Discover the unique traits and care requirements of the Biewer Terrier with our ultimate guide. Learn what makes this breed stand out and how to properly care for them.
Introduction to the Biewer Terrier
The Biewer terrier, pronounced as “beaver terrier,” is a rare and tiny purebred dog breed resulting from a recessive gene in two Yorkshire terriers bred together. This playful, friendly, and energetic dog has only been recognized by the American Kennel Club since 2021 and is known for its tri-colored long hair and happy-go-lucky demeanor. Even though they are tiny Toy Group dogs, they are athletic and hearty, with a long lifespan and versatile lifestyle. They get along well with kids and other pets, and a dog of this breed could very well become your new best friend.
The Biewer terrier’s breed characteristics include being loyal, affectionate, intelligent, and reasonably easy to train. These dogs must be mentally stimulated and exercised daily to maintain optimal health. These are social dogs that get along well with people and other animals. However, they can also be a bit stubborn and have strong prey instincts because of their terrier background. Germany is the country of origin for the Biewer terrier breed. In 1984, two tricolor puppies were born to Yorkshire terrier breeders named Werner and Gertrude Biewer, which is where the breed got its name. The Biewer couple worked to develop a consistent population of the new breed through selective breeding. The dogs first came to America in 2002 and quickly became popular. The Biewer Terrier Club of America was formed to protect and promote the new breed in the U.S. DNA testing in 2007 confirmed that the Biewer terrier was, in fact, a separate and distinct breed from the Yorkshire terrier based on blood samples and genetic material. Other names for this breed are the Biewer Yorkshire à la Pom Pon, Biewer Yorkie, and simply Biewer.
Unique Physical Traits of the Biewer Terrier
The Biewer terrier is known for its unique physical traits, including its small size, tri-colored long hair, and playful demeanor. This breed typically weighs between four to eight pounds and stands seven to 11 inches tall, making them a tiny but athletic and hearty dog. One of the most remarkable physical characteristics of the Biewer terrier is its size, as the dog only weighs four to eight pounds and stands seven to 11 inches tall. This breed grows faster than larger breeds of dogs and is done growing by around nine to 12 months of age. There is only a small difference in size between male and female Biewers, with males being just slightly larger.
The general appearance of the Biewer terrier is elegant, longhaired, and sporting a signature ponytail. The dog’s coat is parted down the middle and hangs straight and evenly on both sides of the body. Its tail is set high, and the dog has a lighthearted, whimsical attitude that toes the line between mischievous and obedient. The Biewer terrier’s breed characteristics include being loyal, affectionate, intelligent, and reasonably easy to train. These dogs must be mentally stimulated and exercised daily to maintain optimal health. These are social dogs that get along well with people and other animals. However, they can also be a bit stubborn and have strong prey instincts because of their terrier background.
Behavioral Traits and Temperament
Biewer terriers are known for their loyal, affectionate, and intelligent nature. They are generally easy to train and require mental stimulation and daily exercise to maintain optimal health. These social dogs get along well with people and other animals, but can also display stubbornness and strong prey instincts due to their terrier background.
Characteristic Personality Traits
– Loyal
– Affectionate
– Intelligent
– Easy to train
– Social with people and other animals
– Stubborn
– Strong prey instincts
Training Tips
When training a Biewer terrier, it’s important to approach the process with patience due to their characteristic stubbornness. They generally take well to training, but consistency and positive reinforcement are key. It’s also important to supervise young children around Biewers and provide them with daily mental stimulation to keep them engaged and happy.
Health and Grooming Requirements
The Biewer terrier is generally a healthy and hearty breed with a long lifespan of approximately 16 years. However, like all dogs, they are prone to certain health issues that owners should be aware of. Common health problems in Biewer terriers include sensitive stomach with vomiting and diarrhea, dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease, portosystemic shunt (a congenital blood flow issue related to the liver), Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease (a degeneration of the hip joint), luxating patella (kneecap dislocation), and various eye conditions including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. It’s important for Biewer terrier owners to schedule regular veterinary checkups and to consider pet insurance to help cover the costs of any medical treatment their dog may need.
Health Care Tips for Biewer Terriers
– Schedule regular veterinary checkups to monitor your Biewer terrier’s health and catch any potential issues early.
– Consider investing in pet insurance to help cover the costs of veterinary care for future illnesses and injuries.
– Be mindful of your Biewer terrier’s diet and nutrition, as they are prone to gastrointestinal sensitivity. Limit treats and feed a high-quality, animal-based protein diet to support their overall health.
