Updated 01-08-2023

Biewer Terrier Characteristics, Facts & Traits

In two Yorkshire Terriers, a recessive piebald gene appeared, and the Biewer Terrier was born. Some of these canines' finest characteristics include being sociable, playful, and excitable. As well as Biewer Terrier, other names for this breed include Biewer à la Pom Pon, Biewer Yorkie, and Biewer Yorkshire.

Pets like these are ideal for people who live in apartments or houses with or without a backyard, due to their modest stature and boundless energy. Whether you're single, senior, or have kids, these are perfect for you. In general, Biewer Terriers get along well with children and other pets, but they may be quite active and loud, especially around strangers and dogs they don't know. This is especially true when they first meet them.

See here for a complete list of Biewer Terrier characteristics and facts.

Highlights

  • It is common for Biewer Terriers to be piebald, which means their coats are speckled with different colours. On the breast, legs, and undersides, they usually have white or blueish-white patches of fur over white fur. They have black and tan skin tones on their faces.
  • Even though they can be "yappy" and unfriendly to strangers at first, Biewer Terriers can make excellent watchdogs if properly socialised.
  • These dogs can live in little or large houses because of their adaptability.
  • As a hypoallergenic breed, the Biewer Terrier is quite easy to care for as long as you don't let the coat become too long.
  • Despite the fact that Biewer Terriers are known to get along well with children, their small size makes them vulnerable to injury during play. It is critical that children be taught how to securely interact with little dogs before allowing them to do so. It is imperative that all children be closely monitored at all times.

Characteristics

Social Appearance 

Adaptability

It's a common misconception that a little dog is better suited to living in a limited space. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.

Sensitivity Level

Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. If you have a loud or pushy owner, a chaotic home, or a routine that is unpredictable or variable, your low-sensitivity dog, often known as "easy-going," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick-skinned," will be able to handle it better. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.

Intensity

You can't tell from looking at them whether or not they're hyperactive, but when they do anything, they do it vigorously. They tug at their leashes (unless you teach them not to), they push their way through barriers, and they down their meals in huge, gobbling gulps. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.

Potential for Playfulness

The playful nature of certain dogs never fades away, and they're always ready for a game, whereas the reserved and serious tendencies of other dogs develop through time. Think about how many times a day you want to play fetch or tag with your dog, and whether or not you have children or other dogs who can act as substitutes.

Personality Appearance

Intelligence

In the same way as working dogs, such as those that herd sheep, are bred for intelligence and decision-making, working dogs like those who run all day need to exercise their bodies. The two most common activities that a bored pet engages in are digging and chewing, both of which require mental stimulation. There are several ways to keep a dog's brain active, including obedience training, interactive dog toys like tug of war, and dog sports like agility and search and rescue.

Energy Level

Energy-draining dogs are always on the lookout for a new activity. There are several jobs that require a lot of stamina from dogs, such as herding livestock or recovering prey for hunters. Children are more likely to engage in activities such as jumping, playing and exploring new sights and smells as a result of this change in their environment

A low-energy dog is more like a couch potato than a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Think about your level of physical activity and whether or not you find a hyperactive dog irritating before making your final choice.

Easy To Train

Easy to train dogs can more easily form associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward than dogs that are more difficult to train. Dogs that require more time, patience, and repetition are more difficult to train.

Getting your dog interested in training will require incentives and games because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to learning new things.

Family Affection Level

Affectionate With Family

Since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others form deep bonds with one individual but are uninterested in the rest of the family; still other types shower their entire family with affection. Canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and develop stronger ties, regardless of their breed or upbringing.

Kid-Friendly

Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, are not always family-friendly.

Dog Friendly

Dog friendship and human friendship are two entirely different things. The fact that a dog is friendly with humans doesn't mean it's immune to aggression or aggression from other dogs; some canines choose to play rather than fight; others will just run away. The type of animal isn't the only consideration. Dogs who have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother at the age of six to eight weeks are more likely to be socially competent.

Physical Appearance

Amount of Shedding

Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others ``blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. You can use a deshedding tool to keep your house a little cleaner.

Drooling Potential

While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.

Easy To Groom

Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, you may want to look into hiring a professional.

