Biewer Terriers are tiny dogs with huge personalities. So what is a Biewer Terrier? And do they make good pets? You’ll find out after you read this article.
What’s a Biewer Terrier Dog?
A Biewer Terrier (pronounced Bee-ah-wer) is a small teacup dog. They are bred to resemble tiny Yorkshire terriers. The best way to describe these dogs is, “they look like the Yorkie of the 1960s.”
The Biewer, often known as the Yorkie-Terrier-Yorkie or Yorkie Yorky, is a mix of a Yorkshire Terrier and a Terrier.
Because Biewers are descended from Yorkshire Terriers, they share many of the famous breed’s charming characteristics. Biewer Terriers are lovely companion pets who get on well with both children and other animals.
The Biewer Terrier breed is descended from the Yorkshire Terrier. The Yorkshire Terrier is a small, white dog breed with tan markings on its body and saddle. During the 1980s, however, a unique (piebald) variation began to grow in popularity.
In 1984, multiple Yorkshire Terriers with a genetic abnormality for piebald coloring were bred to produce a piebald Yorkshire Terrier puppy. Schneefloeckchen von Friedheck was the first Biewer Terrier, and the name was bestowed to him due to its puffy hair.
What does Biewer Terrier look like?
The Biewer Terrier is well-known for its flat body, large eyes. They usually stand between 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters) tall. These little guys are sturdy-boned with an average life expectancy of and button nose. These small dogs weigh about 4 to 7 pounds (1.8 to 3.2 kilograms).
Their flat, level backs and stout legs give them a toy terrier appearance. Their coats are either white or gray/silver with black mottling. Solid-colored Biewers have dark patches around their eyes and ears.
The hair on the head is short and fine, while that on the body is long and dense. Biewer Terriers resemble Yorkshire terriers, but they’re different in a few ways. For example, Biewer Terriers weigh much less than Yorkies, and their hair is longer and silkier.
Biewer Terriers have distinctively almond-shaped eyes that are either round or almond-shaped, and they gaze straight ahead. The eyes are typically a dark brown with black rims.
Biewer’s ears are always drooping limply and are covered with fine hair that must be trimmed regularly. Its shoulders should be at the same level as its hindquarters, and its legs and back should be strong.
A Biewer Terrier’s feet are tiny and cute, with black or white toenails. You’re better off avoiding ribbons in your pet Biewer’s hair and even putting him in little clothing, even though you may be tempted to do so. Never let yourself be persuaded to paint your dog’s nails with a human polish because it is dangerous.
Do Biewer Terrier shed?
Biewer Terriers do not shed, but they do blow their coats twice a year. This means that your pet will look shaggy and unkempt for about two weeks as his old coat falls out and the new one begins to grow in. During this time, Biewers need an increased amount of grooming, and it’s important to brush their teeth daily.
How often should you bathe a Biewer Terrier?
Biewer Terriers should be bathed about once a month. It’s essential to use only tear-free shampoo and rinse the dog thoroughly. Don’t worry about your Biewer getting cold after he’s been in the bathtub; his temperature won’t drop significantly until water evaporates from his coat.
Aside from brushing and washing your Biewer Terrier’s coat regularly, you must also take care of its ears, teeth, and nails. Wax and debris should be removed from the ears.
To avoid breaking and splitting, keep your pet’s nails short. It’s unpleasant for you or your furniture if your pet scratches you or it. Because small dogs are more susceptible to dental disease than big breeds, you should brush your Biewer Terrier’s teeth twice a week.
If you don’t know what toothpaste to use on your Biewer Terrier, inquire about it with your dentist or try homemade baking soda paste or coconut oil.
How much exercise does a Biewer Terrier need?
As pups, Biewer Terriers require about 45 minutes of activity each day, whereas adults require only 30 minutes. If you spend time rolling a ball around the floor, playing hide and seek, or even teaching him new commands, your Biewer does not have to be taken out for a walk.
You may stroll your Biewer Terrier around a shopping mall or up and down the corridors of your apartment complex if the weather is terrible.
The Biewer isn’t a breed that needs to sniff and claim territory outside or dash through fields off-leash. If you give your dog enough time and attention for a once-daily walk or romp, it will be just as delighted to spend time inside the premises.
It will make your pet ecstatic if you allow him to run free outside. Make sure it’s a secure, enclosed yard or dog park only. The Biewer’s ability to socialize with other dogs is a bonus, but you don’t want him to engage in activities that put him in danger of being hit by a vehicle!
What do Biewer Terriers eat?
Biewer Terriers have delicate digestive systems and require careful feeding. This is not a breed that thrives on table scraps alone. Strive to give your Biewer Terrier a high-quality, low-protein kibble. Canned foods are not suggested since they can create plaque on the teeth of dogs.
Biewer Terriers have tiny stomachs, which means they can only consume and process small amounts of food at each meal. As a result, for this breed, leaving food in the dish all the time is acceptable, allowing your Biewer Terrier to eat whenever it wants.
