Judging the Biewer Terrier
BY MYRNA TORRES AND GAYLE PRUETT
I t is with great excitement that the Biewer Terrier will be join- ing the AKC fully-recognized breeds on January 01, 2021. It is incredible that this beautiful little dog, which was relatively unknow just a few years back, is now featured in movies, tele- vision, magazines, and product ads. Fortunately for the breed, the parent club, Biewer Terrier Club of America, has developed a very thorough and comprehensive Judges Education Program. With perseverance, we hope to get the breed off to a good start in the show ring and, hopefully, avoid any future conflicts on how to judge and show our breed. BIEWER TERRIER STANDARD GENERAL APPEARANCE The Biewer Terrier is an elegant, longhaired, uniquely colored toy terrier with a breed signature ponytail. The coat parts down the middle, hanging straight and evenly on both sides of the body as though a comb has been used to part it. The back is level, with height at the withers being equal to height at the croup. Although the outline of the dog gives the appearance of a square, the body length is slightly longer than the overall height. The tail is set high and carried well arched over the body, covered with a long luxuri- ous plume. The Biewer Terrier has a lighthearted whimsical, child- like attitude. Although mischievous at times, they are obedient and make a loyal companion. SIZE, PROPORTION, SUBSTANCE Height —at the withers is the same as the height at the croup, measuring 7 to 11 inches. Weight —is between 4 to 8 lbs. Pro- portion —Length of body from prosternum to ischium is longer than over all height, making the dog off square although square is acceptable. Substance —The body is fine to medium boned with a level topline.
Serious Fault —Over 8 lbs.
THE HEAD Expression —Is more human than that of a dog, being bright and intelligent. Eyes —Are medium-sized and may be round or almond- shaped with a crisp, clear countenance. Iris —as dark as possible. Ears —Are small, upright, V-shaped, moderately wide-set and covered with hair except the tips being shaved. They are set to the back of the skull and the base is level with the eyes. Skull —Slightly rounded. Stop —Moderate. Muzzle —One-third the length of the head. Eye rims, Nose, and Lips —Completely black. Bite —Level or scissor bite. Teeth —Straight and even. Serious Fault(s) —Incomplete pigment on the eye rims, nose, and lip; Ears not standing erect. Disqualification —Blue eye(s); Brown or liver pigmentation of the eye rims, nose, and lips. NECK, TOPLINE AND BODY Neck —Moderate in length, free from throatiness. Topline — Level. Body —length is slightly longer than the overall height, although square is acceptable. Chest —Comes to the elbows with a good width. Ribs—Moderately sprung. Underline —Slightly tucked up. Back —Level topline. Loin —Well developed and strong. Tail—Set high, when in movement carried well arched over the body in a graceful sickle curve, covered with a long luxurious plume. The plume lies to either side of the body. The length of tail- bone must go to the stifles or longer. When reposed, the tail may be relaxed. A kink in the tail is not to be faulted. Serious Fault(s) —Roach or rounded back; high in the front or rear. FOREQUARTERS Forelegs —Should be straight, elbows neither in nor out. Angu- lation —Moderate. Shoulders —Nicely laid back to allow for good reach and freedom of movement. Elbows —Set close to the body.
222 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JANUARY 2021
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