly nature. , loyal and loving.
The Biewer Terrier is the perfect companion for people of all ages because they are never too demanding .
History of the Biewer Terrier breed
Biewer Terriers were first developed in Germany , when Yorkshire Terrier breeders Mr. and Mrs. Biewer found an unusual puppy in 1984 in one of their litters. The puppy had a recessive genetic gene that resulted in a very unique coat color.
The breeders named the puppy Schneefloeckchen von Friedheck, which translated from German means “Snowflake.
Mr. and Mrs. Biewer found the puppy to be quite beautiful and began a careful and selective breeding program with the ultimate goal of producing more of these pastel colored puppies.
They decided to name the dogs that boasted of having white markings “Biewer Yorkshire Terriers à la Pom Pon” and continued with their breeding program. In 1989, the Biewer was officially recognized by the Allgemeiner Club der Hundefreunde Deutschland (ACH), the German equivalent of the Kennel Club.
It wasn’t until 2003 that the Biewer Terrier was introduced to the American canine scene, where they were immediately successful. However, a great controversy began when American breeders began crossing Biewers with Yorkshire Terriers, which was considered incorrect as both the official Biewer and Yorkshire Terrier clubs were already established as two separate breeds.
Breeders in the United States named their dogs “Biewer Yorkies” and made their case for continuing to do so.
The geneticists who worked at Mars Veterinary conducted a study that established that the Biewer Terrier is, in fact, a breed in its own right and that they are definitely not a variety of the Yorkshire Terriers . Based on the results of the research, a new breed standard was developed with the breed registered as Biewer Terriers.
In 2014, the American Kennel Club accepted the Biewer Terrier as a founding breed, although not all breeders in the US agree with the standard or breed name that they prefer to call their dogs Biewer Yorkshire a la Pom Pon, Biewer or Biewer Yorkie.
With this said, breeders are still not encouraged to cross Biewer Terriers with Yorkshire Terriers as a way to preserve the true pedigree of the breed.
Today, although less well known than the Yorkshire Terrier, the Biewer Terrier has found a large fan base in the UK and other parts of the world.
Prospective owners may need to go on a waiting list for the pleasure of sharing their homes with one of these charming little dogs and it is important to ask breeders about the ancestry of a Biewer Terrier to ensure both parents are Biewers and that do not have a Yorkshire Terrier in their bloodlines.
Interesting facts about the breed
- Is the Biewer Terrier a vulnerable breed? No, they have quickly become one of the most popular small breeds in the UK and other parts of the world, although anyone wanting to get a Biewer Terrier would have to register their interest with breeders and go on a waiting list.
- The Biewer Terrier arose by accident when German breeders found a uniquely colored puppy in a litter of Yorkshire Terriers
- The breed was originally called Biewer Yorkshire Terriers à la Pom Pon, but the name was changed because ‘à la Pom Pon’ was only added for fun
- The ‘Yorkshire’ was removed from the breed’s name when the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club
- Biewer Terriers owe their unique pica coloration to a recessive gene
- Before the law on tail docking came into effect, Biewer Terriers had their tail docked. However, the law prohibiting the procedure came into effect in 2007, which means that tail docking is now illegal, with the exception of some working breeds and if a dog suffers from some type of health problem that requires the docking of their tails. The procedure must be agreed upon and authorized before being performed by a qualified veterinarian.
Highlights of the breed
Positive
- Biewer Terriers are loving, loyal, and affectionate by nature.
- They have low coats and do not require a lot of maintenance.
- They are very adaptable to be as happy in an apartment as in a house.
- They are very playful and thrive in human company.
- They are highly intelligent and in the right hands, easy to train.
- They are usually very playful and keep up very well in their later years.
Negative
- Biewer Terriers, like many small breeds, are difficult to handle.
- They have a high prey drive
- They are pretty high maintenance on the toilet front.
- They can be very fussy like the sound of their own voices.
- They suffer from separation anxiety if left alone.
Appearance
Height: males 22 cm, females 22 cm.
Average weight: 3.1 kg males, 3.1 kg females.
The Biewer is a typical toy terrier in appearance with luxurious silky hair that hangs directly from the middle of its back on either side of its body, as well as from the underside of the skull and the full length of the tail.
Head
They are compact, neat little dogs and their bodies are slightly longer than they are tall. Their heads are very rounded and the dogs have a moderate stop.
The muzzles are short and neat, the Biewers have a perfect scissor bite as their upper teeth carefully overlap their lower ones.
Their eyes are medium in size and dark brown with an almond shape or round with black edges, which is why these dogs always boast of having a sharp and intelligent appearance around them.
The ears are V-shaped and small; they are completely covered with hairs arranged in a careful upright position. They are spaced moderately apart and over the back of the dog’s head, adding a plus to its charming appearance.
Body
Their necks are quite long in relation to the rest of their bodies , allowing these little terriers to carry their heads high. His neck blends perfectly with the shoulders of a dog.
They have perfectly straight and muscular front legs that are well covered with hair . Their lines of support are level and the dogs have a pleasant width between their chests and moderately well sprung ribs.
