Biewer Terrier: The Ultimate Guide to this Tri-Colored Toy Breed

Are you looking for a petite pooch with a big personality to bring joy and companionship to your life? Meet the Biewer Terrier—a relatively new breed that‘s been stealing hearts with its stunning tri-colored coat, lively spirit, and affectionate nature.

As a lifelong dog lover who‘s had the pleasure of meeting several Biewer Terriers, I‘m excited to share everything you need to know about this rising star in the toy dog world. We‘ll dive into the breed‘s history, characteristics, care requirements, and more to help you decide if a Biewer is your ideal canine match.

Table of Contents

• History of the Biewer Terrier
• Breed Characteristics
  • Physical Description
  • Personality and Temperament
• Grooming and Care
• Training and Socialization
• Health Issues
• Biewer Terrier Fun Facts
• Pros and Cons of the Breed
• Is a Biewer Right for You?

History of the Biewer Terrier

The story of the Biewer Terrier began in Hunsrück, Germany in January 1984. A Yorkshire Terrier breeder named Gertrud Biewer discovered a black, white and tan puppy in a litter of otherwise standard-colored Yorkies.

Intrigued by the unique coloring, which was thought to come from a recessive piebald gene, Biewer began selectively breeding her Yorkies to reliably produce tri-colored offspring. She called these eye-catching dogs "black and white Yorkies."

Biewer‘s dogs captured attention in Germany and beyond. In just a few generations, they distinguished themselves from Yorkshire Terriers in appearance and temperament. Breeders in Germany developed these dogs into a new breed they called Biewer Yorkshire Terrier à la Pom Pon.

The first Biewer Terriers arrived in the United States in 2003. The Biewer Terrier Club of America formed in 2007 to preserve and promote the breed. In 2014, the American Kennel Club recognized the Biewer as a distinct breed in the Toy Group.

Today, the Biewer Terrier is still a rare breed, but its popularity is growing thanks to that irresistible combo of small size, stunning looks, and outgoing personality. Celebrity owners like Usher and Miley Cyrus have helped boost the breed‘s profile.

Breed Characteristics

Physical Description

The Biewer Terrier is a toy-sized companion dog with a long, silky coat in a striking tri-color pattern of black, white and tan. Here are some key physical traits of the breed:

• Size: 7 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder, weighing 4 to 8 pounds
• Head: Round with a short muzzle, dark round eyes, and small, upright, V-shaped ears
• Coat: Long, straight, and silky, hanging down to the floor, with a part down the middle of the back. The coat is black with white markings and rich tan points.
• Tail: Docked to medium length and carried slightly higher than the back
• Gait: Smooth, lively, and fluid with a "prancing" action

According to the breed standard, the Biewer‘s body should be compact and sturdy, slightly longer than tall. The overall appearance is elegant and "showy" but still moderate – not overly delicate or extreme.

Personality and Temperament

Looks aside, it‘s the Biewer Terrier‘s big personality in a small package that really wins over fans. Most Biewer owners describe their dogs as:

• Affectionate and loving with family
• Intelligent and trainable
• Energetic and playful
• Alert and inquisitive
• Fearless and feisty
• Social and outgoing

Biewers bond deeply with their humans and crave companionship. They can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone too much. Krissy Smith, a Biewer owner from Seattle, says, "My Biewer Norman wants to be with me 24/7. He follows me everywhere and always wants to be in my lap or by my side."

While not as high-strung as some toy breeds, Biewers are still lively, curious dogs who need daily mental and physical stimulation. They enjoy walks, playtime, learning tricks and interactive toys to keep their bright minds busy.

As terriers, Biewers have a feisty streak and can be territorial. They tend to be alert watchdogs who will bark to alert you of any unusual sights or sounds. Training and socialization is important to prevent nuisance barking or guarding tendencies.

Grooming and Care

That gorgeous Biewer coat doesn‘t come easy – it requires plenty of maintenance to keep it looking its best. Biewers need brushing at least 2-3 times per week, along with regular baths and trims.

Some essential grooming tools and tasks for Biewers include:

• Pin brush and metal comb for detangling
• Slicker brush to remove loose undercoat
• High-quality dog shampoo and conditioner for bathtime every 2-4 weeks
• Regular trimming around the face, ears, paws and sanitary areas
• Dental care with tooth brushing, dental treats/chews, and vet cleanings
• Nail trims every 2-4 weeks
• Ear cleaning with vet-approved solution

Many owners opt for a shorter "puppy cut" style to make daily care easier. If you keep your Biewer in a long show coat, expect to brush daily and visit the grooming salon every 4-6 weeks. Professional grooming for a Biewer typically costs $50-80 per session.

