Biewer Terrier

History and Origin

The Biewer Terrier, also known as the Biewer Yorkshire Terrier à la Pom Pon, is a relatively new breed that originated in Germany in the 1980s. The breed was developed by Gerhard and Gertrud Biewer, who were dedicated to creating a unique toy-sized companion dog with a distinctive tri-colored coat.

The Biewers started with a Yorkshire Terrier named Schneeflocke von Friedheck, which they bred with a female Yorkshire Terrier carrying the recessive gene for the tri-color pattern. After several generations of selective breeding, the Biewer Terrier was officially recognized as a distinct breed in 1989.

The breed’s name reflects its origins, with “Biewer” paying homage to its German breeders and “à la Pom Pon” referring to the breed’s characteristic fluffy, pom-pom-like appearance. In 2014, the Biewer Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as part of its Foundation Stock Service program, paving the way for full AKC recognition in the future.

Physical Characteristics

The Biewer Terrier is a small, compact, and gracefully proportioned dog. Its most distinctive feature is its long, silky, and flowing tri-colored coat, which can be a combination of white, black, and gold. The breed’s coat requires regular grooming to maintain its beautiful appearance.

The Biewer Terrier has a well-proportioned head with a slightly rounded skull, a medium-length muzzle, and dark, expressive eyes. Its ears are set high on the head and are typically erect or semi-erect. The breed’s body is well-balanced, with a level topline and a tapered, plumed tail that is often carried over the back.

One of the Biewer Terrier’s most endearing physical traits is its small, compact size, which contributes to its charming and adorable appearance. Despite its diminutive stature, the Biewer Terrier is a sturdy and agile dog, capable of navigating its surroundings with grace and confidence.

Temperament and Personality

The Biewer Terrier is known for its friendly, affectionate, and playful personality. These dogs thrive on human interaction and tend to form strong bonds with their owners, often becoming devoted companion animals. They are typically good with children and other pets, making them an excellent choice for families.

Biewer Terriers are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train. However, they can also be stubborn at times, so patience and consistency are essential when training this breed. Early socialization and positive reinforcement are key to ensuring a well-adjusted and well-behaved Biewer Terrier.

Despite their small size, Biewer Terriers are surprisingly energetic and require moderate daily exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. A combination of playtime, short walks, and interactive toys can help fulfill their exercise needs. Underexercised Biewers may become bored or destructive, so it’s important to provide them with ample opportunities for physical and mental stimulation.

Training and Intelligence

The Biewer Terrier is an intelligent breed that responds well to positive reinforcement training methods. These dogs are eager to please their owners and can excel in a variety of training exercises, from basic obedience to advanced tricks and agility.

Early socialization is crucial for the Biewer Terrier, as it helps the breed develop confidence and adaptive behavior around different people, animals, and environments. Introducing the Biewer Terrier to a variety of sights, sounds, and experiences from a young age can prevent the development of fearfulness or excessive shyness.

When training a Biewer Terrier, it’s important to use a consistent, patient, and reward-based approach. These dogs can be sensitive to harsh or negative training methods, so it’s best to focus on positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, and playtime. Housetraining may require some extra time and effort, but with consistency and patience, Biewer Terriers can be relatively easy to housetrain.

In addition to basic obedience training, Biewer Terriers can excel in a variety of canine activities, such as agility, obedience competitions, and tricks. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them well-suited for these types of activities, which can further strengthen the bond between the dog and its owner.

Exercise Needs and Energy Level

The Biewer Terrier is a breed with moderate exercise needs, typically requiring 30-60 minutes of daily activity to maintain optimal physical and mental well-being. These dogs enjoy a variety of activities, including short walks, indoor and outdoor playtime, and interactive toys and games.

While Biewer Terriers have a lively and energetic personality, they are generally not considered to be high-energy dogs. They are content to engage in short bursts of activity, followed by periods of rest and relaxation. This makes them well-suited for apartment living or homes with smaller yards, as long as their exercise needs are met.

It’s important to note that underexercised Biewer Terriers may become bored or destructive, potentially engaging in unwanted behaviors such as excessive barking, chewing, or digging. To prevent these issues, it’s crucial to provide Biewer Terriers with ample opportunities for physical and mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys, short training sessions, and interactive playtime.

Overall, the Biewer Terrier’s moderate exercise requirements and adaptability to various living situations make them a great choice for a wide range of owners, from families to singles and seniors.

Grooming and Care

The Biewer Terrier’s long, silky coat requires regular grooming to maintain its beautiful appearance and prevent matting or tangles. Daily brushing is recommended to keep the coat free of debris and distribute the natural oils. Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks is also advised to maintain the coat’s optimal condition and ensure a neat, well-trimmed appearance.

In addition to coat care, Biewer Terriers require regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental care to maintain their overall health and hygiene. Nails should be trimmed every 4-6 weeks, and ears should be checked and cleaned weekly to prevent the buildup of dirt and wax, which can lead to ear infections.

Dental care is also essential for the Biewer Terrier, as they are prone to dental issues. Brushing the dog’s teeth several times a week, using dental treats, and providing regular professional cleanings can help prevent tartar buildup and gum disease.

Regular bathing is generally recommended every 4-6 weeks, or as needed, to keep the Biewer Terrier’s coat clean and fresh. It’s important to use a mild, high-quality dog shampoo and to thoroughly dry the coat after bathing to prevent skin irritation or matting.

Overall, the Biewer Terrier’s grooming requirements are moderate, but they do require a commitment to regular brushing, trimming, and professional grooming to maintain their beautiful and distinctive appearance.