However, keep an eye on your pet’s weight and look for symptoms of obesity. Stop giving your Biewer Terrier free rein to eat and switch to a feeding regime of two to three meals a day if he or she appears overly plump.
When it comes to meals, let your Biewer Terrier eat as much as he wants, but after he’s finished, take the bowl away until it’s time to eat again.
What’s the temperament of the Biewer Terrier like?
Biewer Terriers are lively, affectionate dogs. They make excellent companions for people of all ages with their mellow natures.
These tiny dogs are smart and eager to learn. As a result, they’re easy to train. Because of their love for people, Biewers can be clingy at times — though this is usually limited to their owner.
However, this also means that they should be supervised with small children because of their small size. They do well in homes or apartments as long as they get daily exercise and interaction with their owners.
Biewers are good watchdogs alerting you when strangers approach your home because of their love for people and tendency to bark at strangers. They are very friendly, but they should socialize early with other dogs and people to avoid aggressive behaviors as they get older.
Biewer Terriers are low-energy dogs who only need a moderate amount of exercise daily. A good daily walk or jog is sufficient for these small dogs unless you have an extremely active lifestyle.
Their long coats are low-shedding and don’t require extensive grooming. They need to be brushed regularly, however, because their coats can get knotted.
The Biewer Terrier Club of America strongly encourages gloves when petting your dog to prevent transferring oils from human fingers onto their coat which could make them lose their hair.
Biewer Terriers are loyal and devoted, but they may be stubborn from time to time. When training them and laying house rules, be consistent and persistent. Never feed table scraps to your pet or allow them to get under your covers if you don’t want them to beg at the dinner table or sleep with you in bed.
Once you allow your Biewer Terrier to get what he wants, he will never stop trying to win you over with his cuteness to get what he wants over and over again.
What are the health concerns for Biewer Terriers?
Unfortunately, most purebred dogs have a high risk of developing genetic disorders due to inbreeding. For this reason, Biewers may be more likely than other breeds to suffer from epilepsy or eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma.
Biewer Terriers are also susceptible to Progressive Retinal Atrophy, a degenerative eye disease that causes blindness in both eyes. Furthermore, obesity can cause serious health problems in Biewers, such as heart disease and diabetes, if their diets aren’t carefully monitored.
Patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, portosystemic shunts, bladder stones, and tracheal collapse are the most prevalent genetic conditions seen in the breed.
Distichiasis and hypoglycemia are two additional disorders that this breed is prone to. While Biewer Terriers are at risk for some of these conditions, it doesn’t mean they will develop them. It simply means they have an increased chance of developing them than dogs without the breed’s genetic history.
How big do Biewer Terriers get?
Biewer Terriers are tiny canines with delicate bones. They usually reach 7 to 11 inches and weigh between 4.5 and 8 pounds when fully grown. Biewer Terriers are the tiniest breeds, and the largest is no larger or heavier than a newborn baby!
Are Biewer Terrier good family dogs?
Biewer Terriers are wonderful family dogs because of their gentle natures. They also make good watchdogs because they tend to bark at strangers, but they aren’t aggressive or snappy.
Biewers love everyone, especially kids, and enjoy playing with them. However, supervision is necessary around very small children who may unintentionally harm the dog.
Biewer Terriers are very sensitive and may perceive pain when a child squeezes them too tightly. Furthermore, they don’t do well with children who enjoy teasing dogs by chasing them or poking their eyes, noses, or ears.
Although Biewer Terriers will bark at strangers and may not be the best guard dogs, they will fiercely defend their families if necessary. It’s important to socialize your pet early with other animals and people because his natural friendliness could cause him to be too trusting of others.
Biewer Terriers are prone to separation anxiety, so it’s best if they’re never left alone for extended periods. They need to form strong bonds with their owners, or they will become sad or depressed, leading to behavioral problems later on in life.
If you’re unable to spend a lot of time with your dog, consider adopting two pets so they can keep each other company while you’re gone.
Biewer Terriers are extremely affectionate and love to cuddle up on the couch or in bed with their owners. They also enjoy going for walks and playing outside. If you have a yard, be sure to keep your Biewer Terrier leashed because he’ll love chasing squirrels and other small animals.
Do a Biewer Terrier bark a lot?
Biewer Terriers are moderately vocal dogs who will bark at anything new or suspicious they see, especially when the doorbell rings or people come over.
In particular, Biewer Terriers are prone to barking when they see other dogs or even cats because they aren’t very confident around them. However, their barks aren’t typically aggressive and only mean that your pet is curious about what’s going on.
Are Biewer Terriers good with kids?
Biewer Terriers are loving and gentle dogs who love to play with children. They’re very tolerant of small children who may not be as gentle as adults. Still, it’s important to supervise all interactions between pets and very young children because they may unintentionally hurt the animals due to their size.
Biewer Terriers are tiny dogs with delicate bones, so adults should always physically interact with them rather than letting pets play on their own.
A child playing with a pet is more likely to unintentionally hurt the dog because of his size, but an adult is more aware of how hard he’s squeezing his new pet and will adjust the intensity of the play.
