East German Shepherd vs Biewer - Breed Comparison

East German Shepherd vs Biewer - Breed ComparisonBoth East German Shepherd and Biewer are originated from Germany. East German Shepherd may grow 43 cm / 17 inches higher than Biewer. East German Shepherd may weigh 36 kg / 80 pounds more than Biewer. Both East German Shepherd and Biewer has almost same life span. East German Shepherd may have more litter size than Biewer. Both East German Shepherd and Biewer requires High maintenance.

History

east german shepherd - historyThe East German Shepherd is a line of the German Shepherd Dog breed. The German Shepherd Dog came about when the three types of “continental shepherd dogs” separated into the Dutch Shephers, German Shepherd and Belgian Shepherd. In the 1800’s it was local shepherds who bred their dogs and selected the traits they needed in their geography. The result was dogs in various local areas who all could herd and guard flocks; who were intelligent, strong, fast and had a good sense of smell, but their appearance and skills varied from town to town. The changes in Germany from agriculture and sheep to industrial cities rendered the German Sheep Dog obsolete. But was it really? Many felt the dog could be a good working dog in the cities as well but needed some refinement in the breed according to Max von Stephanite. At a dog show in 1899, he found what he wanted – the perfect working dog.Stephanitz bought the dog and founded the Society for the German Shepherd. (Verein fur Deutsch Schaferhunde) Stephanitz is considered the developer of the German Shepherd Dog.

The East German Shepherd is a line of the same breed. There are several different lines of the German Shepherd Dog, with slight difference for the reason they were bred. For instance, the German Shepherd Dog is bred for looks while the East German Shepherd is bred to be a working dog. Often called a DDR German Shepherd, they came about from the Deutsche Democratic Republic or the Republic of East Germany. For about 40 years in East Germany these dogs were bred only within the DDR bloodline.

The East German Shepherd is stronger, heavier boned, leaner, more muscular and solid. During the time of the Berlin Wall, from 1961-1989, there were few German Shepherds for breeding stock on either side of the wall, but especially in the East. There the government controlled the development of the breed. They developed a separate registry for the DDR – East German Shepherd. With such strict standards for a perfect working dog and such little breeding stock, the only dogs allowed to reproduce were the ones that passed a rigorous test and were deemed perfect working dogs.

In West Germany they continued to breed for appearance. The West German Shepherd are the most popular ones and are usually simply called German Shepherds. The show dogs of today and the American line came from the West.

Preserving the East German Shepherd today is important and difficult. It means preserving not improving. The Strength of the East German Shepherd is their body line and style, Today’s breeder must maintain this while making sure there is enough diversity in the gene pool to keep the line healthy without losing its body style and working temperament. It is important that the East German Shepherd have a straight back rather than the sloping one of the German Shepherd Dog or the American lines of the GSD. The working dog is also more aggressive and has a much higher work drive than any of the other German Shepherd Dogs lines.

biewer - historyThe 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.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Terrier dog
Origin:
Germany
Germany
Height Male:
60 - 65 cm
23 - 26 inches
20 - 22 cm
7 - 9 inches
Height Female:
55 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
18 - 20 cm
7 - 8 inches
Weight Male:
29 - 40 kg
63 - 89 pounds
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
Weight Female:
23 - 33 kg
50 - 73 pounds
2 - 3 kg
4 - 7 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 13 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 9
2 - 5
Size:
Large dog
Toy dog
Other Names:
East German Shepherd Dog, DDR, EGSD
Biewer • Biewer à la Pom Pon • Biewer Yorkie • Biewer Yorkshire • Biewer Yorkie Terrier • Biewer Yorkshire Terrier • Biro Yorkshire Terrier
Colors Available:
grey with darker shading, brown and yellow to light grey markings; single-coloured black, are black with reddish-brown, black saddle and mask
blue,black, tan, white piebald
Coat:
double, dense
straight, shiny and silky
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Independent, Loving, Protective, Social
Affectionate, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Social
Grooming:
High maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Description

east german shepherd puppy - descriptionWhat are the differences between the German Shepherd Dog (GSD) and the East German Shepherd? The East German Shepherd has a straight back and a larger bone structure. He has a very large and block shaped head with a lean, athletic build. His lips are taunt and dark, and his nose must be black. He has a scissor bite and strong teeth. His eyes are medium sized almonds that are slanted slightly. The eyes are also very dark. His ears are erect and not too big. His legs, haunches and feet must all be coordinated so that he trots rather than runs.

biewer puppy - descriptionThis 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.

