What Does a Biewer Terrier Look Like?
These dogs are small but mighty, with a long and silky coat that is tricolored. The most common colors you will see on a Biewer Terrier are black, white, and tan. Their white patches come from their Piebald gene – the mutation that created this breed in the first place.
Biewer Terriers typically weigh between 4 and 8 pounds, making them one of the smallest terrier breeds. They typically stand at around 7 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder.
They have a rectangular head that is proportionate to their body and dark, almond-shaped eyes. Their small, black nose is another identifying feature of the breed. And don’t forget their long and fluffy tail that is often carried over their back!
What is a Biewer Terrier’s Temperament Like?
The Biewer Terrier is an energetic and playful breed, but they are also very loving and affectionate. They make great companion pets and do well in a wide range of households. They’re equally content playing or snuggling with their owners.
How Much Exercise do Biewer Terriers Need?
The Biewer Terrier is a relatively active breed, so they need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. A good walk or play session will usually suffice, but they will also enjoy playing fetch or going for a run.
As long as they get enough exercise, Biewer Terriers are perfectly content living in apartments or homes with or without backyards. They tend to be noisy, though, especially with strangers and dogs they don’t know.
How Easy Are They to Train?
These dogs are intelligent and easy to train. They are eager to please their owners and quick to learn new commands. However, they can be stubborn at times and may need some extra patience when training.
These dogs do well with positive reinforcement methods such as treats, praise, and belly rubs. It is important to be consistent when training a Biewer Terrier – if you give them an inch, they will definitely take a mile!
Are They Good With Kids?
Yes, Biewer Terriers are typically good with kids. They are playful and loving dogs that enjoy spending time with their families. However, because they are small dogs, they may be injured by young children who don’t know how to properly handle them. Make sure to supervise playtime between your kids and pets at all times.
Will They Get Along with Another Dog, or a Cat?
Biewers generally get along well with other pets, including dogs and cats. Still, they can be pretty active and may chase smaller animals if they are not properly trained. It is important to socialize your Biewer Terrier from a young age so that they know how to properly interact with other animals.
The Health and Lifespan of a Biewer Terrier
The average lifespan of a Biewer Terrier is 12 to 15 years. These dogs are relatively healthy, but they may be susceptible to the same illnesses Yorkshire Terriers are. For example, they might suffer from:
- stomach sensitivity,
- frequent diarrhea or stool discoloration,
- dental issues.
Because of their piebaldism, puppies may also turn out deaf or blind. However, this is not a common occurrence, and you’d know it from the start.
Biewers are also susceptible to heatstroke because of their long coats. It’s important to keep them cool in the summer months and make sure they have access to shade and water at all times.
How to Groom and Care for a Biewer Terrier?
Biewer Terriers have long, silky coats that require daily brushing, unless they’re trimmed short. If you brush out the dead hair, they won’t shed a lot and may not trigger allergies as much as other dogs. An occasional bath with a mild dog shampoo will keep them looking their best.
Brush their teeth as often as possible – it’s best to get your dog used to it from puppyhood – to prevent tartar buildup and gum disease. Trim their nails before they start clicking loudly on the floor. Also, check their ears weekly for wax buildup, debris, or irritation.
Nutritional Needs
It goes without saying that you should feed your dog a high-quality diet, but do Biewer Terriers have any specific nutritional requirements? Because of their sensitive gastrointestinal tract, they may need a low-protein diet. They should be fed in 2-3 meals instead of freely available food, as they may be prone to weight gain.
Breeders and Pricing of Biewer Terrier Puppies
If you’re interested in getting a dog of this breed, be prepared to spend around $1,000-$2,500 on a pet-quality puppy. Show dogs can even cost $4,000, and prices may also vary depending on the source and the lineage of the dog.
When looking for a reputable breeder, make sure to do your research. A good one will be able to provide you with health clearances, information about the parents of the puppy, and a contract.
Adopting a Biewer Terrier from a rescue or shelter will cost much less – around $300-$500. However, you may not be able to find a purebred dog this way, and you’ll be less sure about their genetic health. Whether you decide to buy or adopt, remember that bringing home a dog is a long commitment.
The History of the Biewer Terrier Dog Breed
The Biewer Terrier is a relatively new breed, having only been around for about 40 years. The breed was developed in Hunstruck, Germany in 1984 by Werner and Gertrude Biewer. They were passionate Yorkshire Terrier breeders, and once they bred two Yorkies with the recessive Piebald gene that causes a lack of pigmentation in certain areas of the coat.
They loved the resulting tricolored puppies, and decided to keep breeding in this direction. Soon, the Biewer Terrier became recognized as a separate breed, under the name Yorkshire Terrier Biewer à la Pom Pon.
Other breeders followed in the Biewers’ footsteps, and the breed also gained popularity in the U.S. in the 2000s. The American Kennel Club recognized it in 2021, although the FCI (International Canine Federation) still hasn’t.
Is the Biewer Terrier the Right Dog Breed for You?
Now that you know all there is to know about Biewers, it’s time to ask yourself if this is the right breed for you. If you’re looking for a small, hypoallergenic dog with a lot of personality, it might be a good match.
Keep in mind that these dogs need a lot of grooming, and they may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet. They also tend to be vocal, so if you’re looking for a quiet dog, this isn’t the breed for you.
Fun Facts about the Biewer Terrier
Hungry for more interesting facts about this cute, tricolored Yorkie variant? Here are a few to get you started.
- The first Biewer Terrier in existence had a blue, white and gold coat, and was named Schneeflöckchen von Friedheck. Schneeflöckchen is German for ‘little snowflake’.
- The original creator of the breed abandoned the breeding program after her husband became ill, but with the help of others – including Gayle Pruett and Myrna Torres – dozens of lineages were tested, and a standard for the breed was established.
- Biewer is pronounced like beaver, as it’s a German name.
Interested in Getting a Dog of This Rare Breed?
If you think a Biewer Terrier is the right breed of dog for you, congratulations! These dogs make great companions and will quickly become a cherished member of your family. Just be prepared to do some research when it comes to finding a reputable breeder.
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