How does a Biewer Terrier behave around other dogs?
Biewer Terriers are fast-paced, playful dogs who love to frolic with other canines. They’re not very dominant and tend to keep to themselves when in the presence of larger or more aggressive dogs.
Another pet in the house, whether it’s a dog, cat, or rabbit, will be good for your Biewer Terrier. Simply make certain he’s matched with a dog breed that won’t be irritated by a Biewer Terrier’s occasional rambunctiousness.
Are Biewer Terriers easy to train?
Although Biewer Terriers are brilliant dogs, they’re also quite stubborn and may refuse to obey commands. They do best in homes with experienced owners who can establish themselves as the authority.
Biewer Terriers are more interested and willing to please as they become older. So, while your pet is still a puppy, strive to build yourself up as the “boss” and teach him as often as you can.
Short lessons given numerous times a day help Biewer Terriers learn more. Your Biewer Terrier will become bored and restless if you try to teach one lesson for far too long. Obedience training is a must for Biewers because of their size and tendency towards stubbornness.
By age three or four months, your Biewer puppy should be entirely housebroken and comprehend basic commands if you begin teaching him at the age of eight to 10 weeks.
What are the common behavior problems of Biewer Terriers?
Biewer Terriers are extremely intelligent and eager to please their owners, but they can also be mischievous and require an owner who can stay one step ahead of his pet.
They don’t respond well to negative reinforcement or harsh discipline because they become reserved around their owners, so you must praise your Biewer when he does something good.
If your Biewer Terrier steals food or paper towels off the counter, for example, try not to punish him because he won’t understand why you’re upset.
Instead, simply make a loud noise when doing something inappropriate and walk away from him without saying anything. He’ll soon learn that bad behavior does not equal attention.
Biewer Terriers are also prone to over-excitement, which can lead to random barking in the home. If your Biewer is trying to tell you something, but you don’t understand what he’s saying, take him outside or into another room so he can calm down and then try to figure out what’s wrong.
What is the life expectancy for Biewer Terriers?
Biewer Terriers are generally healthy dogs who don’t suffer from the same ailments that affect most other breeds. They’re expected to live between 12 and 15 years when treated well by their owners.
Most Biewer Terriers who live with families enjoy the best health because they’re treated like cherished pets rather than expensive show dogs. If you think your Biewer Terrier may be suffering from any disease or ailment, make sure to take him to his veterinarian immediately so he can get treatment.
How much do Biewer Terriers cost?
The average Biewer Terrier costs between $1500 and $2,000 when purchased from a reputable breeder. When you’re ready to acquire your first Biewer Terrier puppy, do your homework thoroughly.
People who put their bank account above their love of dogs will take any shortcuts feasible to make a fast sale, and they’ll do it at the expense of your pet’s health.
Don’t go to a litter or start talking about obtaining one until the breeder gives you its parents’ documentation. Make sure you know what breeders are reputable before you hand over your money.
Where to buy or adopt Biewer Terrier Dog?
If you’re going to be a good pet parent, you have to buy your Biewer Terrier from a reputable breeder. However, if you can’t afford the high cost of buying a dog from a breeder, other options are available.
- Shelters and rescue groups are full of dogs who would love to find their forever homes. Most organizations take care of their pets by providing free or low-cost health care, spaying or neutering them so they can’t reproduce once adopted, giving them shots before sending them to new homes, etc.
- If you’re not particularly fond of the idea of owning a pet you did not choose yourself, the next best thing is to get your Biewer Terrier from an animal shelter or rescue group. They generally have healthy dogs who are up for adoption because they’ve either been abandoned by their owners or placed there by new guardians who don’t know what to do with them.
- If you can’t afford to care for your new pet, ask your veterinarian if he has anyone on staff who takes in foster dogs. Being a foster parent is rewarding because it allows you to help pets without taking full responsibility for one until you’re ready. You also get the chance to see whether or not they’re suitable for your family before you decide to adopt them permanently.
What are some good alternatives to a Biewer Terrier Dog?
Biewer Terriers are excellent companions who excel in pretty much every area of dog training. However, they’re not the only breeds out there that can handle your lifestyle and temperamental needs.
If you’re looking for a good pet but aren’t sure that Biewer is the right choice for you, consider these alternatives:
- Poodles are highly intelligent, affectionate dogs who get along with just about everyone. They’re also hypoallergenic and typically live longer than most other breeds. You can ask your veterinarian for a poodle rescue group in your area if you’d like to adopt one of these beautiful canines instead of buying from a breeder.
- Poodles are great for people who want to keep pets but don’t have the time or money required to treat them as cherished family members. If you can’t spend thirty minutes twice a day exercising your dog by taking him for a walk, he’s probably not the best choice of pet for you. If you own a busy company, you may want to think about getting a goldfish instead.
- Yorkshire Terriers are hypoallergenic, too, and they’re just as smart as poodles. They don’t require much exercise either, but they still make great pets for people who spend most of their time at work or school.