Characteristics

east german shepherd dog - characteristicsThe East German Shepherd is a well- balanced dog. He is sure of himself, friendly, loyal and wants to please his owner. He is intelligent, resilient and attentive. He will make a great family pet. He is aggressive with a high prey drive but that can be tempered with good socialization and training. He is easy to train.

biewer dog - characteristicsThe 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.

Health Problems

east german shepherd puppies - health problemsBecause the East German Shepherd line has been isolated behind the Berlin Wall, there are not many genetic health issues in the line. Most importantly the East German Shepherd shows no hip dysplasia which plagues most GSD. There are a couple of situations to look out for. They are:

  • Bloat

A life threatening issue that must be addressed immediately for fear of death. Bloat is caused when a larger dog with a deep chest eats too large a meal before or after strenuous exercise, eats too fast, or drinks too much water. The stomach distends with air or gas and twists. Sometimes it is completely inverted. Get help fast or your dog will die.

biewer puppies - health problemsThe 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.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

east german shepherd dogs - caringBecause these dogs were bred to work you need to feed them a high quality dry food, made for working dogs. It needs to have a good amount of calcium and glucosamine. Feed about 3-4 cups per day divided into 2 feeding times.

Health issues

In addition to bloat as mentioned above, the East German Shepherd can also have both air born, and food born allergies. These are easily treated by your veterinarian.

Exercise and games

The East German Shepherd is a high energy, high activity dog so you have some for him. He is agile and athletic. He needs serious exercise and a job is essential. If you can’t give an East German Shepherd a job, then don’t get this dog. He loves tracking and has a high prey drive. Keep him trained, challenged and working. Try tracking and herding trials, obedience, agility, fly ball and bar hunt.

Feeding

biewer dogs - caringAs 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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Old English Sheepdog vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  2. Rough Collie vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. East German Shepherd vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  4. East German Shepherd vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. East German Shepherd vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  6. East German Shepherd vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  7. East German Shepherd vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  8. East German Shepherd vs Czechoslovakian Wolfdog - Breed Comparison
  9. Saarlooswolfhond vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  10. Estrela Mountain Dog vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Huntaway vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  12. Perro de Pastor Mallorquin vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  13. South Russian Ovcharka vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  14. Mioritic Sheepdog vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  15. Samoyed vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  16. Labradoodle vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  17. Mixed vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  18. German Shorthaired Pointer vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  19. Great Pyrenees vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  20. Presa Canario vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  21. Labrador Husky vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  22. Perro de Presa Canario vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  23. Irish Setter vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  24. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Harlequin Pinscher vs Biewer - Breed Comparison
  26. Chihuahua vs Biewer - Breed Comparison
  27. Morkie vs Biewer - Breed Comparison
  28. Havanese vs Biewer - Breed Comparison
  29. Chorkie vs Biewer - Breed Comparison
  30. Pekingese vs Biewer - Breed Comparison
  31. Chinese Crested Dog vs Biewer - Breed Comparison
  32. Biewer vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Biewer vs Bichonpoo - Breed Comparison
  34. Biewer vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  35. Biewer vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  36. Chiweenie vs Biewer - Breed Comparison
  37. Chug vs Biewer - Breed Comparison
  38. Brussels Griffon vs Biewer - Breed Comparison
  39. Chipoo vs Biewer - Breed Comparison
  40. Chiapom vs Biewer - Breed Comparison
  41. English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) vs Biewer - Breed Comparison
  42. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Biewer - Breed Comparison
  43. Russian Toy Terrier vs Biewer - Breed Comparison
  44. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Biewer - Breed Comparison
  45. Phalene vs Biewer - Breed Comparison
  46. Bugg vs Biewer - Breed Comparison
  47. Cockachon vs Biewer - Breed Comparison
  48. Shih Tzu vs Biewer - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds