MyDogBreeds
Finnish Spitz is originated from Finland but Biewer is originated from Germany. Finnish Spitz may grow 28 cm / 12 inches higher than Biewer. Finnish Spitz may weigh 11 kg / 25 pounds more than Biewer. Finnish Spitz may live 4 years less than Biewer. Both Finnish Spitz and Biewer has almost same litter size. Finnish Spitz requires Moderate maintenance. But Biewer requires High maintenance
The “barking Bird Dog” or Finnish Spitz was Developed in Finland. The breed is fearless and small with a different style than many other hunting dogs. He style of tracking is unusual and he indicated his quarry by barking. He was bred to hunt all sizes of prey from as large as bears to as small as squirrels. He was called the “Barking Bird Dig” because he pointed at the prey by barking and giving the hunter knowledge of the prey and an easy approach to it. In Finland, the Spitz is still a hunting dog. In 1979 The Finnish Spitz became the national dog of Finland.
Spitz-like dogs have been present in Finland for over 8000 years. It is believed that dogs living in higher latitudes had more in common with the Taymyr Wolf od North Asia than with the gray wolf. Tests indicate that the chance of the Spitz being related to the Taymyr is between 1.4&a and 27.3%. The Taymyr is extinct today. This shows that the present day dog descends from more than one type of wolf and more than one area. The Spitz was a favorite of the Finno-Ugrian tribes as he helped them find food. These tribes were pretty isolated until 1880. Then the Spitz were mated with other dogs and were almost extinct as a breed separate from all the other local dogs.
However, like many other breeds the Finnish Spitz found a savior. A Finnish huntsman, named Hugo Roos, noticed the native Finnish Spitz while he was hunting up North. He decided to breed dogs that were genuine Finnish Spitz without the blood of other breeds mixed in. After thirty years the current day Finnish Spitz was born.The latest breed standard was confirmed by the Love Finnish Kennel Club in 1996.
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.
The Finnish Spitz is balanced and symmetrical in body and females are longer than males. They have a very distinguishable prick, foxy ears and face. They have a smiling expression and a curved tail. They are a golden-red color with a double coat. The under coat is dense and soft While the top coat is stiff. Puppies often look like little red fox cubs. When born they are black, grey or brown with a lot of black. As an adult the pups grow up to be a mix of fawn and dark black. Lips, nose and rims of the eyes should be black.
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.
Very child friendly – loves to play with children as long as the children pay attention to them. If not, the Spitz will go elsewhere.
They are independent thinkers and close to family but not strangers. They often “yodel” instead of howl.
Needs to be with people, bonds deeply with his humans. Most get along well with other dogs but because of their hunting instinct they are not good with small pets or birds.
They are smart and learn easily. They are great athletes and learn games and competition well.
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.
Typically, a somewhat healthy breed, the Finnish Spitz does struggle with a few genetic concerns. They have been known to suffer from:
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.
Don’t overfeed the little guy. The Spitz had a good appetite for a dog its size and can gain weight quickly . Feed twice a day about 1/8th of a cup.
The same advice hold for the adult dog. Feed 1/4th of a cub of high quality dry food twice a day.
When the Spitz is a puppy you should limit strenuous exercise and jumping. Don’t spay neuter at too young an age. Wait until they are mature at 3-5 years of age.
Again do not exercise vigorously at too young an age. When older the Finnish Spitz will need a yard to run in and exercise to satisfy his hunting instincts. A long walk every day is a must.
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 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.
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.