This is a Toy Breed with the Heart of a Lion

The Biewer Terrier, or simply the Biewer, is a relatively new Terrier breed – and it is a Terrier breed all its own. It is no longer considered to be part of the Yorkshire or "Yorkie" Terrier breed as it was originally.

First bred in Germany on January 20, 1984, Gertrud and Werner Biewer bred two of their Yorkshire Terriers to produce a Yorkshire piebald puppy from the genetic recessive gene that caused that coat coloring. They decided they wanted to breed more piebald puppies, having found it particularly attractive, and began to produce Yorkies with white markings that they called "Biewer Yorkshire Terrier à la Pom Pon." These breedings ultimately produced the Biewer Yorkie, which was officially recognized in 1989 by the Allgemeiner Club der Hundefreunde Deutschland, or ACH. Today, the Biewer is a beloved family pet, a little dog with big personality, courage, and heart.

History

The Biewer Yorkshire Terrier à la Pom Pon, or the Biewer Terrier, made its first appearance in 1984 when a Yorkshire Terrier puppy was born to breeders Werner and Gertrud Biewer. This beautiful little dog had excessive amounts of white patterning throughout an otherwise "normal" Yorkie coat. They surmised that the recessive piebald gene was present in some of their Yorkies, leading them to specifically breed for that trait. This resulted in the now-distinct Biewer Terrier breed, which remains a rare pedigree but popular with owners because of its sweet-tempered, courageous, bold personality. The Biewers approved of the breed standard for the Biewer Terrier in the late 1980s. In 1997, Mr. Biewer died, and shortly thereafter, Mrs. Biewer stopped breeding the dogs. In 2007, the Biewer Terrier Club of America was established. As yet, it has not been recognized by the American Kennel Club, but it is recognized by the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA). Today, it is officially known as the Biewer Terrier, and black is now allowed in the coat as per the standard.

Appearance

These striking tricolored dogs have long, silky hair which uniquely also have parts naturally running down the length of their backs. Tails are carried high in "teacup" fashion, with pointed, erect ears and silky hair fringes trailing off the sides. Tiny, inquisitive faces with usually black button noses and round, exceedingly alert eyes enhance their "precious" appearance. These dogs are tiny – in adulthood, they stand no more than nine inches at the shoulder and weigh as little as four to eight pounds when fully grown. Your exquisitely-formed and enchanting little pet can have any pattern of tricolored coat, with colors of blue or black and white providing the base. Secondary head colorings can be white, black, blue, tan, gold, or any combination. What's most important is symmetry of color, rather than pattern.

Although the coat can be kept long and silky to enhance the appearance, many owners favor puppy cuts for this breed simply because their little pets are so active. The brevity of the puppy cut reduces the complexity of your dog's grooming needs.

Personality

This is truly a toy breed with the heart of a lion. Your pet's personality will far outshine its small size – and indeed, this will be even more entertaining for you, although it's worth noting that you should step in to protect your little pet if it seems as though he is going to take on a dog of larger size than is smart to handle. Fearless in the face of any challenge, your pet has a true "Terrier" personality, meaning that it's energetic and intelligent, and perfectly willing to let you know that it has a mind of its own.

• About Small Dog Syndrome

As a toy breed, the Biewer Terrier is particularly at risk for "Small Dog Syndrome." In reality, this isn't a "condition" at all, but a personality disorder brought about by well-meaning but errant owners who baby their small dogs and treat them like children. Dogs raised in these environments become very spoiled children rather than the dogs they are, and can become truly horrific to have around. While the Biewer is a small dog, it can still bite and be very unpleasant if it is not competently trained and raised properly. Therefore, as soon as you get your puppy home, make sure to establish firm boundaries as to who's in charge (you), keep to them, and provide your pet with plenty of direction and stimulation. Make sure as well that you always act as the alpha dog of the pack, because if you don't, your Biewer will take over for you and try to be that leader. Small dog syndrome can be a lifelong problem, so you should never let this happen. Firm, consistent discipline is always necessary – while being as gentle as possible.

Typical of Terriers, this pet will be an excellent companion dog for anyone, from single owner to family, and is actually well-behaved with children – although be advised that it can become snappish if a very small child inadvertently hurts it. That said, your small child can’t hurt this little dog too much, because the Biewer is a very sturdy breed, and it will also get along well with larger dogs as long as you familiarize your little pet with other animals from the earliest age.

Be sure not to leave this dog alone very much, because as a people dog, it needs to be around those it loves at all times, right in the middle of the action. This terrier requires plenty of exercise, especially a daily walk. Apartment living is fine for the Biewer, as long as it gets its daily opportunity to use up some of its bountiful energy, including regular chances to run off-leash in safe places. Because the Biewer is a Terrier at heart, your pet will also chase cars on a whim, which means that you should keep your pet on a leash at all times unless you are in a very safe, enclosed setting where the dog can't get away.

Health

The Biewer is a very healthy dog with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), collapsing trachea (symptomized by coughing or gagging), patellar luxation (knee dislocation), portosystemic shunts (a liver disorder), and Legg Calve Perthes disease (degeneration of the femur bone) can be problems.

Grooming

Surprisingly, the Biewer's long, silky hair is very easy to take care of. Brush daily to keep fur from snarling (opting for a puppy cut if desired, for ease) and bathe regularly.

References

Biewer (Biewer Terrier) (Biewer à la Pom Pon) (Biewer Yorkie) (Biewer Yorkshire) (Biewer Yorkie Terrier).

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/biewer.htm

Retrieved September 7, 2013.

Biewer Breed Club of America.

http://www.biewerbci.org/

Retrieved September 7, 2013.

Biewer Terrier Dog Breed.

http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Breeds/Biewer-Yorkshire-Terrier.aspx

Retrieved September 7, 2013.