Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Biewer - Breed Comparison

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Biewer - Breed ComparisonBiewer is originated from Germany but Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is originated from Switzerland. Biewer may grow 50 cm / 19 inches shorter than Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Biewer may weigh 66 kg / 145 pounds lesser than Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Biewer may live 3 years more than Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Biewer may have less litter size than Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Biewer requires High Maintenance. But Greater Swiss Mountain Dog requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Working dog
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Germany
Switzerland
Height Male:
20 - 22 cm
7 - 9 inches
65 - 72 cm
25 - 29 inches
Height Female:
18 - 20 cm
7 - 8 inches
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
60 - 70 kg
132 - 155 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 3 kg
4 - 7 pounds
55 - 70 kg
121 - 155 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 5
5 - 10
Size:
Toy
Large
Other Names:
Biewer • Biewer à la Pom Pon • Biewer Yorkie • Biewer Yorkshire • Biewer Yorkie Terrier • Biewer Yorkshire Terrier • Biro Yorkshire Terrier
GSMD, Swissy, Sennenhund
Colors Available:
blue,black, tan, white piebald
Black, white and rust
Coat:
straight, shiny and silky
Short and straight to medium length, coarse and wavy
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

biewerThe Biewer is, or was, a piebald Yorkie caused by a recessive gene in a breeding of two Yorkshire Terriers. On Jan 20, 1984 a piebald Yorkshire puppy was born in Hunsruck, Germany to Gertrud and Werner Biewer. The puppy was considered beautiful and the Biewer’s fell in love with it and began a process od selective breeding in an effort to breed piebald Yorkies. Based on a friend’s suggestion, they named this group of puppies, “Biewer Yorkshire Terrier a la Pom Pon”. By 1989 the Allgemeiner Club der Hundefreunde Deurschland (ACH) officially recognized the Biewer Yorkie as a separate breed. Today they are recognized world wide as two separate breeds.

Today there have been genetic studies done that have declared the Biewer Terrier to be a separate and distinct breed from the Yorkshire Terrier, not simply tricolored Yorkies. The BTCA (Biewer Terrier Club of America) changed the name and standard to an original one for the Biewer Terrier. Mrs. Biewer has accepted and signed this revised standard and it is the only one she has accepted. This new standard allows the Biewer Terrier to have a black coat and an undocked tail. In 2014 with the new standard the American Kennel Club Foundation Stock Service (ACK/FSS) accepted the Biewer Terrier. Some breeders still want the breed called the Biewer Yorkshire a la Pom Pon, but Mrs. Biewer has objected to this, insisting the dog is a terrier. The Biewer Breed Club of America (BBCA) insists on the breeding of Biewers only to other Biewers. This is opposed by others who are importing Biewers and breeding them with Yorkies. The result is not recognized as a purebred dog. BBCA breeders do not engage in this type of cross breeding or condone them. The BBCA breeds only dogs that meet the standard set by the BTCA.

The first two Biewers were imported to the States in 2003 by Donna Hall. They made history in 2003, when they were accepted by the IABCA (International All Breed Canine Association) and entered their first dog show. Today they are shown in rare breed dog shows around the world. Today there are two standards in operation for the Biewer as the American Biewer and the North American Kennel Club continue to follow the German standard while the BBCA follow the revised standard approved by Mrs. Biewer.

greater swiss mountain dogHailing from Switzerland, and one of its oldest dog breeds, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a dubious history in that there are a number of theories as to its origin. He is closely related to the Bernese Mountain Dog, Saint Bernard and Rottweiler.

Of all the theories, the one that says he is descended from large, mastiff-like dogs is a popular one. He used to be a herding- and guard dog, but also was used to pull carts of farm produce.

It was in the 1900s that the dog’s numbers started dwindling. In 1908, canine researcher, Albert Heim recognized the dogs as being large members of the Sennenhund type, a family of four breeds that includes the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

He wanted to see the dogs recognized as a separate breed and the Swiss Kennel Club listed the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog in 1909.

In 1968 they were brought to the United States and a club for them was formed. The dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 with the dog being recognized as a member of the Working group.

Description

biewer puppy - descriptionThis long-haired terrier is a neat and compact toy dog. Their hair should be as long as their body is high and hang straight from the bottom of his skull to the end of his tail which is carried upward. He is a well proportioned and powerful little dog. He has no undercoat, but his overcoat is very much like human hair and should be combed. The head is a signature of the Biewer, covered with symmetrical gold, white and blue/black hair. They have flat, small heads and a black nose with an average muzzle. They have intelligent, dark, medium sized eyes and small ears shaped as a V and standing erect. All four legs are straight, and the hips are well formed. They have round feet and an undocked tail.

greater swiss mountain dog puppy - descriptionSwissies, as they are often referred to as, are large, robust dogs, standing at 65–72cm and weighing anything between 50 – 70kg, with the females being slightly smaller and weighing a little less.

