New here and a few questions. :)

[annadee]

Hello,

My name is Anna and I am a certified dog addict, LOL! I volunteer at the SPCA which I absolutely adore, and I am constantly researching breeds, the diversity always amazes me. I am currently a third year university student. I also own a chocolate labrador retriever, who is turning 11 years old this year. Wow, time flies!!

I am currently researching breeders of both yorkies and biewers. I am very much interested in biewers in particular (such beautiful colours, omg!!), so I have a couple of questions for people who own this breed. I am looking to add a new dog to my life in 1-2 years...

I hope no one assumes that just because I'm a university student and a young person (21) I am not serious about pet ownership... I try very hard to be a responsible pet owner.

1) How active are biewers? While I'm not an athlete, I do enjoy going out and about once a week for a hike or bike ride. I also enjoy going on daily 30-60 minute walks. Would a biewer be able to keep up with me or are they more couch potatoes?

2) How trainable are they? Do they enjoy activities like competitive obedience, agility or rally-o?

3) Are they good with other dogs and animals when introduced and socialized as a pup, or do they always instinctively want to kill small animals? I know they are terriers, so I'm a biiit nervous. I own a chocolate lab and a parrot, who enjoys his out of cage time. My parrot is always supervised just in case when around my lab even though my lab has never shown any interest in him. I also have tons of friends who own dogs (one who is a yorkie!!) so the biewer would most likely join in on doggy play dates (once the pup is done shots obviously).

4) I know breeders don't like this question because it shouldn't be all about money... and I am not, I know the cost that goes into breeding and I whole-heartedly admire responsible breeding... but honestly, how much does a pet quality biewer cost? I'm talking one from a reputable breeder who does health testing, shows the dogs in a venue such as confirmation, and has a good 2+ year health guarantee, not just a CKC reg'd pup from a kijiji or newspaper advertisement. I live in BC, Canada... is it realistic to hope for a $1000-$2000 price range, preferably $1000-1500?

5) How hard is this breed to housebreak and crate train so there is no separation anxiety? There is never anyone in the home gone longer then 4 hours, there are 4 family members and I have reliable friends and family I can drop the dog off with if need be, but if there's only one person in the house and they need to be off somewhere for a couple of hours all the sudden it would be nice to have a crate-trained dog.

Sorry for the long list of questions!! But I'm very, very excited to be here, and have always dreamed of owning a beautiful Biewer.

[CaliMomma]

I'm going to bump this for you. I think those are honest questions. I'm a first time Yorkie owner, previous lab (20+yrs) owner and rottie owner. I will say they are easier as pups to train LOL

[BabyGirl Rosie]

I can't answer your questions but wanted to say welcome to YT! Hopefully some of our Biewer owners can help you.

[annadee]

Thank you for the welcomes!

Calimomma, when you say "they" do you mean labs and rotties or yorkies?

Your dogs are gorgeous!

[joeyyy2010]

1) How active are biewers? While I'm not an athlete, I do enjoy going out and about once a week for a hike or bike ride. I also enjoy going on daily 30-60 minute walks. Would a biewer be able to keep up with me or are they more couch potatoes?
My little guy is very active. He is constantly going and we go for a walk in the evening every day, sometimes in the morning if I dont have to be at work early. However, when its time for bed, he goes to sleep.
2) How trainable are they? Do they enjoy activities like competitive obedience, agility or rally-o?
He is a year old, we are working on the roll-over trick. He is a high jumper and if I had more time, I would like to get him into some agility competitions.
3) Are they good with other dogs and animals when introduced and socialized as a pup, or do they always instinctively want to kill small animals? I know they are terriers, so I'm a biiit nervous. I own a chocolate lab and a parrot, who enjoys his out of cage time. My parrot is always supervised just in case when around my lab even though my lab has never shown any interest in him. I also have tons of friends who own dogs (one who is a yorkie!!) so the biewer would most likely join in on doggy play dates (once the pup is done shots obviously).
I have a lab, who I rescued and she is a bit shy around other dogs and people. Never agressive, just a little submissive. Joey is just fine with her, and they get along wonderfully. They are little peas in a pod!
4) I know breeders don't like this question because it shouldn't be all about money... and I am not, I know the cost that goes into breeding and I whole-heartedly admire responsible breeding... but honestly, how much does a pet quality biewer cost? I'm talking one from a reputable breeder who does health testing, shows the dogs in a venue such as confirmation, and has a good 2+ year health guarantee, not just a CKC reg'd pup from a kijiji or newspaper advertisement. I live in BC, Canada... is it realistic to hope for a $1000-$2000 price range, preferably $1000-1500?
I have no idea what the price range for a dog in your area would cost, but I think you are in the correct ballpark
5) How hard is this breed to housebreak and crate train so there is no separation anxiety? There is never anyone in the home gone longer then 4 hours, there are 4 family members and I have reliable friends and family I can drop the dog off with if need be, but if there's only one person in the house and they need to be off somewhere for a couple of hours all the sudden it would be nice to have a crate-trained dog.
When I first got Joey I didnt have a crate, so he isnt "crate trained" he has an XPEN that he goes into while we are gone, and its right next to my labs crate. Mostly, when we go out and about, he will go with us.

