Hi Rachel. Are you talking $1,900.00 for a Biewer and airfare for 2 people plus expenses? I think for that amount you could find a Biewer here from a reputable breeder, with full breeding rights that would cost about the same or close to it. You would get a health guarantee and DNA testing, which isn't required for registration in Germany. Have you joined any of the Biewer forums?

Yes, you do need to be careful about a health guarantee. Most Germans do not offer it at all. I even know of one US breeder that sold a dog "AS IS" The poor new owner did not read the contract very well, because she was verbally told the puppy was an excellent breeding show prospect. When the puppy developed problems the new owner talked to the breeder but was told "sorry, you bought it as is."

As far as showing, I have shown ARBA, and IABCA. Both are excellent places to learn to show and about the dogs. The judges for the most part are very friendly and willing to help even newbies. I have been raising Biewers since 2006 and also started showing in the fall of that year. I have heard that NAKC is also a wonderful venue for show, it is just they are not as close to me. There are many wonderful people to meet, and not just Biewer people at these shows. We have gotten some of our best grooming tips from other breeds.

As with the traditional yorkies there are health problems to watch out for whether you buy from Germany or here in the states.

Wow thank you for the wonderful advice. I hadn't even thought of a health guarantee.. and I cannot remember if the lady I talked to even offered one. That is just unbelievable. About breeding rights, I have only talked to one person in the US that would even consider releasing breeding rights, which would be our intent when we try to show. Every other individual I've encountered will only sell to pet homes, or so it seemed.

But, I am still researching and looking for exactly what I want. I know God will point me in the right direction when the time is right. Like I said, I'm in no hurry to find one right away - I want to make sure I'm armed with good information first.

I have joined BiewerTalk, but have not a whole lot of time to get on and interact very much. I will soon though -- its next on my list of 'things to do.' LOL. :D

Many of the Biewer breeders have had bad experiences with people that have adopted our puppies. Take the time to get to know some of them and have them get to know you. They might be more receptive to the idea of selling you a breeding/show prospect if they know you and your outlook on breeding dogs.

Do some research on the different lines. You will need at least two dogs that are not closely related anyway. It will be helpful to know names that are on pedigrees.

I would be very very careful of a German breeder who is selling Biewers at that price. There are only a very select few breeders in Germany that I myself would purchase a puppy from and none of the breeders that I am aware of that have Biewers of any quality offers their puppies at that price.

If you want to start a quality breeding program, you need to start with quality dogs. You will need to pay for that. Take the time to look at peoples websites and really LOOK at the dogs that are being sold.. there is REALLY a difference and you can see it.. just like yorkies there is a difference in quality.. it depends on how proud you want to be of what you produce. You need to start with a good foundation.

You really want to be able to see the parents, touch them, pick them up, feel the weight, the build, watch them walk .. observe how they act.. hang out with them.. see a few of their previous litters.. KNOW WHAT YOUR BUYING! That's very difficult to do by going to Germany for a day..

If you develop a relationship with a German breeder, learn their lines, see their prior puppies, contact their owners, see what they've thrown.. follow them then at least you have some idea what your getting into..that may make some sense.. ask for testing, health gurarantees, what genetic issues their lines have experienced (of course they'll have had none). I've purchased from 4 breeders in Germany, not one health guarantee or contract (this was a few years ago when this was just about the only option available to us for Biewers) We've come along way in a few years and there are some wonderful breeders in Germany but you will pay for the good dogs.. you get what you pay for!!!

You can find good breeders here in the states that will sell you puppies with breeding rites once you have developed a relationship with them, going on the forums is a great first step. This does take time. Things worth doing well always do.. again, it depends how much you want to invest into your program.. how much of your money, how much of your time and how much of yourself.. your choices will show in the end. JMO

-Diana:animal-pa

That was excellent advice from Diana and Kathy. you will need to consider this an investment--if the dog is too inexpensive compared to the rest of the market you probably should be asking lots of questions, and working with a mentor/experienced Biewer person.

Thank you so very much. I am really appreciating all this wonderful information. I know that getting my first quality dog will be a serious investment, and we're prepared for that. We aren't making any hasty decisions --- we probably aren't even planning to purchase one until after summer time or later. Between now and then, we are catching up on the basics of showing, where to show and such. We've never shown before and we are really interested in it. I know that it is going to require quite a bit of capital, which we are also prepared for.

Diana, thank you for that bit of info you provided to me. A couple of people IM'd me some forums that I will be hopefully become active on soon once I get some things around here squared away and have some more time in front of the 'puter. You guys have been so incredibly helpful.

You might want to consider going to this show to see a lot of biewers in one place and to meet alot of breeders:

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sho...ghlight=biewer

Thank you for the suggestion! I saw that thread once before, but we have prior arrangements -- we are photographers and will be doing a wedding that day in Atlanta! If I could and could spare the time for a drive to Orlando, I most certainly would. I would looooooove to attend one!

There is an ARBA show in Hutto, Texas on April 19 and 20 where there will also be Biewers in the showring.

I see that you live in TN. I don't know how far you are from Lexington KY, but on July 12 & 13, IABCA is scheduled to have a show there http://www.iabca.com/calendar.html if you keep checking their website a few day's prior, they will have the show roster up and you can check to see if any Biewers will be in attendance. They are great dogs! Here's some links to the BBCI's 2008 Specialty that we had last month. It was so much fun. http://www.photoshow.com/watch/pE3tM9NY and http://bbci.homestead.com/firstBBCISpecialty2008.html ...

Oh man that is awesome and just about perfect! I don't think I have anything at all going on those days. (Unless of course I find a job and have to work! LOL) Lexington is only about a 2.5 or so hour drive for me, which isn't bad at all!! Thank you very much for suggesting that.

I see you are going to Kansas City. I am sure there will be some Biewers there at the meet-up. At least one adult and one puppy.
Getting so excited about meeting everyone!!!

aww i wish i could attend the meetup...i know it would be fun!!!! have fun everyone...

how ?????
 

how do you get a real biewer from germany?:):)