Istrian Sheepdog vs Biewer - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

The Biewer is, or was, a piebald Yorkie caused by a recessive gene in a breeding of two Yorkshire Terriers. On Jan 20, 1984 a piebald Yorkshire puppy was born in Hunsruck, Germany to Gertrud and Werner Biewer. The puppy was considered beautiful and the Biewer’s fell in love with it and began a process od selective breeding in an effort to breed piebald Yorkies. Based on a friend’s suggestion, they named this group of puppies, “Biewer Yorkshire Terrier a la Pom Pon”. By 1989 the Allgemeiner Club der Hundefreunde Deurschland (ACH) officially recognized the Biewer Yorkie as a separate breed. Today they are recognized world wide as two separate breeds.

Today there have been genetic studies done that have declared the Biewer Terrier to be a separate and distinct breed from the Yorkshire Terrier, not simply tricolored Yorkies. The BTCA (Biewer Terrier Club of America) changed the name and standard to an original one for the Biewer Terrier. Mrs. Biewer has accepted and signed this revised standard and it is the only one she has accepted. This new standard allows the Biewer Terrier to have a black coat and an undocked tail. In 2014 with the new standard the American Kennel Club Foundation Stock Service (ACK/FSS) accepted the Biewer Terrier. Some breeders still want the breed called the Biewer Yorkshire a la Pom Pon, but Mrs. Biewer has objected to this, insisting the dog is a terrier. The Biewer Breed Club of America (BBCA) insists on the breeding of Biewers only to other Biewers. This is opposed by others who are importing Biewers and breeding them with Yorkies. The result is not recognized as a purebred dog. BBCA breeders do not engage in this type of cross breeding or condone them. The BBCA breeds only dogs that meet the standard set by the BTCA.

The first two Biewers were imported to the States in 2003 by Donna Hall. They made history in 2003, when they were accepted by the IABCA (International All Breed Canine Association) and entered their first dog show. Today they are shown in rare breed dog shows around the world. Today there are two standards in operation for the Biewer as the American Biewer and the North American Kennel Club continue to follow the German standard while the BBCA follow the revised standard approved by Mrs. Biewer.

Known also as the Karst Sheepdog, the beautiful, medium sized Istrian Sheepdog hails from Slovenia, Yugoslavia in the 1600s, being used to guard sheep. In fact, the Karst Shepherd was recognized as the Illyrian Shepherd in 1939.

The dog is fairly scarce in his own country, but interest in the dog started developing in the late 1970s. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes the breed and it has also been exported to the United States, being recognized by the United Kennel Club.

It is also recognized by a number of smaller kennel clubs. The dogs numbers have declined at certain periods in its history but fortunately breeding programs boosted its numbers.

This long-haired terrier is a neat and compact toy dog. Their hair should be as long as their body is high and hang straight from the bottom of his skull to the end of his tail which is carried upward. He is a well proportioned and powerful little dog. He has no undercoat, but his overcoat is very much like human hair and should be combed. The head is a signature of the Biewer, covered with symmetrical gold, white and blue/black hair. They have flat, small heads and a black nose with an average muzzle. They have intelligent, dark, medium sized eyes and small ears shaped as a V and standing erect. All four legs are straight, and the hips are well formed. They have round feet and an undocked tail.

This is a medium sized, muscled, strong dog with an iron-grey coat that has shades of deeper grey. His beautiful coat is long, thick and fairly harsh to the touch, with the undercoat protecting the dog against cold weather.

Around the neck area the hair is longer, forming an eye-catching-like mane. The stomach area has longer hair too. He has a noble look about him with kind, brown eyes and a round skull. The muzzle of the dog is dark, the limbs long and muscular and the tail is long and covered in thick fur.

The dog is slightly longer than its height, and both males and females stand at 54 to 63cm in height and weigh between 26 and 40kg. The long tail reaches right down to the hocks. The ears of the dog are fairly short and are floppy.

Temperament:

This dog has always made an excellent guard dog, being alert and also being distrustful of strangers. He will need to be trained and socialized if you want him to be obedient to you and more amicable around children in the home as well as visitors to the home.

If he is trained and well socialized, he is able to make a good pet. However, he is an energetic dog, used to working and he isn't recommended for life in the city if there is only a tiny garden. He needs space and will require a large garden.

