Biewer terrier, pronounced as bee-vah or beaver is a mirror image of the cute Yorkie, but for the coat, that has a blend of three colors instead of two. Owning a Biewer means you have possession of one of the most happy-go-lucky dogs with a charming and light-hearted demeanor. They might be small but not fragile, boasting of an athletic, sturdy build.
Childlike by nature, they enjoy being in the company of little ones. However, maintain supervision to ensure that your children do not mishandle these petite dogs even in pursuit of play. They will even share a comfortable rapport with the family’s pets, especially if brought up with them. Their vermin-hunting lineage could get triggered upon the sight of smaller animals, so avoid keeping them both together.
A Biewer at home means an alert watchdog who would display yappiness towards any stranger at your door and take time warming up with the latter, perhaps after knowing their intention.
Their development dates back to the 1980s when Mr. and Mrs. Biewer stalwarts in breeding Yorkies bred two of their Yorkshires having a piebald gene. The outcome was a black-white-tan puppy, born on the 20th of January, 1984, followed by a second puppy of the same color after three months. Their numbers were rare since the Biewers didn’t produce too many. Several breeders tried replicating the original Biewer terrier by including other breeds in the process but didn’t succeed. Eventually, it was introduced to other parts of Europe and America too.
The first black, tan, white puppies, perhaps the founding stock for this breed, was born
Made its appearance to the public
There was a dip in their popularity in Germany
Gayle Pruett, instrumental in developing this breed in the United States, brought the first Biewer there from Germany
Biewer Terrier Club of America developed
Gained entry in the American Kennel Club’s Foundation Stock Service
Got entry in the American Kennel Club’s Miscellaneous Class
Recognized in the Toy Group as a purebred
These easy-going dogs would do well with a moderate amount of exercise, and if that involves spending quality time with their human families, it would be an added boon indeed. The agile dogs they are, the Biewers would enjoy going on daily walks, combined with ample playtime in a fenced yard or garden.
Their small size makes them apt for apartment living, and during wet or cold weather that they are intolerant too, indoor games like catch the ball or hide and seek wouldn’t be a bad option. Short walks in the passage or hallway of your home will also suffice during adverse weather conditions.
Their long, flowing silky coat would undoubtedly enhance the Biewer terrier’s elegance and charm. However, at the same time, with the beauty comes increased maintenance. They need daily brushing to keep the coat in good form sans the tangles and matts. Bathe it with a vet-approved shampoo once a month when it gets messy.
Also, check its ears regularly to prevent wax or debris buildup, and even trim its nails once a month.
Since their digestive system is extremely sensitive, hence while fixing a diet for them ensures that it is low on protein and well-balanced too. Do not overdo when it comes to showering them with treats, as that could take a toll on their stomach. Discolored stools and intense diarrhea needs a veterinarian’s consultation at the earliest.
You could either fix a homemade diet for them; however, you may opt for brands like Royal Canin, and Purina , if going for store-bought food.
Intelligent, affectionate, and loving, training the Biewer terrier is no big deal, though you have to be firm and tactful in your approach. Stress on obedience and socialization from the start to help them develop into disciplined dogs. Like most other small breeds, potty training could be a challenge and must start since they are puppies. Selecting a particular spot to eliminate, fixing a regular schedule, and even applying positive reinforcement techniques, like a pat or reward for every successful attempt, would for sure help.
These terriers aren’t cheap, the price tag being $1000-$2500 for pet dogs and $3500-$4000 for the ones to be displayed in shows.
The most highlighting difference between the two is their coat color. The Yorkie’s coat combines two colors like black and tan, blue and tan, blue and gold, or black and gold. On the other hand, the Biewer terrier’s coat has three shades, like black, tan, and white; blue tan and white; chocolate tan and white. Also, the Yorkies have docked tails as mentioned in the breed standards, while the Biewers lack docked tails.