The loins are short, but powerful, and their bellies are slightly hidden , adding to the Biewers’ athletic appearance. The hind legs are straight and well covered with hair.
Their feet are round and the nails can be white or black. Their tails are well covered with long hair that forms a plume that dogs carry high with a curve to it.
Fur
When it comes to its coat, the Biewer Terrier can boast of having a long, silky, luxurious and flowing coat with a super soft texture . The hair on a Biewer’s head is long and people usually tie themselves in a top knot. These adorable little dogs can be one of the following colors:
- Black and white with a gold / tan marking on the head and around the back.
- Blue and white with a gold / tan marking on the head and around the back.
Biewer Terriers can have white on their coats and their support lines should be blue or black.
Gait / movement
When a Biewer Terrier moves, they do so very delicately covering a lot of ground when they do so. Like a Yorkshire Terrier, they have a free gait and dogs keep their path lines well and straight when on the move.
Fouls
Prospective owners of a Biewer Terrier should be wary of any puppy or dog that shows some kind of exaggeration, either in its appearance or conformation, and that very small dogs often come with many health problems including painful dental problems, so it is better to avoid them.
A responsible breeder would always ensure that the puppies they produce are of good size and conformation and would avoid breeding small dogs for these reasons. Males must have both testicles fully descended into their scrotum.
Character and temperament
Biewer Terriers are known to be large dogs in the body of a very small dog. They are energetic, highly intelligent, loving, and incredibly loyal to their families . However, they can have a bit of a strong will, which is one of the reasons these little dogs need to be carefully taught who the head of a household is.
When they know their place within “home,” Biewers are generally well behaved and are fun to have around them .
They can stay a bit on the sidelines and be wary of strangers and are known to be a bit aggressive towards other animals, so they need to be well socialized from a young age. Biewers, like their Yorkshire Terrier cousins, can be happy with just about anything, but at times, they tend to adopt a pushy attitude and become very demanding if they are always allowed to get what they want.
The problem is that Biewers are very smart and therefore very good at getting what they want, using their charming and delicate looks to their advantage. That is, they tend to get away with things that a larger dog would not be allowed to do.
With that said, in the right hands and with the right amount of socialization and training, a Biewers can be taught how to behave and will prevent them from developing the famous ‘ Little Dog Syndrome ‘ which can make dogs neurotic and difficult. to breed.
Biewers have earned a reputation for being difficult to handle , but with patience, perseverance and understanding it is possible to teach these little terriers to do their business outside, it may just take a little longer than with other breeds.
They are a good choice of pets for those households where the children are older and therefore know how to behave around these small and fragile dogs.
Biewers are not the best option for families with young children or unruly children, as they can cause some problems, yet they are excellent companions for people of all ages.
They are known to be a bit aggressive towards other animals and this includes cats so they must be well socialized from a young age, although it would be a mistake to trust a Biewer with other smaller pets due to their ‘terrier’ characteristics.
They can also be aggressive towards other dogs, keeping in mind that Biewers have no idea how small they really are. As such, care should be taken when walking in a public place where other dogs are also made to walk.
Training
Biewers are very intelligent little dogs and are very fast when it comes to learning new things . However, this includes the good and the bad that owners should consider when sharing a home with a puppy or young dog.
The problem is that sometimes a Biewer is too smart for its own good and knows exactly how to wrap its owners around their little paws to get what they want . This can cause them to become more and more demanding, generating that in the blink of an eye they take control of the home and feel like the alpha dog.
Their training should start as early as possible and should be consistent so that the Biewers understand their place within and outside the family . The great importance of Biewer puppies being well socialized cannot be overstated in order for them to mature into confident, more open and calm adult dogs.
They are very sensitive by nature, especially when they go through their “puppy” stage, and as such do not respond well to any type of harsh correction or heavy-handed training methods.
However, they do respond well to positive reinforcement , but it is important not to overdo the “treats” because these small dogs tend to get fat too easily.
It is far better to offer fewer food rewards and make sure they are of high value rather than offering lower quality treats when a dog is doing something right, which is particularly important when it comes to training a Biewer Terrier.
Cleanliness
Biewers have long, silky, flowing coats , which are made of hair very much like human hair and as such do not shed in the same way as other dogs. Her hair also grows continuously throughout the year rather than in short bursts.
As such, they are fairly high maintenance when it comes to keeping things tidy. Their coats should be brushed every day to prevent matting and matting.
Your top knots should be brushed daily and also before being secured again to prevent hair from tearing and falling apart. It is also important to keep an eye on their backs and make sure they are clean, washing them when necessary.
Because Biewers are prone to dental problems , it is essential that your teeth are checked and cleaned every day so that if there is a problem it can be treated sooner rather than later.
If you want to reduce your visits to grooming centers or dog salons, you can easily trim the coat of this breed of dog from home , as long as you have the disposition and the minimum knowledge to do so.
Unlike other breeds, as mentioned above, Biewers, like their Yorkshire Terrier cousins, do not shed their coats in the same way as other dogs because their hair grows throughout the year .
