IMO, this should be asked through a pm.
Jessica

Make sure you ask them if dogs have the L.S. lines. There are certain lines that are known producers that you need to stay away from. Some people continue to breed these lines and don't bother telling the buyer about the probability of L.S. in their puppy.

So true. After my experience with my Biewer, wouldn't buy another. It's sad because it's a lovely breed but just too difficult to find a healthy one. There is so much grief with this breed and the breeders are also learning as they breed. My dog's littermate is a champion and being bred in the USA, an absolute joke.
Jessica

I'm sorry you had a bad experience Jennifer. Many of us had bad initial experiences I am sorry to say. But things improved once I learned the LS lines, and learned to ask the right questions and get the answers in writing. Never buy a puppy "as is"......

Do the homework, go to shows, meet the breeders, and talk to the folks who have bought and post on the forums when you are interested in a breeder for pros and cons.

Ask for references, ask for more references and ask assistance of others no matter what the breed. Go to the breeder's home.

Why, they have posted on every forum that they are involved in an International research program and their health registry is open to the public?

As far as the championships go, I agree. Up until Arba accepted the Biewer Terrier, there were 2 show venues, one says he will use the standard submitted by who ever his paying customers are and the other, until Oct. of last year, used what ever standard they were handed by the person showing, or one found on the internet. With that particular venue, you can go one weekend and receive your International title. Very few people, almost no one, nada has ever walked out without a title. One time I had missed a show and just walked up and had the judge signed my card, never even showed. WooooWhooo, I got my title and moved on up to a World Beauty Champion. (She did deserve it though. Hair almost to the ground, level top line, good face coloring.)
Titles are awarded to dogs that don't even meet the standard that they are being judged by.

The people that are still breeding the known liver shunt lines are the ones having health issues. With some of these lines came epilepsy also. They share studs that produce and further the problem.
People that have had the same problems with each litter keep breeding the same dogs and getting the same results. You have champions that have produce more bad dogs than good, but the dog is a champion and it's all about SELF glory.

Besides all that Jessica, for the most part, our breed is very healthy. I have never had any health issues in my dogs and I don't know anyone in our club that has.
I've had dogs altered due to bad bites and other things that were not health related because those traits are not what I want in our foundation, but nothing because of health.

Don't be afraid to get another one, they are one of the best dogs on Earth. With the aide of science we are going to be able knock off years of trial and error in our breeding programs.
This is an exciting time for the Biewer Terrier in America. If you are interested in learning more about the breed, we should have a DVD out by the end of May. The DVD is based on scientific findings and documented proof, not hearsay and theories. The availability of the DVD will be posted on the BTCA, Inc. web site

The Biewer has been shown with Ontario Rare Breed Club since 2006. Many of the shows are held in conjunction with Canadian Kennel Club show venues.I recently attended the Tillsonburg show, well ran and very organized.Here is the scedule Rare Breed Club of South Western Ontario - 2007 Show Schedule
For some of you who may be Canadian or visiting you can see the Beautiful Biewers strutt in the ring.
And for those interested in NAKC the Biewers have been shown since 2003 and has been following the original standard that was submitted by the ABC way back then. Visit the NAKC website for upcoming shows:thumbup:

The Biewers are being shown in many rare breed venues. Certainly, more than 4 years ago. Some organizations follow AKC show rules and make the exhibitors realllllllllllllllllllllllllllllly work for their titles. Other organizations, it can be described as "first come, first served"--as titles are "won" or earned.

When you don't always come home with a winner, then imho you are working with a good organization. Winning isn't-- because there is no one else competing with you. Winning isn't--having major faults and getting a championship. Winning should not be bought.

Are Biewers rare? Yes, they are not very common.

Find a breed club where the members share your vision, philosopy, and enthusiasm. Join them at shows. Be willing to share in the exhibitors' successes and to give and take from each other.

Come look at the American Rare Breed Association and the Biewer Terrier Club of America