[annadee]

Thank you so much for your answer! Yaaay, your Joey is so cute!! I can't get enough of these little guys!

[joeyyy2010]

Originally Posted by annadee

Thank you so much for your answer! Yaaay, your Joey is so cute!! I can't get enough of these little guys!

Thanks

And I forgot to answer about the potty training.
I tried to pad train him, I wanted him to pad inside and outside. Well, he had other plans. I could not get him to go on the pad no matter what. I put pads all over the place. In the spots that I would find poo, and where I noticed he would pee...he just changed spots.
So, after all his shots, I took him outside and he just started going in the yard. I wouldnt let him and the lab out together at first because I didnt know what kind of trouble they would get into, but now they go out and do their business together. He basically trained himself after he was allowed to go outside.

[annadee]

Awesome! I was curious because I've heard toy breeds are hard to potty train, but I guess it's a matter of being consistent and letting them out more often.

[lovespandp]

Welcome to Yt!! Hope you get your Biewer soon!

[Britster]

Hello,

My name is Anna and I am a certified dog addict, LOL! I volunteer at the SPCA which I absolutely adore, and I am constantly researching breeds, the diversity always amazes me. I am currently a third year university student. I also own a chocolate labrador retriever, who is turning 11 years old this year. Wow, time flies!!

I am currently researching breeders of both yorkies and biewers. I am very much interested in biewers in particular (such beautiful colours, omg!!), so I have a couple of questions for people who own this breed. I am looking to add a new dog to my life in 1-2 years...

I hope no one assumes that just because I'm a university student and a young person (21) I am not serious about pet ownership... I try very hard to be a responsible pet owner.


Hi! I am 22 and got Jackson at 18. So young owner here too. He is honestly my life... okay, well I do have a life outside of him, but he's my best friend, my partner in crime. We do as much as we can together. It CAN be difficult at this age having a dog because sometimes friends just... don't understand that you have to leave somewhere early because of your dog, or you can't go out right after work, etc. I wouldn't have it any other way. I hate being separated from him to be honest and hate leaving him when I have to.


1) How active are biewers? While I'm not an athlete, I do enjoy going out and about once a week for a hike or bike ride. I also enjoy going on daily 30-60 minute walks. Would a biewer be able to keep up with me or are they more couch potatoes?

I don't know much about Biewers. I've met 2 in real life, actually there was one at the dog park the other day, and he was a fast little guy. About 8lbs and super playful and fun. Running around with the other dogs. I've heard they are a little less 'fiesty' than yorkies, don't know how true that is? But I think absolutely they will love to do long walks with you. In fact, I think every dog should be encouraged from a young age to get out there and be active and if they grow up that way, chances are they will enjoy it. My boy is a bigger Yorkie (17lbs) but he is one of the most active dogs I know. Just yesterday, we did a 4 mile walk, and spent over an hour in the dog park, came home and he STILL wanted more... so after a little rest, we went outside and played fetch up hill for 30 mins. He also swims all summer long in my dads pool. With that said, he's also perfectly happy to sleep in with me on the weekends until noon. lol. But he needs at LEAST 30 mins of exercise each day to be content, but I try to provide more, and the only time we do nothing is if I'm sick or it's rainy or whatever. Otherwise, he needs *something*.

2) How trainable are they? Do they enjoy activities like competitive obedience, agility or rally-o?

Jackson has enjoyed everything I've thrown at him- obedience, agility, dock diving. We've never tried rally-o. We're going to do Earthdog hopefully this summer. I mean, I don't think you'll ever have a Border Collie running the agility course, but lots of yorkies excel in sports. Very smart. Jackson knows over 50 tricks (ranging from playing dead, praying, limping, jumping on my back, and more).

3) Are they good with other dogs and animals when introduced and socialized as a pup, or do they always instinctively want to kill small animals? I know they are terriers, so I'm a biiit nervous. I own a chocolate lab and a parrot, who enjoys his out of cage time. My parrot is always supervised just in case when around my lab even though my lab has never shown any interest in him. I also have tons of friends who own dogs (one who is a yorkie!!) so the biewer would most likely join in on doggy play dates (once the pup is done shots obviously).

Jackson has pretty high prey drive. He hunts bunnies in our backyard and nothing can turn him off, he's very much 'on' while doing so. He has yet to catch one but I really think if he did, he would go in for the kill. Lilly, my dads JRT mix has killed baby bunnies before. Jackson has killed a bird before in our screened in porch, but I honestly think he would be scared of a talking parrot, LOL... I think it's entirely possible to have a bird a Yorkie especially when raised together. Now a hamster or a ferret might be another story, depending. Yorkies are terriers first and foremost but some have turned into more of a 'lap dog' in today's world. I find yorkies in general to be a pretty good mix of whether they like dogs or not. A few come into the dog park and just stand there by their owners and don't do much of anything or growl at any dogs that come by them. Then others will happily run around playing etc. I will say they mostly tend to be the bit bigger ones (over 8lbs), as the smaller ones get intimidated sometimes but overall socialize, socialize, socialize from an early age.