Grooming Requirements for Biewer Terriers
– Biewer terriers have long, flowing coats that require regular grooming to prevent tangles and matting. Daily brushing is recommended to keep their coat in good condition.
– It’s important to trim your Biewer terrier’s nails regularly to prevent cracking and splitting.
– Consider shortening your Biewer terrier’s coat to reduce the maintenance required for brushing, especially if you prefer a lower-maintenance grooming routine.
These health and grooming requirements are essential for maintaining the overall well-being and appearance of your Biewer terrier. By staying proactive with their healthcare and grooming needs, you can ensure that your Biewer terrier remains happy, healthy, and comfortable throughout their long lifespan.
Exercise and Activity Needs
Biewer terriers are small dogs with a lot of energy, so they require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks, playtime, and interactive toys are essential to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. They also enjoy activities such as agility training and search and rescue exercises. Without enough exercise, Biewer terriers may become bored and resort to destructive behaviors.
Exercise Tips for Biewer Terriers
– Take your Biewer terrier for brisk walks around the neighborhood to help them burn off excess energy.
– Engage in playtime in the house or a small yard to keep your dog active and entertained.
– Consider agility training and other mentally stimulating activities to keep your Biewer terrier engaged.
Activity Recommendations
– Biewer terriers are excellent dogs for apartment living, as long as they receive regular exercise.
– They thrive in moderate climates that are not too hot or cold, making them adaptable to various environments.
– Supervise young children around Biewers, as they are small and may be easily injured during rough play.
Nutritional and Dietary Considerations
Biewer terriers require a well-balanced diet to maintain their overall health and well-being. A high-quality commercial dog food that is specifically formulated for small breed dogs is recommended. Look for a dog food that lists a meat-based protein as the first ingredient and is free from artificial additives and fillers. Additionally, it is important to monitor portion sizes and not overfeed your Biewer terrier to prevent obesity.
Dietary Tips for Biewer Terriers
– Feed your Biewer terrier 1/4 to 1/2 cup of dry dog food daily, split into two meals
– Choose a dog food with a primary ingredient of animal-based protein, such as turkey, salmon, chicken, or beef
– Limit treats and table scraps to prevent gastrointestinal upset
– Monitor your dog’s weight and adjust portion sizes as needed to maintain a healthy body condition
By following these dietary tips and providing your Biewer terrier with a nutritious and balanced diet, you can help support their overall health and longevity.
The Ultimate Guide to Biewer Terrier Care
The Biewer terrier is a unique and rare purebred dog breed known for its playful, friendly, and energetic nature. This tiny, long-haired dog has only recently been recognized by the American Kennel Club and has quickly gained popularity for its happy-go-lucky demeanor. In this ultimate guide to Biewer terrier care, we will cover everything from the breed’s characteristics and health considerations to diet and nutrition, as well as tips for adoption and pet insurance.
Characteristics of Biewer Terriers
– Loyal, affectionate, and intelligent
– Requires daily mental stimulation and exercise
– Social and gets along well with people and other animals
– Can be stubborn and have strong prey instincts
Biewer Terrier Standard Information
– Elegant, longhaired, and sporting a signature ponytail
– Medium-size eyes, small upright ears, and a bright and intelligent expression
– Well-developed body with straight forelegs and hind legs
– Coat may be trimmed to floor length, with a combination of blue/black, gold/tan, and white hair
Common Health Problems of Biewer Terriers
– Sensitive stomach, dental problems, and portosystemic shunt
– Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease, luxating patella, and eye conditions
– Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Diet and Nutrition for Biewer Terriers
– Prone to gastrointestinal sensitivity
– Feed ¼ to ½ cup of dry dog food daily, split into two meals
– Primary ingredient in commercial dog food should be animal-based protein
Where to Adopt or Purchase Biewer Terriers
– Biewer Terrier Club of America provides resources for purchasing or adopting
– Rescue groups such as Rocky Mountain Biewer Terriers and Biewer Terrier Rescue And Rehoming Center
Pet Insurance for Biewer Terriers
– Healthy Paws offers pet insurance to cover illnesses, accidents, hereditary and congenital conditions, and more
– Important for maintaining the long lifespan of Biewer terriers
In this comprehensive guide, we have covered the essential aspects of caring for a Biewer terrier, from understanding the breed’s characteristics to ensuring their health and well-being through proper nutrition, adoption options, and the importance of pet insurance.
In conclusion, the Biewer Terrier is a unique and charming breed with specific care requirements. Potential owners should be prepared to provide ample exercise, grooming, and socialization to ensure a happy and healthy pet. Understanding the breed’s traits and needs is key to providing a fulfilling and loving home for the Biewer Terrier.