He has big, rounded paws, medium length floppy ears, a broad chest and a long tail. This is a heavy-boned dog, strong while still being agile.

His dense, double coat is black, white and tan or rust, with black on top of the dog's back, ears, tail and legs. There are two rust dots above each eye. The coat can be short and straight to medium length, coarse and wavy. The dog sheds throughout the year with a major shedding a couple of times a year.

Temperament:

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a sociable canine, thriving on being part of a loving human family. While he used to be a working farm dog, today he is essentially a family pet, though he loves to still be busy.

He is generally friendly with strangers, but just like with all other dog breeds, he will need to be trained and socialized to turn him into an even-tempered, obedient dog, capable of getting on well with children and pets in the the home.

Characteristics

biewer dog - characteristicsThe Biewer Terrier loves to be loved and he returns it in volumes. This is a dedicated, fun loving and charming little dog that you can carry around. They are loyal and friendly, athletic and alert. They are barkers when they need to be, but they are not “yappy dogs”. They love toys so make sure they have plenty. They will carry them wherever they go.

greater swiss mountain dog dog - characteristicsThe Swissy is an easy going dog and adapts easily into his human family’s lifestyle. He is big, but agile dog known for his gentle temperament.

While he loves the outdoors, he is a social dog and loves nothing more than coming indoors and being close to his human family.

He loves his family and won’t do well if left outside for days without human companionship. Treat him well and you’ll be rewarded with a loyal, loving 4-legged family member.

Health Problems

biewer puppies - health problemsThe Biewer Terrier is not a cross breed or hybrid and so does have some of the very serious health issues of the Yorkshire Terrier including the bane of small dogs with liver shunts. Liver shunts are fatal if they are not treated. The breed does have sensitive stomach issues as well. They face other small dog issues like floating patella’s, ear and skin infections. Other than this the Biewer Terrier is a very healthy breed.

greater swiss mountain dog puppies - health problemsThe GSMD or Sennenhund, as his name is shortened to, is a fairly healthy dog breed, with very few health issues.

He has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, and although not likely, he can suffer from minor problems such as gastric torsion as well as female urinary incontinence. If your female dog is dribbling urine in her sleep, there are a number of reasons that can be causing it - bladder infections, a medical condition or a weakened bladder with spayed female dogs.

It is certainly time to get your pet to the vet who will recommend a urinalysis.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

biewer dogs - caringAs previously mentioned the Biewer Terrier has a very sensitive stomach and intestinal system. He should be fed low protein dry dog food. Watch for signs of food allergies such as scratching or chewing on his feet. Feed 2-3 times a day but the Biewer Terrier is one of the few dogs that you can safely free feed unless you notice substantial gaining of weight.

Health issues

Health issues are few as mentioned previously. However, make sure your Briewer’s ears are free of debris and wax, make sure their teeth are brushed and they show no signs of allergies. Along with liver shunts, sensitive intestinal and stomach issues and floating patellas, these are the other minor issues that might occur. Watch for diarrhea and off colored stools.

Exercise and games

The Biewer Terrier is an active dog that needs regular exercise and walks. He is a speed demon as his ancestor the Yorkie is and needs an outlet for running as well as daily walks. They love to run, and they love to play. They do great in agility but love adventures. They are smart and love to learn tricks. Since they love hunting vermin they would also excel at Barn Hunt.

Diet:

greater swiss mountain dog dogs - caringThe Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a robust dog and thrives on a diet of kibble to raw meat to some cooked home-made food such as chicken, brown rice and vegetables.

A serious issue with the GSMD is overfeeding, resulting in uncomfortable digestive problems and of course, obesity.

Exercise:

Your GSMD isn’t a dog that is going to require a lot of exercise like some of the other dog breeds there are, but still his working career of the past requires that he still be taken on daily walks, enjoys ball- and rope games and to go swimming.

Grooming:

Brush your dogs coat at least twice a week to remove loose hears. Other grooming aspects include cleaning the ears to avoid infection, clipping his nails and brushing his teeth at least twice a week.

If you’re not sure how to do all these things, there are useful accessories for dogs that allow you to do all this grooming on your own. Your vet can also show you how as these are all things that will require ongoing attention.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  3. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
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  16. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
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  25. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Biewer vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Biewer vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Biewer vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Biewer vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Biewer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Biewer vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Biewer vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Biewer vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Biewer vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Biewer vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Biewer vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Biewer vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Biewer vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Biewer vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Biewer vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Biewer vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Biewer vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Biewer vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Biewer vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Biewer vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Biewer vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Biewer vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Biewer vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Biewer vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Biewer vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison