Breed Comparison: Biewer Terrier Versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog

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Biewer Terrier Versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Biewer Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Biewer Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Biewer Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Biewer Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Biewer Terrier and for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Biewer Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Biewer Terrier or the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

Biewer Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog: Overview

A very important difference between the Biewer Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Biewer Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Biewer Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Biewer Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Biewer Terrier to the Caucasian Shepherd Dog based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Biewer Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Factor Biewer Terrier Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Does NOT Shed 5/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 3/5
Weight 4 to 8 pounds 80 to 220 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 4/5
Height 7 to 11 inches 24 to 34 inches
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $2920 $2110
Price Range $2000 – $3000 $1500 – $2500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Eye Examination prior to the onset of breeding, recommend evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 Years of Age.
  • HYPERURICOSURIA
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Dentition
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye examination, results registered with the OFA.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Biewer Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Biewer Terrier is 89 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is 69 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Biewer Terrier is a better pet than the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. So, you should get the Biewer Terrier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Biewer Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Biewer Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    Below is a list of where the Biewer Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are most different:

    • Biewer Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Biewer Terriers do not have the tendency to drool. However, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.
    • Biewer Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can tolerate cold weather.
    • Biewer Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Biewer Terriers have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy. However, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.

    The Similarities Between the Biewer Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    The Biewer Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Biewer Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are most similar:

    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are very playful.
    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Size Comparison of Biewer Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Biewer Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

    Biewer Terriers weigh 4 to 8 pounds when fully grown. Biewer Terriers are 7 to 11 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs weigh 80 to 220 pounds when fully grown. Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are 24 to 34 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Biewer Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    The lifespan of Biewer Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Biewer Terriers is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs is 11.0 years.

    Biewer Terriers live longer than Caucasian Shepherd Dogs.

    Price of Biewer Terrier versus Price of Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    The average price of the Biewer Terrier puppy is $2920. The price of the Biewer Terrier typically ranges from $2000 – $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 81 Biewer Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppy is $2110. The price of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 33 Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Biewer Terrier is more expensive than the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Biewer Terrier and Caucasian Shepherd Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Biewer Terrier puppies or how many Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Biewer Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Biewer Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Biewer Terrier puppy or the Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Health Problems of Biewer Terrier versus Health Problems of Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Biewer Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Biewer Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Biewer Terrier than for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

    8 health tests are recommended for Biewer Terrier while 7 tests are recommended for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Biewer Terriers and in Caucasian Shepherd Dogs.

    Biewer Terrier Health Problems

    Biewer Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Biewer Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Biewer Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Biewer Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Biewer Terriers for:

  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Eye Examination prior to the onset of breeding, recommend evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 Years of Age.
  • HYPERURICOSURIA
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Biewer Terriers here.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dog Health Problems

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Caucasian Shepherd Dog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Caucasian Shepherd Dogs for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Dentition
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye examination, results registered with the OFA.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Caucasian Shepherd Dogs here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Biewer Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    Biewer Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Biewer Terriers shed more than Caucasian Shepherd Dogs?

    Biewer Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Biewer Terrier or the Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    Biewer Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Biewer Terrier or the Caucasian Shepherd Dog?

    Biewer Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Biewer Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Caucasian Shepherd Dog?

    Biewer Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Biewer Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Caucasian Shepherd Dogs?

    Biewer Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Biewer Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Biewer Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Biewer Terrier vs. Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    Biewer Terriers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Biewer Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Biewer Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Biewer Terrier or the Caucasian Shepherd Dog?

    Biewer Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Biewer Terriers good family dogs? What about Caucasian Shepherd Dogs?

    Biewer Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Biewer Terriers and Caucasian Shepherd Dogs?

    Biewer Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Is the Biewer Terrier Easier to Train than the Caucasian Shepherd Dog?

    Biewer Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not easy to train.

    Is the Biewer Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Caucasian Shepherd Dog?

    Biewer Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Biewer Terrier or the Caucasian Shepherd Dog?

    Biewer Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Biewer Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Biewer Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog better suits you and your family.