The Biewer Terrier became a fully recognized breed by the American Kennel Club in 2021. Since then, its striking appearance and charming personality have won over many dog lovers in this country. How to pronounce Biewer? Just like “beaver”. Now, let’s dive into everything you need to know about the Biewer Terrier’s history, size, temperament, activity level, and care.
Where does the Biewer Terrier come from?
The breed originated in Germany.
How did the Biewer Terrier get its name?
From the creators of the breed, Mr. and Mrs. Biewer.
What is the size of the Biewer Terrier?
The height is 7 to 11 inches at the shoulder; weight from 4 to 8 lbs.
What is the temperament of the Biewer Terrier?
The breed is intelligent, loyal, devoted, charming and is said to maintain a “childlike attitude” in childhood and throughout adulthood.
What is the activity of the Biewer Terrier?
Moderate energy level. Exercise needs can be easily met indoors, combined with regular short walks.
Is the Biewer Terrier good at all canine sports or activities?
The breed is a people pleaser, so it would do well in obedience, rallying and agility.
Is the Biewer Terrier good for dog work?
Yes. They are versatile and adaptable.
Is the Biewer Terrier good for new owners?
Typically, yes. They are intelligent, fun and very sweet. The breed is bound to become more popular as it becomes better known, so take the time to find responsible dog breeders who have the Biewer Terrier’s best interests at heart.
Is the Biewer Terrier a good pet?
Typically, yes. These dogs are affectionate, intelligent and eager to please. Biewer Terriers may not be the best choice for a family with very young children, who may be rough in their play or accidentally drop a fragile, restless pup. Adult supervision is always essential.
Is the Biewer Terrier a good apartment dog?
Yes! An excellent choice. He is an active little dog whose exercise needs can easily be met indoors in inclement weather.
Is it easy to train a Biewer Terrier?
Relatively easy. They are very willing to please. As with many small breeds, potty training can sometimes be a challenge.
Is the Biewer Terrier prone to excessive barking?
Their level of barking is moderate. They are observant and alert to strange sights and sounds, true to their toy terrier heritage.
Is the Biewer Terrier a good traveler?
Typically, yes. They form a pleasant and compact whole. Get the Biewer used to traveling by car early. Crate training is essential for safe car travel, hotel and motel stays, visiting the groomer, spending the night at the vet, and more. If you are traveling with your Biewer, also get him used to a carrier so that he is happy. to travel in the cabin with you, under your seat.
Is the Biewer Terrier easy to groom?
The breed has a long, silky coat that requires regular bathing, as well as frequent brushing and combing to avoid mats and tangles. On the positive side, the loss is minimal. Most pet owners have a professional groomer to keep the dog in a shorter, shorter cut. Much easier to maintain!
How popular is the Biewer Terrier?
No AKC stats available for the breed yet.
Immerse yourself in the history of the Biewer Terrier
Mr. and Mrs. Biewer were long-time breeders and exhibitors of Yorkshire Terriers in Germany. On January 20, 1984, one of their females, “Frou Frou”, presented them with a uniquely colored blue, white and gold pup. This little pup marked the beginning of the Biewer Terrier. They named the breed the German Yorkshire Terrier, but their vet suggested naming it after them instead, the Biewer Yorkshire Terrier (pronounced like the well-known rodent, “beaver”).
The German registry rejected their application for official status, designating the dogs “not intended for breeding”. Mr. and Mrs. Biewer were crushed by the news, but determined to carry on, and began creating their own registry to document the development of the breed. The couple devoted many years to breeding and trying to create the best representatives of the breed. Demand was high, but Mr. and Mrs. Biewer were very selective about where the dogs went. Over time, Mr. Biewer fell ill and his wife quit herding dogs to care for him. Fortunately, this was not the end of the breed.
How America Meets the Biewer Terrier
The Biewer Terrier was introduced to the American mainstream in 2003, by which time there were only a handful of breeders in Germany and the United States. Americans Gayle Pruett and Myrna Torres felt that the story regarding the development of the breed did not match the appearance of the dogs that arrived here from Germany. They contacted Mars Veterinary Health to determine if the Biewer Terrier was a Yorkshire Terrier. In September 2007, Mars Veterinary said it was ready to release its tests to determine all breeds suspected of having been used in the development of the Biewer. Gayle submitted 10 blood samples. It was the first time in the history of dog breeding that a dog was proven to be purebred using scientific tools. The Biewer Terrier was established as a purebred dog using science, through the collection of genetic data, instead of the usual pedigree documentation.
Later that same year, Gayle Pruett and Deb Sidle traveled to Germany to meet Ms Biewer. It was an exciting time to exchange information on the development of the breed in both countries. Mrs. Biewer was very happy to learn that the breed bearing her name was flourishing in the United States. She wanted to be part of the progress of the breed here and became a member of the Biewer Terrier Club of America.
What does the Biewer Terrier’s coat look like?
The American Kennel Club breed standard describes the Biewer as an elegant, long-haired Toy Terrier. It is single coat (i.e. no undercoat), parted in the back, with a silky texture, and will sink to the ground with maturity.
Frequent baths and daily brushing are recommended to keep the Biewer Coat clean and mat free. Most pet owners prefer a short puppy haircut for easier grooming.
What is the mark color of the Biewer Terrier
Since the Biewer Terrier’s unique tricolor coat pattern has set the breed apart since Fru Fru delivered that first puppy to Mr. and Mrs. Biewer in Germany in 1984, the correct color is highly valued. The Biewer is white, with nicely distributed blue-black and golden markings on the head and body.
The Biewer Terrier’s Ponytail
When it came to grooming, American dog breeders wanted to set the Biewer Terrier apart from other more familiar, heavily coated toy breeds. While Yorkshire Terriers, Shih Tzus and Maltese competing in dog shows have their long head coat tied in elaborate knots and rollovers, the Biewer Terrier breed standard only allows a simple ponytail .
The temperament of the Biewer Terrier: charming and whimsical
As striking as the Biewer Terrier’s appearance is, the breed’s zest for life has captivated dog enthusiasts young and old. The Biewer has a whimsical attitude that continues throughout adulthood. He is a carefree little fellow, friendly with strangers, devoted to family, easy to train and eager to please. The breed standard describes the Biewer as having a “childlike attitude”, utterly sweet and entertaining.