He will also need to be exercised and not just left to his own devices in the backyard. Because he is essentially a working dog he doesn’t easily fit into the role of pet and companion. He is a working dog and will need to be kept busy.

The Biewer Terrier loves to be loved and he returns it in volumes. This is a dedicated, fun loving and charming little dog that you can carry around. They are loyal and friendly, athletic and alert. They are barkers when they need to be, but they are not “yappy dogs”. They love toys so make sure they have plenty. They will carry them wherever they go.

Your Istrian Sheepdog is a unique, strong-willed dog that is used to guarding, and working and he wants to be kept involved and busy.

He is wary of strangers and makes an excellent guard dog for any family home. Remember that it is never good to invest in a dog purely for guard dog purposes. A dog such as the Istrian Sheepdog is a social creature and he also wants- and needs to be part of a human family that provides him with plenty of interaction with them.

The Istrian Sheepdog is a loyal, loving dog who is capable of forming strong bonds with his human family. With proper training and socialization he makes a good friend of children and the elderly too.

Include him in all your family activities just like any human family member and he will make you a splendid, courageous pet.

The Biewer Terrier is not a cross breed or hybrid and so does have some of the very serious health issues of the Yorkshire Terrier including the bane of small dogs with liver shunts. Liver shunts are fatal if they are not treated. The breed does have sensitive stomach issues as well. They face other small dog issues like floating patella’s, ear and skin infections. Other than this the Biewer Terrier is a very healthy breed.

As with many other dog breeds, the Istrian Sheepdog is a healthy dog that, because of history of hard work, is robust and able to stand up well to common dog illnesses.

However there is one dog illness that strikes many dogs and at any age, and it is hip dysplasia. This is a malformation of the hip joints.

You'll notice that your once active dog is lethargic, doesn't want to play so much anymore and battles to get up after lying down. The disease is painful for your dog and it can lead to mobility issues. The disease is diagnosed with x-rays and your vet will recommend treatment options to make life more comfortable and less painful for your beloved pet.

Feeding

As previously mentioned the Biewer Terrier has a very sensitive stomach and intestinal system. He should be fed low protein dry dog food. Watch for signs of food allergies such as scratching or chewing on his feet. Feed 2-3 times a day but the Biewer Terrier is one of the few dogs that you can safely free feed unless you notice substantial gaining of weight.

Health issues

Health issues are few as mentioned previously. However, make sure your Briewer’s ears are free of debris and wax, make sure their teeth are brushed and they show no signs of allergies. Along with liver shunts, sensitive intestinal and stomach issues and floating patellas, these are the other minor issues that might occur. Watch for diarrhea and off colored stools.

Exercise and games

The Biewer Terrier is an active dog that needs regular exercise and walks. He is a speed demon as his ancestor the Yorkie is and needs an outlet for running as well as daily walks. They love to run, and they love to play. They do great in agility but love adventures. They are smart and love to learn tricks. Since they love hunting vermin they would also excel at Barn Hunt.

Exercise:

This is a dog that is used to guarding his flock and he will need to be in a home that has a fair sized garden. He can adapt to life in the city or to the countryside, but wherever he is, he will need sufficient exercise. Take him with you on your walks or hikes and give him some rope- and ball games.

General Care:

Wherever you live in the world, when the Winter winds howl and blow in icy rain or snow, a dog is at an increased risk of illness. You decided to have a dog in your home and it is your responsibility to care for him. Winter weather is downright unpleasant and dangerous for most pets.

Bring your pet in during such weather and provide him with a warm, dry sleeping space. During hot weather, make sure your pet has a cool, shady spot to lie down in, out of the boiling sun. Whatever weather you're experiencing, your pet should never ever be without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Provide him with excellent food that is full of vitamins and minerals to keep him healthy. Learn to know what human foods can be toxic for him and cause him digestive problems.

Grooming:

Your double coated Istrian Sheepdog will need a thorough brushing at least twice a week because of his dense, double coat. He does shed and isn't a hypoallergenic dog. His thick coat can tangle easily if it isn't properly brushed and maintained.

Clip his nails when and if they grow long. Other grooming aspects for this attractive dog require checking his ears for infection and also checking his teeth as dental disease can lead to a host of serious illnesses in your dog.