Description: Biewer Terrier
The Biewer Terrier, often recognized for its charming and whimsical appearance, is a small yet vibrant dog breed. It stems from a variant of the Yorkshire Terrier and originated in Germany in the 1980s. Distinguished by their long, silky hair and a unique tri-color pattern, they carry a poised and elegant demeanor. Despite their dainty looks, Biewer Terriers are robust and lively, filled with spunk and spirit. They forge strong bonds with their families, showcasing an affectionate and loyal nature. Alert and intelligent, Biewer Terriers are also excellent at adapting to various living conditions, making them perfect companions for apartment dwellers or homes with small yards.
Biewer Terrier ratings
Properties
The Biewer Terrier, pronounced 'Beaver Terrier', is a rare and charming toy breed that originated in Germany. Despite their similarities to the Yorkshire Terrier, from which they were originally bred, Biewer Terriers have distinct genetic and aesthetic differences that make them unique.
One of the defining features of the Biewer Terrier is its beautiful, long, and flowing coat, which comes in a tri-color pattern: white, black, and gold. This elegant coat is silky to the touch and requires regular grooming to maintain its shiny, luxurious appearance. Biewer Terriers are known for their striking looks and are often adorned with bows and stylish grooming in competitive shows.
Standing at about 7 to 11 inches at the shoulder and weighing around 4 to 8 pounds, Biewer Terriers are ideal companions for those living in apartments or homes with limited space. Despite their small size, they possess a vibrant and adventurous spirit. They are energetic, playful, and enjoy engaging in activities like agility training, which not only stimulates their agile bodies but also their keen minds.
Another significant aspect of the Biewer Terrier is its character and temperament. These dogs are known for their intelligence and easy trainability, which makes them an excellent choice for first-time dog owners. However, they require consistent, gentle training and socialization from an early age to promote a well-rounded behaviour. Biewer Terriers are affectionate and loyal, often forming strong bonds with their family members.
Being particularly alert and spirited, they can be good watchdogs, although their small size doesn't make them particularly imposing. Also, their sociable nature means they usually get along well with children and other pets, especially when socialized properly. Like many toy breeds, Biewer Terriers sometimes face challenges such as separation anxiety if left alone for long periods, highlighting the importance of considering lifestyle compatibility when looking to bring a Biewer into your home.
In summary, the Biewer Terrier is much more than just a cute face. Their intelligent, energetic, and loyal nature makes them not only delightful companions but also adaptable to various living environments and lifestyles. Regular grooming and training are essential for maintaining their health and happiness, alongside providing them with the love and attention they thrive on.
Appearance
The Biewer Terrier, pronounced 'Beaver Terrier', is a rare and charming toy breed dog known for its striking tricolor coat and elegant demeanor. Originating from Germany, this breed was developed in the 1980s by Werner and Gertrud Biewer, hence the name. The Biewer Terrier shares ancestry with the Yorkshire Terrier, which is evident in their similar physical traits, but distinguishes itself with its unique coloration and slight differences in build.
The Biewer Terrier typically weighs between 4 to 8 pounds and stands about 7 to 11 inches at the shoulder, making it a compact companion ideally suited for small living spaces. Despite their small size, they have a well-proportioned and balanced body, exuding an air of elegance and robustness. Their head is round with a slightly shorter muzzle compared to Yorkshire Terriers, medium-sized eyes that are dark and sparkling with intelligence, and a pair of V-shaped, upright ears that enhance their alert expression.
One of the most distinctive features of the Biewer Terrier is its luxurious coat. Long, straight, and silky, the coat hangs smoothly down either side of the body, parting down the middle from the back of the skull to the tip of the tail. The breed standard specifies that the coat must be white, blue, and black in color, with exact proportions and placement detailed in the breed guidelines. This tri-color pattern adds to their aristocratic appearance and is a critical aspect in show rings. Their tails are carried up and are covered with a long plume of hair, which gracefully arches over the body.
The overall grooming needs of the Biewer Terrier are considerable; regular grooming and bathing are essential to maintain the health and appearance of their coat. Their skin can be sensitive, and the use of high-quality grooming products is recommended to prevent irritation.
Overall, the Biewer Terrier is a visually captivating breed with a regal appearance and a lively disposition. Their small stature, combined with their striking coat and charming personality, makes them a favored choice among toy breed enthusiasts and an excellent contender in various dog shows across different continents.
History
The Biewer Terrier, pronounced 'Beaver Terrier', is a relatively new breed that has rapidly gained popularity due to its charming appearance and delightful personality. The breed originated in Germany in 1984, derived from Yorkshire Terriers by a German couple, Werner and Gertrud Biewer. After a piebald Yorkshire Terrier puppy was born in their kennel, the Biewers became interested in developing a new breed with this attractive and distinct coloring. They named this new breed the 'Biewer Yorkshire Terrier à la Pom Pon' after the unique piebald gene that distinguished it from the traditional Yorkshire Terrier.
The Biewers bred these multi-colored dogs carefully to establish a breed standard, which requires specific piebald coloring, particularly white, black, and gold. The distinctive look of the Biewer Terrier, along with its small size and engaging temperament, quickly caught attention, and the breed began to gather a following. As interest grew, the Biewers continued their efforts to refine and promote their breed across Europe. However, Werner Biewer passed away in 1997, leaving the continuation of the breed primarily to enthusiasts outside of the family.
The breed saw a significant increase in popularity and spread internationally in the early 2000s. It was introduced to the United States, where it won over many with its elegance and playful spirit. Breeders in the U.S. played a crucial role in further establishing the breed. The Biewer Terrier Club of America was founded in 2007 to provide guidance on ethical breeding and promote the breed across the country. Continued efforts by breeders and clubs focused on maintaining the health, standard, and genetic diversity of the Biewers.
By 2014, the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in their Foundation Stock Service, a crucial step towards full breed recognition. This milestone allowed for more structured competitions and increased standards for breeding practices. In January 2021, the Biewer Terrier was officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club, competing in the Toy Group. Today, the Biewer Terrier is celebrated not only for its stunning appearance but also for its friendly demeanor, intelligence, and suitability as a family pet. This history reflects a focused undertaking to establish a breed marked by both beauty and companionship.