Health and Lifespan

The Biewer Terrier is generally a healthy breed, with a life expectancy of 12-15 years. However, like all purebred dogs, they can be predisposed to certain genetic health conditions. Some of the potential health concerns for Biewer Terriers include:

• Dental Issues: Biewer Terriers are prone to dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease, which can be mitigated through regular dental care and professional cleanings.
• Patellar Luxation: This condition, also known as “slipped stifles,” occurs when the kneecap (patella) dislocates from its normal position. It can range from mild to severe and may require surgical correction in some cases.
• Hypoglycemia: Biewer Terriers, especially young puppies, may be susceptible to low blood sugar levels, which can be managed through proper feeding and monitoring.
• Tracheal Collapse: This condition, which can cause breathing difficulties, is relatively common in small breed dogs like the Biewer Terrier.

To ensure the long-term health and well-being of a Biewer Terrier, it’s essential to work with a reputable breeder, provide a balanced diet, and maintain a proactive preventative care routine that includes regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings for any potential health issues.

Living Environment and Adaptability

The Biewer Terrier is an adaptable breed that can thrive in a variety of living environments, including apartments, smaller homes, and larger residences. However, it’s important to consider the breed’s moderate exercise needs and ensure that the dog receives adequate daily activity, regardless of the living situation.

Biewer Terriers are generally well-suited for city living, as they are relatively quiet and content to live in smaller spaces as long as their exercise and mental stimulation needs are met. These dogs can also adapt well to suburban or rural environments, as long as they have access to regular outdoor playtime and opportunities for exploration.

One factor to consider is the Biewer Terrier’s sensitivity to extreme temperatures. These dogs do not tolerate extreme heat or cold well, so it’s important to provide them with a comfortable, climate-controlled environment and to limit their exposure to harsh weather conditions.

Overall, the Biewer Terrier’s adaptability, moderate exercise needs, and affectionate nature make them a great choice for a wide range of owners, from singles and seniors to families with children.

Family Compatibility

The Biewer Terrier is an excellent choice for families, as they are known for their friendly, affectionate, and playful personalities. These dogs tend to thrive on human interaction and often form strong bonds with their owners, including children.

When properly socialized and trained, Biewer Terriers can be gentle and patient with children of all ages. However, it’s essential to supervise interactions between young children and the dog, as the Biewer Terrier’s small size makes them vulnerable to accidental injury.

In addition to their compatibility with children, Biewer Terriers can often coexist peacefully with other pets, including dogs and cats, when introduced gradually and with careful supervision. Their social nature and desire for companionship make them well-suited for households with multiple animal family members.

Ideal Biewer Terrier owners are those who can provide the breed with regular exercise, mental stimulation, and plenty of affection and attention. This breed thrives on human interaction and may become anxious or destructive if left alone for extended periods.

Overall, the Biewer Terrier’s charming personality, adaptability, and suitability for families and other pets make them a popular choice for a wide range of households.

Breed Variations and Types

The Biewer Terrier is a relatively new and homogeneous breed, with few distinct variations or types. The breed standard, as recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), describes a single, consistent type of Biewer Terrier.

However, some breeders may focus on developing specific lines or variations within the breed, such as:

1. Show Lines: Breeders focused on conformation and adhering closely to the breed standard, aiming to produce dogs that excel in the show ring.
2. Companion Lines: Breeders who prioritize the Biewer Terrier’s temperament and suitability as a beloved family pet, focusing less on strict adherence to the show standard.

It’s important to note that while these variations may exist, the overall physical and temperamental characteristics of the Biewer Terrier remain relatively consistent across different breeding lines.

Popular Mixes

Due to the Biewer Terrier’s rising popularity, there are a few designer mixes that have emerged, combining the Biewer Terrier with other breeds. Some of the most common Biewer Terrier mixes include:

1. Biewer Poodle (Biewerpoo): A cross between a Biewer Terrier and a Poodle, this mix can result in a hypoallergenic, curly-coated companion with the playful personality of the Biewer Terrier.
2. Biewer Yorkie (Biewer-a-Tzu): A cross between a Biewer Terrier and a Yorkshire Terrier, this mix can produce a smaller, long-coated dog with the signature tri-color coat pattern.
3. Biewer Shih Tzu (Biewer Tzu): A blend of the Biewer Terrier and the Shih Tzu, this mix can combine the Biewer’s tri-color coat with the Shih Tzu’s gentle, affectionate temperament.

While these mixes may share some of the Biewer Terrier’s desirable traits, it’s important to note that the resulting characteristics can be unpredictable, as they depend on the specific traits inherited from each parent breed. Responsible breeders carefully consider the health and temperament of both parent breeds when producing these designer mixes.

Ownership Considerations

Owning a Biewer Terrier requires a moderate time commitment and financial investment. These dogs generally live 12-15 years, so prospective owners should be prepared for a long-term pet ownership responsibility.

Initial costs for a Biewer Terrier puppy from a reputable breeder can range from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on the breeder, location, and the specific bloodlines. In addition to the purchase price, new owners should budget for essential supplies, such as food, toys, grooming equipment, and veterinary care, which can add several hundred dollars to the initial investment.

Ongoing expenses for a Biewer Terrier include high-quality dog food, regular veterinary check-ups and preventative care, grooming every 4-6 weeks (which can cost $50-$100 per session), and potential medical expenses if any health issues arise.

It’s important for Biewer Terrier owners to be prepared to provide their dog with the necessary daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. These dogs thrive on human interaction and can become bored or anxious if left alone for extended periods. Owners should be willing to make lifestyle adjustments to accommodate the Biewer Terrier’s moderate exercise needs and desire for companionship.

Overall, the Biewer Terrier can make a wonderful, affectionate companion for the right owner who is willing to commit the time, energy, and financial resources required to care for this delightful toy breed.