Biewer Breed Description

An Owner's Biewer Description
My eldest daughter introduced me to this tiny breed. Her dog, Gabby, is extremely suspicious of strangers; even now, after two years of visiting her regularly, Gabby still gives me a good yapping each time I show up. I think she's a very beautiful dog, but she's intense and demanding. My daughter is constantly attending to her demands and more often than not Gabby is cradled in my daughter's arms.

Gabby is one energetic dog. She'd probably run circles around most larger dogs - or just pester the heck out of them! No outdoor exercise is really necessary, since the house is plenty large enough for Gabby to run wild, circling chairs and jumping on the back of the sofa. She really goes to great lengths to get attention.

Just like the Yorkshire, she is totally oblivious of her own size, so she really makes a great alarm dog. She'll let you know of any uninvited guests, and for that matter, even invited guests will set her alarm off. It's usually only when my daughter picks her up that she'll settle down. In spite of her aggressive nature, she seems to be excellent with my grandkids.

My daughter has voiced some concerns because Gabby's been so difficult to housebreak. She has been disciplined so many times for her little accidents that now Gabby gets a little neurotic every time she has to go potty, I suppose from dreading the consequences of not asking to go outside. There's got to be a better way to accomplish this, and I've been encouraging my daughter to work with a professional trainer.

Although this breed would not have been my first choice as a family dog, Gabby seems to fit in quite well: she's playful, protective and has made an excellent alarm dog, which helps me to rest easier at nights.

 

 

Introduction

These energetic dogs bear a resemblance to the Yorkshire Terrier, but with a long and silky, white-blue-gold-colored coat. The occurrence of a recessive piebald gene appearing in one of the puppies in a litter bred by a Mr. and Mrs. Biewer in 1984 has been attributed to its first conception. Also referred to as the 'Biewer Yorkie' or, according to their original breed club's standard, "Biewer Yorkshire Terrier a la Pom-Pon". Growing to reach up to 8 1/2" in height at 7lbs. in weight once fully mature, the Biewer has an average life expectancy of 12-15 years of age.

History

First off, the correct pronunciation, derived from the German, is Beeva. These charming little dogs are the result of a German couple noting - and liking - a recessive piebald gene occurrence.

Gertrude and Werner Biewer had two prize winning Yorkshire Terriers, Darling von Friedheck and Fru Fru von Friedheck. When they mated, thanks to that errant gene, one puppy was the first Biewer. Blue, white and gold, Schneeflocken von Friedheck was born in January of 1984. Werner Biewer worked to continue the breed, and by 1989 the Biewer was accepted by the ACH German e.V. as a breed in its own right.

Donna Hall brought the breed to the US and by 2003, the International All Breed Canine Association allowed the Biewer to participate. In the ensuing years, Biewer breeders have worked to increase the numbers while subscribing to careful, genetically sound practices to ensure healthy dogs.

General Description

Biewers look much like their toy terrier antecedents. The dog has a small, compact body that is both well-proportioned and nicely muscled, hidden beneath long hair that hangs straight down each side and from neck to tail. Small flat head with long hair of white/blue/gold. Black nose, dark eyes with dark rims. Small v-shaped ears are carried erect. Scissors or level bite. Straight legs, level back line, with a long haired tail carried slightly higher than the back plane.

The fur is the Biewer's defining trait. The hair is straight and shiny, of a fine texture. There is no undercoat. Belly, breast and legs are pure white. Trunk and head are blue white broken or closely blue absolute or black without brown.

Temperament

Active and animated, these little dogs can live happily anywhere - as long as they get enough exercise. Remember that terriers loom large on their family tree; they need firm yet loving discipline and complete obedience training to understand their place in the family. Lead gently - but lead!

Health and Care

The Biewer Breed Club of America notes that "Grooming a Biewer involves not only taking care of the coat, but taking care of the whole Biewer," a great philosophy for owners to subscribe to! Since grooming will be constant and lifelong, it is advisable to introduce a puppy as early as two months old to the process. That way, the young dog will acclimate to this ongoing activity, and be happily accustomed to it.

The long silky hair needs to be clean to shine, so bathing once a week is usually necessary. Remove any angles, then brush and comb.

Some Biewers have tearing eyes, which need to be cleaned daily to prevent staining around the eye area. In addition, the regular nail trimming and dental care that all dogs need will be part of the Biewer's grooming ritual.

Colors

white, black, tan

Living Area

The Biewer can live in an apartment if it gets enough exercise. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Recognized By

BBCA, BTCA, CBC, BBCC, BYTNC, ABC, GERMANY, IABCA, RARITIES, and NCA, APRI, ACR, BYA, WRV, DRA, ACHC, IDCR

Pets4You offers listings of Biewer breeders with puppies for sale.