It is also important to regularly check a dog’s ears and clean them when necessary. If too much wax builds up in a dog’s ears, it can lead to a painful infection that can be difficult to remove. In short, prevention is often easier than cure when it comes to ear infections.
Exercise
These beautiful dogs may be small in stature, but they are quite energetic dogs and as such need to be given the right amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation to be truly happy dogs.
Because they are so smart, if they are left in their homes or places of stay for an extended period of time, they will get bored easily and will find any way to keep busy or entertained.
This often prompts these energetic little dogs to develop unwanted attitudes, ranging from excessive barking to destructive actions within the home, and separation anxiety is common in these cute little dogs, so keep this in mind before breeding. a dog of this species.
A good 30 minute exercise is ideal, but being terriers, Biewers enjoy running around a safe yard most of the time to let off steam, just don’t forget to keep open spaces secured to prevent your pet from running away or running. some kind of risk.
The other thing to note that these small dogs feel cold and need to be under the warmth of a home, especially during the colder winter months, whether they are walking or running around a backyard.
Health
The average life expectancy of a Biewer Terrier is 12 to 15 years when properly cared for and fed a proper diet of good quality to suit their ages.
Like its Yorkshire Terrier cousins, the Biewer, although a relatively new breed is known to suffer from some hereditary and other health problems , they are worth getting to know if you want to share a home with one of these intrepid and loyal terriers. The most commonly seen health problems in the breed include the following:
- Hypoglycemia
- Den hypoplasia
- Legge-Calve-Perthes syndrome
- Portosystemic shunt
- Retinal dysplasia
- Patella Dysplacia
- Collapsed windpipe
- waterfalls
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) – dogs should have an eye test
- Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) – Dogs should have an eye exam
- Chiari Syringomyelia Malformation- dogs should be examined
- Eye infections
- Allergic dermatitis
- Alopecia
- Hypothyroidism
- Sensitivity to anesthesia.
It is also worth noting that when raised very young, the Biewer Terrier can suffer from health problems associated with its small size and conformation . This includes dental problems that see dogs retain their baby teeth because there is not enough room for them to enter a dog’s mouth and the problem must be corrected surgically.
Questions about the Biewer Terrier breed
Most breeders or people interested in raising a Biewer Terrier dog usually have the following questions about the breed:
Are the Biewer Terriers a good choice for inexperienced owners?
These dogs are the perfect choice for first time dog owners because they are so friendly and people oriented, they love nothing more than to please and entertain the people they love.
With that said, they are better suited to families with older children than to those with young children… as, due to their small size and delicate frame, they tend to be prone to injury.
They are wonderful companions for seniors because they are not overly demanding on the exercise front, although they do like to be kept entertained.
What about the prey drive of this breed?
Biewer Terriers may be small in stature, but they are still “terriers” and are always happy to chase anything that moves, including the cat next door.
Like a Yorkshire Terrier, they are tenacious and are never willing to give up once they decide to chase something, even when an animal or rodent is “on the ground.” As such, care should always be exercised when a Biewer Terrier is surrounded by pets and animals they do not yet know.
Does the Biewer Terrier require high levels of exercise?
This breed of dog has a very playful side to its nature and they love to entertain and have fun. They are very smart and quickly learn what pleases an owner. They also like to test the limits and take risks from time to time to see how much they can get away with and how much fun they can get.
Does the biewer terrier adapt easily to any environment?
Biewers are highly adaptable dogs and provided they are given enough daily physical exercise combined with so much mental stimulation to keep boredom from settling in, they are just as happy living in a city apartment as they are in a house in any urban or agrarian area of the world. country.
Does this breed suffer from separation anxiety?
Biewer Terriers thrive in human company and form strong bonds with their families. As such, dogs are never very happy when left alone for long periods of time.
They are better adapted to people who work from home and are comfortable in those homes where a person tends to be regularly, especially when everyone else is away, if they do not have human company, these dogs are optional to express anxiety by separation.
As is well known, this can lead to them being destructive in the home and barking incessantly, which is a dog’s way of relieving the stress they feel and a way of keeping themselves entertained.
Is excessive barking common in the Biewer Terrier?
This breed of dog, in particular, likes the sound of their own voices too much, which although it is something that can be fixed with good puppy socialization, the truth is that they love to bark for almost anything, but about everything, when they need or demand some attention.
Does the Biewer Terrier like water?
These dogs, unlike other breeds, are not particularly fond of water and because they are such small dogs, they can get cold quickly even in warm weather. So do not force them to swim, much less leave them alone in open spaces where they run the risk of being in contact with a lot of water or they could drown.
Are Biewer Terriers good watchdogs?
These dogs are fighters by nature, and this is due, in part, to the terrier breed that runs through their veins. They don’t realize how small they are, which means they are very effective “watchdogs” to keep around the house.
They are constantly on the alert for something to bark about and are always out of place to warn their owners when there are strangers or when something they don’t like is going on around them.
Like a Yorkshire Terrier, Biewers are tenacious and are never willing to give up so easily when they decide to do something that includes protecting their environment and their owners.