Exercise Needs

Evening walks around the neighbourhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.

They can gain weight and release their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, including barking, chewing, and digging, if not given enough exercise. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed

Weight

4 to 8 pounds

Lifespan

12 to 15 years

Height

7 to 11 inches

History

The Biewer Terrier was born in Hunstruck, Germany, on January 20, 1984, when Gertrud and Werner Biewer bred two Yorkshire Terriers with piebald recessive DNA. For the past 20 years, Gertrud and Werner Biewer had kept and bred Yorkshire Terriers, and only discovered the Biewer Terrier breed after noticing the piebald gene that their Yorkshire received from their parents.

After peaking in the early 1990s, interest in the Biewer Terrier breed began to wane around the year 2000, with a corresponding decline in breeders. However, once these dogs were brought to the United States, the breed saw a resurgence in popularity. In 2014, the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognised the Biewer Terrier as a Foundation Stock Service dog for the very first time. The Biewer Terrier was recognised as a full, pure breed by the AKC in the Toy Group in 2021.

Because all dogs need a loving home, if you're interested in adopting a dog from a shelter or a breed-specific rescue, you should do so.

Personality and Temperament 

As beautiful as the Biewer Terrier is, it doesn't always act like one. They are a playful species that enjoys a good prank once in a while. Some of their favourite pastimes include getting into mischief and chewing on a slipper or two. Even yet, these adorable pups are intelligent and capable of mastering the three basic commands of sit, lie, and stay.

For the sake of their well-being, Biewer Terriers should be socialised from an early age. These dogs, despite their constant socialisation, have a tendency to be apprehensive of new people. When a new person is introduced into a dog's social circle, the dog is likely to bark and investigate.

Long hair makes agility training difficult for them, but if the coat is kept short it can still be done. If you want to turn your Biewer Terrier into a devoted and kind companion, obedience training is the best alternative.

Care

Considering the Biewer terrier's small stature and proneness to health issues, it is imperative that the home be well prepared. Before getting a Biewer Terrier as a pet, keep these factors in mind.

Health

Although vets urge annual exams to preserve optimal health for smaller Yorkshires, they aren't prone to many serious health issues. Because they share a pedigree with Yorkshire Terriers, these pups are susceptible to many of the same health issues that affect Yorkshire Terriers.

Patellar Luxation

Among small dogs, patellar luxation is the most common cause of hindlimb lameness and osteoarthritis. Patella luxates can dislocate in some dogs, causing them to lose their stride. This is a common occurrence in dogs; they may run on three legs or skip steps, then return to utilising all four. Detecting the problem early is essential to halt its progression and prevent the development of more serious joint issues.

G1 Tract Sensitivity

Your dog's digestive system may be more sensitive than usual, resulting in increased vomiting and diarrhoea. Because of their small stomachs, Biewer Terriers are more prone to gastrointestinal sensitivities. Upon eating dry kibbles, the dog may experience gas, bloating or vomiting as a result of the kibble expanding in the stomach.

Dental Issues

Teeth problems are more common in Biewer Terriers than in other breeds. Tartar buildup on the teeth might be the beginning of an infection of the gums and the roots of the teeth. As a result, brushing your dog's teeth on a regular basis is critical to prevent tooth loss.

Portosystemic Shunting (PSS)

Blood from the abdomen is diverted away from the liver by an irregular venous connection between the vascular system and the blood circulation (shunt).

Recommended Health Tests 

  1. Patella Evaluation
  2. Full Vet. Physical
  3. Super Chem-cast Blood Test

Nutrition

Because of their small size and high level of energy, these dogs require a food that is both high quality and specifically designed for small breeds with high levels of energy. Smaller breeds may have a more sensitive digestive tract than larger dogs, therefore feeding them high-fiber dog food might be a good choice.

Chicken, beef, fish, or lamb should be the key ingredients in the best food option. Look for dog chow that doesn't include corn and soy fillers. Free-feeding your biewers is fine because they are little and don't tend to overeat. However, if they are fed too much, these puppies can become obese. Consequently, it is essential to stick to the regular feeding schedules of 2-3 feedings each day with only a few snacks interspersed between.