4) I know breeders don't like this question because it shouldn't be all about money... and I am not, I know the cost that goes into breeding and I whole-heartedly admire responsible breeding... but honestly, how much does a pet quality biewer cost? I'm talking one from a reputable breeder who does health testing, shows the dogs in a venue such as confirmation, and has a good 2+ year health guarantee, not just a CKC reg'd pup from a kijiji or newspaper advertisement. I live in BC, Canada... is it realistic to hope for a $1000-$2000 price range, preferably $1000-1500?

I think that's a pretty average price range from what I've seen. I don't think I've seen them over $2000, nor would I pay more than that.

5) How hard is this breed to housebreak and crate train so there is no separation anxiety? There is never anyone in the home gone longer then 4 hours, there are 4 family members and I have reliable friends and family I can drop the dog off with if need be, but if there's only one person in the house and they need to be off somewhere for a couple of hours all the sudden it would be nice to have a crate-trained dog.

Jackson house trained pretty easily. He hasn't been left in a crate while I leave since 5 months old. He's had free roam of the house for a long time now. But they are known as a whole to be more difficult to house break than others. I think it's just about consistancy. I had a really good routine with Jackson as a puppy and I always set him up for success, and left no time for him to fail. I think a yorkie can be house trained just as well as any other breed. Some will tell you otherwise.

I think the key is to 'treat them like a dog' and by that, I just mean they ARE dogs, they don't need to be carried 24/7 etc. My dog is spoiled like crazy (he sleeps in my bed, he goes wherever he can with me, I buy him new things almost every week lol, etc) and he's given amazing care but he still gets to go run around outside, roll in the dirt and worms, play in the water, get dirty and just 'be a dog'. I've never sheltered him from anything and he's become an amazing well rounded dog because of it.

[CaliMomma]

Originally Posted by annadee

Awesome! I was curious because I've heard toy breeds are hard to potty train, but I guess it's a matter of being consistent and letting them out more often.

Its been a true experience these last 2 weeks almost with Darla! She has her own thoughts on where and when she will go. She follows no rules!! My lab and my rottie were easy peasy to train. But I love my Darla. Its putting my little green machine (little bissel carpet cleaner) to work!!

[annadee]

Thank you sooooo much for such a detailed answer, Brit!! That is awesome!!

I am very excited!! Yorkies sound like a very fun breed!!

[Hrossen11]

If you like the looks of biewer, you can also look at parti colored yorkies since they are very similar

[Britster]

Originally Posted by annadee

Thank you sooooo much for such a detailed answer, Brit!! That is awesome!!

I am very excited!! Yorkies sound like a very fun breed!!

I very much looked into Biewers as a 2nd dog for a while, but I personally have fallen in love with a bit of a more 'hardy' dog and like Border Terriers, Silky's, Westie's, etc. But after I met that Biewer at the dog park the other day, I fell in love again. He really was fearless and just a great little guy.

I think it's important to look for the kind of dog you really want, and I am sure you will find it in a Yorkie or a Biewer. Usually a good breeder will match you up with a puppy and your personality and what you prefer. If you want a lap dog, they would pair you up with the more mellow pup, but if you want a more active pup, give you the one that is constantly looking for something to do, etc. Like I think I would go nuts with a dog who wanted to be picked up all the time or sit on my lap all day but lots LOVE it!! So it's all about what you as an individual really want in a dog.

I would shop for your breeder first, THEN the dog. If you can put your trust in a breeder to pick out the right pup for you, that is key.

Also, I always love watching videos of certain breeds so you can get more of a 'feel' for them through watching them and how they interact etc.

Here is my youtube channel full of Jackson videos - Lights! Camera! Jackson! - YouTube .. you can see him doing a bit of agility stuff, swimming, playing, tricks, training, etc.

Some of my other fav YT yorkies are alaskayorkie's dogs, Eddie and Jillie. Mike Lewis - YouTube

Also, coolest tiny Yorkie EVER, Lilo, who unfortunately passed away... God she was such a sweetheart (just thru watching her on video, I got to 'know' her), tiniest little thing and so smart, and full of spunk:
MrTeacupJoeJoeBears Fun Page - YouTube

[annadee]

Originally Posted by Hrossen11

If you like the looks of biewer, you can also look at parti colored yorkies since they are very similar

That is true, if I can find a reputable breeder of parti-coloured yorkies. I don't know how common that is though, I'm a bit sketchy of breeders who breed for a colour that is not accepted by the CKC standard... worried they're just in it for the $$$.