Besides coat care, Biewers need a balanced diet, fresh water, daily exercise and playtime, regular vet checkups, and lots of love and attention from their humans. They can adapt well to apartment life as long as they get enough activity and interaction.

Training and Socialization

Like all dogs, Biewer Terriers need early training and socialization to become well-mannered companions. Biewers are smart and eager to please, but they can also have an independent streak. Patience, consistency and positive reinforcement are key.

Some training tips for Biewer puppies:

• Start training early with simple cues like sit, down, come, and stay
• Use positive reinforcement with praise, play, and treats
• Keep sessions short and fun to hold your pup‘s attention
• Socialize extensively to new people, animals, places and experiences
• Puppy classes are a great way to jump-start training and socialization
• Be consistent with house training, using a crate and frequent potty breaks
• Teach a "quiet" cue and provide lots of mental stimulation to prevent boredom barking
• Practice alone time to prevent separation anxiety – start with brief periods and gradually increase

With dedication to training and socialization, Biewers can be well-behaved family members and even excel in dog sports like obedience, rally, and agility. The key is channeling their energy and smarts into positive outlets.

Health Issues

The Biewer Terrier is a generally healthy breed with a lifespan of 12-15 years. However, like all purebred dogs, they can be prone to certain genetic health conditions. Some health issues seen in Biewers include:

• Patellar Luxation: A condition where the kneecap pops out of place, causing lameness. Affects up to 4% of toy breeds. Many cases are mild and managed with joint supplements. Severe cases may need surgery.

• Portosystemic Shunt (PSS): A liver disorder where blood bypasses the liver, causing toxin buildup. Symptoms include poor growth, seizures, disorientation. Affects less than 1% of Biewers. Treatable with surgery or lifelong medication and diet.

• Tracheal Collapse: Weakening of the trachea causes airway obstruction and coughing. Managed with anti-inflammatories, bronchodilators, and sometimes surgery. Maintaining a healthy weight and using a harness instead of a collar can help prevent tracheal damage.

• Dental Disease: Like many toy breeds, Biewers are prone to tartar buildup, gum recession, and tooth loss. Regular dental care with tooth brushing and professional cleanings is essential.

To minimize health risks, choose a Biewer puppy from a reputable breeder who does thorough health testing on their breeding dogs. This includes screening for luxating patellas, liver shunt, eye disorders, and heart problems.

Biewer Terrier Fun Facts

• The breed name is pronounced "beaver," named after the breed founder Gertrud Biewer.
• Biewer Terriers nearly went extinct in 1997 when Gertrud Biewer passed away and breeding programs dissolved. A German breeder named Dagmar Przystal saved the breed and standardized its development.
• A Biewer Terrier named Duffy made history in 2007 as the first of his breed to win Best in Show at an AKC event.
• Biewer Terriers have been owned by celebrities like Usher, Julianne Hough, and Brazilian singer Anitta.
• The Biewer is one of the newest AKC-recognized breeds, joining the Toy Group in 2014.

Pros and Cons of the Breed

Pros:
✔ Affectionate and devoted to family
✔ Intelligent and trainable
✔ Adaptable to apartment living
✔ Stunning, unique coat
✔ Generally healthy with a long lifespan
✔ Energetic and entertaining personality

Cons:
✖ High-maintenance grooming needs
✖ Can be prone to barking and separation anxiety
✖ Delicate build prone to injury
✖ Rare breed with limited availability
✖ Can be pricey to acquire and care for
✖ May not tolerate young children

Is a Biewer Right for You?

A Biewer Terrier could be your ideal companion if you‘re looking for a pint-sized, people-oriented dog with a lively, affectionate nature and a gorgeous, unique coat. Biewers can fit well into many homes, including apartments, as long as they get enough exercise, interaction and grooming.

However, a Biewer may not be the right fit if you have very young children, can‘t commit to regular grooming, or need a dog that can tolerate being left alone for long workdays. Potential owners should also be prepared for the costs of acquiring and caring for this rare breed.

If you think a Biewer Terrier checks all your boxes, look for a responsible breeder who does health testing and offers a written contract and health guarantee. Expect to spend $1500-4000 on a well-bred Biewer puppy and budget for professional grooming, quality food, vet care, and other ongoing needs.

With love, care, training and socialization, your Biewer Terrier will blossom into a loyal, lively companion who brings joy and laughter to your life for many years to come.