The Biewer Terrier is an elegant, longhaired, tri-colored toy terrier whose only purpose in life is to love and be loved. They maintain a charming, whimsical attitude well into adulthood. Carrying around a toy or two is not surprising.
The Biewer Terrier is a very dedicated, loyal family member and friendly with strangers. A large percentage of the Biewer Terriers are happy-go-lucky dogs, smiling when asked if they are happy. In spite of its small stature, the Biewer is a very hearty, athletic dog and an excellent hunter of vermin. They are lighthearted, have a childlike attitude and like to carry toys in their mouths. He is quick to alert you to company but is not a constant barker. How do you pronounce Biewer Terrier? Beaver, exactly like out little dam building friends.
History
The heritage of the Biewer Terrier has been an exciting and much-discussed topic over the years. It started with Mr. and Mrs. Biewer, who instead of having children, bred, raised, sold, and showed Yorkshire Terriers. They had a very large and successful breeding program throughout the 1970s and into the ’80s. By 1981, their enthusiasm for showing the standard Yorkshire Terriers tapered off.
The first documented black, white and tan puppy born was Schneeflockchen von Friedheck on January 20, 1984. Three months later, another black, white and tan puppy was born named Schneeman. These puppies were unique and rare, as they possessed the recessive piebald gene, a gene not usually found in Yorkies. During a visit one day, their vet and friend, Dr. Bardeleben, suggested they name the dogs after Mrs. Biewer. They chuckled as they contemplated the name, “Gertrud Biewer Yorkshire Terrier.” After much consideration, they found the “Biewer Yorkshire Terrier” to be a more suitable name. Documentation shows that both of these puppies were sold to the famous German singer, Margot Eskens, who suggested adding “a la Pom Pon” to their name. The Biewer Yorkshire Terrier a la Pom Pon made its actual public debut in 1986.
The demand was hard to meet for these exclusive dogs, as the Biewer family did not produce many Biewer-type dogs and they were very selective where their dogs were placed. Many breeders tried to replicate the “Biewer Dog” by mixing other breeds together. It wasn’t long before Mr. Biewer became ill and was unable to help Mrs. Biewer carry on the dream they had set out to accomplish for the Biewer breed. Sadly, Mrs. Biewer soon phased out their breeding program in order to better care for her husband during his illness.
Quick Facts
Temperament: intelligent / devoted / amusing
Height: 7-11 inches
Weight: 4-8 pounds
Life Expectancy: 16 years
Health
Like all breeds, there may be some health issues. Some dogs may be faced with these health challenges in their lives, but the majority of Biewer Terriers are healthy dogs. Sensitive GI systems are common in the Biewer Terrier, so they may have an occasional soft or discolored stool. Although not life-threatening, if your dog has persistent problems with diarrhea or discolored stools, you should take him/her to the vet immediately. The Biewer Terrier is a relatively healthy dog, with no known excessive issues. That being said, we recommend the following tests for dogs before breeding.
Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club:
- Patella Evaluation
- Full Vet. Physical
- Super Chem-cast Blood Test
Grooming
The Biewer Terrier has a long coat that requires daily brushing. There is minimal matting with the silkier coat, but the soft coats may get some mats. If you choose to keep your Biewer in a short coat, minimal grooming is needed. Good-quality products are recommended to keep the coat in its soft, silky condition. Grooming can be a wonderful bonding experience for you and your dog. Beyond regular brushing, the occasional bath will keep them clean and looking their best, again using good quality products. Their nails should be trimmed regularly with a nail clipper or grinder to avoid overgrowth, splitting and cracking. Their ears should be checked regularly to avoid a buildup of wax and debris, which can result in an infection. Teeth should be brushed regularly.
Exercise
The Biewer Terrier is a rather mellow, easy-going dog. Their playful attitudes provide them with a natural means of self-exercising, along with the time spent playing with their human families. Indoor activities could include hide-and-seek, chasing a ball rolled along the floor, or teaching them new tricks. Biewers are also excellent on walks, quite agile and love to go on outings. If you live in an apartment, even short walks in the hallways can give your dog some exercise, especially during inclement weather.
Training
The Biewer’s dedication and loyalty make them the perfect family pet. Having a fun-loving, childlike attitude makes them a great companion for people of all ages and able to make friends with animals of any origin. Being extremely intelligent, they are easy to train, although potty training may take a little longer.