By feeding your dog dry food rather than wet food, you can help avoid the buildup of plaque, which is typical in certain breeds, from taking place. Plaque is easier to remove from teeth with dry kibbles than with wet food.

Like other dogs, Biewers' diets alter as they grow up and continue to do so until old age. As a result, it's advisable to consult with your dog's veterinarian about the best feeding strategy for him as he undergoes these changes.

Grooming

These dogs have long, straight, silky hair that resembles human hair and must be brushed frequently to prevent matting and tangling. As an alternative, you can trim the hair's ends to prevent it from dragging on the ground by shortening the coat. To keep your dog's coat silky, use conditioners made specifically for dogs.

Using a rubber band or a bow to keep your Biewer Yorkie's hair out of its eyes is also a good way to keep the hair fresh. A clipper is also a good idea to avoid overgrowth, chipping and splitting of your dog's nails. If you're worried about overly cutting the "quick" and causing it to overbleed, you can either handle it yourself or have a vet assist you.

Check their ears for debris and wax accumulation, which can lead to ear infections, on a frequent basis as well. Dental problems are common in Biewers, so they should brush their teeth frequently. Grooming your pet is a great opportunity to build a strong friendship and create unforgettable memories.

Exercise

If your pet has a lot of energy, you should make sure that they get plenty of regular activity. Playing with your pet on a regular basis will help you manage his or her energy and provide the stimulation he or she craves.

Dogs, cats, and other small animals have a great time on walks and outings, even if they're simply to the mailbox or the front porch. With regular outdoor games like chase, you can also keep kids mentally stimulated.

These pets are at risk of developing behavioural issues such as hyperactivity, gnawing, and digging if they are not given any type of exercise.

Training

Biewer Terriers have a high level of intelligence, which enables them to swiftly adapt to new situations. However, they must be taught to be pleasant and devoted companions through obedience training. If you plan to train your pet for agility, you may want to keep their coats short because large coats are not ideal for this type of training.

Biewer Yorkies are known for their eagerness, which makes them a pleasure to train. However, their independent and stubborn characteristics may extend the training process. If you don't properly teach your Biewer Terrier, you could end up with little dog syndrome like most toy breeds. Getting them housebroken and toilet trained might be a bit of a challenge.

However, if you get started early, stick with it, and reward your dog for good behaviour, training will be a breeze. Incorporating children into the training can be even more effective.

Children and Other Pets

As a little dog, the Biewer Terrier is vulnerable to injury from overexcited children. The best way to ensure that your child has a positive experience with a little dog is to teach them early on how to approach and play with a pet of this size. These dogs are able to get along with adults, older children, and the elderly. The Biewer Terrier is a fun-loving and energetic dog breed.

To feel at ease around other animals, the Biewer Terrier needs a lot of time to socialise. Large canines fear these pups for their courage and determination, despite their diminutive stature. It will be easier for them to get along with other animals if they are exposed to other dogs and dog parks from an early age.

Generally speaking, Biewer Terriers get along with everyone, but correct training, socialisation, and a little bit of good fortune all play a role.

Puppies

Because of their small stomachs, Biewer Terrier puppies must be fed more frequently than adult dogs because they can't eat a large amount of food at once.

A puppy's habits are formed at a very early age if you begin training him or her as soon as he or she is born.

This breed is not for the budget-conscious pet owner because of its rarity. A Biewer Terrier puppy can cost as little as $3,000 and as much as $5,000, depending on the breeder.

Dog breeds Similar to Biewer Terriers

Everyone isn't going to love the Biewer terrier. Biewer Terriers are related to the following dogs:

Poodles

Elegant and clever canines with lovely hairstyles are included in this collection. They are as faithful as Biewer terriers, but they require more socialisation and can be rather noisy.

Maltese

These dogs provide wonderful companions for the whole family and are really adorable. They resemble the Biewer terrier in terms of size. Even though they may nip when chasing, these dogs are ideal for apartment dwellers. Find out which canines are best suited to apartment living in this article.

Yorkshire terrier

Similar to each other, these dogs are both clever and elegant. They're recognised for being terrific family dogs, but they may not be the greatest choice for a first-time dog owner because of the amount of time and attention they require.