Biewer Terrier

Feeding a Biewer Terrier properly is crucial for their health, and their small size means you need to be quite precise about portions and timing. These little dogs can have sensitive digestive systems, so choosing the right food and feeding schedule is important.

For Biewer puppies, you'll want to feed them three to four times daily on a regular schedule - this helps prevent hypoglycemia, which can be dangerous in such small dogs. Adult Biewers typically do well with two meals per day, morning and evening. Because of their size, even a small amount of the wrong food can upset their system.

Look for high-quality small breed dog food that meets nutritional guidelines - these formulas have smaller kibble sizes that are easier for tiny mouths to manage. Many Australian Biewer owners find success with premium small breed formulas from brands readily available here. The smaller kibble also helps with dental health, which is important since small breeds can be prone to dental issues.

Some Biewers benefit from a lower-protein diet if they have sensitive stomachs, and lamb or fish-based foods can work well if your dog shows signs of food allergies like excessive scratching or chewing their feet. Free feeding might work for some Biewers, but if you notice weight gain, switch to measured meals.

Always have fresh water available, and be mindful that in Australia's warmer climates, they might drink more during summer months. If you're camping or travelling around Australia with your Biewer, maintaining their regular feeding schedule helps prevent digestive upsets.

Let's be honest - if you're considering a Biewer Terrier, you need to embrace the grooming commitment. That gorgeous, silky coat is their crowning glory, but it requires regular attention to keep it looking its best and prevent matting.

Daily brushing is essential, using a pin brush or metal comb to work through that long, flowing coat. The good news is that Biewer coats are less prone to matting than some other long-haired breeds, but neglect it for a few days and you'll have knots to deal with. Many Australian owners find that setting up a grooming routine while watching TV makes it more manageable.

Weekly baths are recommended using dog-specific shampoo and conditioner - never use human products as they can cause skin irritation. In Australia's dusty conditions, particularly if you're in rural areas or enjoy bushwalking, you might find more frequent baths necessary.

If you're not planning to show your Biewer, consider a shorter "puppy cut" - this dramatically reduces grooming time while still looking adorable. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks keeps them looking sharp and can include nail trimming and ear cleaning.

Don't forget about dental care - daily teeth brushing with dog toothpaste is important for small breeds. Their ears need regular checking and cleaning, and those fast-growing nails need trimming every couple of weeks. The hair around their eyes might need trimming to prevent irritation, and many owners learn to do this themselves between professional grooms.

Here's what might surprise you about Biewer Terriers - despite their small size, they're surprisingly athletic and intelligent. They're eager to please, which makes training quite enjoyable, though they can have that independent terrier streak that requires patience and consistency.

Start training early with positive reinforcement methods. These dogs respond beautifully to treats and praise, and they genuinely want to make you happy. Basic commands like sit, stay, and come are usually picked up quickly, though toilet training might take a bit longer - this is common with small breeds.

Exercise-wise, don't underestimate these little athletes. A daily walk plus some active indoor play will keep them content. They're excellent companions for strolls through Australian neighbourhoods, and many enjoy beach walks along our coastline. In apartment settings across Sydney or Melbourne, they adapt well to indoor exercise games and puzzle toys.

Socialisation is crucial - expose them to different people, sounds, and experiences early. Australian puppy schools are brilliant for this. These dogs can be naturally alert and might bark at new stimuli, but proper socialisation helps manage this behaviour, which is important in our close-knit suburban communities.

They excel at dog sports like agility and rally, and many Australian clubs welcome small breeds. Their intelligence makes them great candidates for trick training too. Just remember to keep training sessions short and fun - their attention spans are good, but they're still small dogs who tire more easily than larger breeds.