“As a young woman, I always imagined breeding Yorkshire Terriers,” Judith recalls. “But family life took priority at the time.” Years later, with the opportunity to revisit her dream, she began researching breeds with one of her sisters. That’s when the Biewer Terrier caught their attention, a rare and eye-catching breed that was almost impossible to find in Canada at the time.
That moment sparked a journey filled with learning, patience, and resilience. Judith dove into researching responsible breeders, import regulations, and genetic health. “We faced many disappointments in the beginning ranging from questionable paperwork, poor breeding practices, and receiving dogs that didn’t meet expectations,” she admits. “But despite the challenges, after nearly three years of persistence, we imported a small foundation of healthy dogs from Europe and officially launched our breeding program.”
From the start, health and temperament were at the core of Judith’s vision. Every breeding dog in her program undergoes comprehensive health screening, including DNA testing for over 230 hereditary conditions, eye exams, and patella evaluations. Breed-specific tests are repeated every few generations to ensure the continued health of her lines.
Today, Exquisite Biewer Terriers is proud to be part of the Biewer Terrier Club of Canada Inc. and active in CKC Conformation Shows, even producing the first Canadian male champion in the breed’s history. “We’re honoured to be part of the breed’s legacy in Canada,” Judith says.
According to Judith, the Biewer Terrier is more than a pretty face. “They’re elegant and longhaired, though most are kept in a manageable puppy cut,” she explains. “They’re loyal, social, and often greet people with what looks like a genuine smile.”
This cheerful disposition is matched by their surprising athleticism. Despite their small size, Biewers can keep up on hikes and even excel in agility, as long as activities are age-appropriate. “They’re playful, loving, and full of personality. They often are found carrying toys around just for fun,” Judith laughs.
One of the breed’s greatest strengths is its adaptability. “The Biewer adjusts to their owner's lifestyle,” Judith says. Whether you live in an apartment or a house with a yard, the Biewer thrives as long as its need for interaction and play is met. “Even if you don’t have a yard, they’ll burn off energy with indoor zoomies,” she adds.
Like many toy breeds, Biewer Terriers are sometimes misunderstood. “People could claim that they’re hard to housebreak, picky eaters, or that their coats are too high maintenance,” says Judith. “But with proper training, nutrition, and grooming routines, those assumptions just don’t hold up. They’re no more difficult than any other breed when raised responsibly.”
Judith also stresses the importance of being truly prepared before bringing any puppy home — not just Biewers. “Think of it like preparing for a toddler,” she says. “Your house needs to be puppy-proofed. You’ll need a safe space like a crate, pen, or gated area for when you can’t supervise. And if you have a vacation planned when your puppy is ready to go home, then postpone pickup. It’s better for the pup to stay with the breeder a bit longer than experience unnecessary upheaval during that critical adjustment phase.”
For more help with understanding if you’re ready for the commitment to bring home a new pup, try Paction’s Pup Time Estimator.
With her deep commitment to responsible breeding and a passion for preserving the integrity of the Biewer Terrier, Judith Maynard is helping this once-rare breed flourish in Canada - one healthy, happy pup at a time!
