Being a preservation breeder isn’t about a title. It’s about responsibility.
I didn’t start with Biewer Terriers planning to breed puppies. I entered into the breed because I loved them and wanted to show dogs and earn a championship. As I learned more, I saw I could make a real difference by breeding with purpose and following the standard.
Preservation breeding means thinking long term and making decisions with the future of the breed in mind, even when those decisions are harder and slower.
What About Adopt Don't Shop?
There has been a lot of talk around for a while about “adopt don’t shop.” I understand the thought behind it, and I care deeply about animals, and I hate seeing them suffer. However, the conversation has become excessively simplified. Shelters are largely funded by intake numbers. The more dogs that enter the system, the more money streams through it. National shelter stats show that millions of dogs enter shelters each year, many due to behavioral issues, health problems, or owners realizing the dog was not the right fit. These problems are not created by ethical breeders. They are the result of careless breeding and impulse decisions.
Supporting ethical, preservation breeders isn’t the problem; it’s part of the solution. Dogs bred with care, health testing, and stable temperaments are much less likely to be given up. Besides the fact that most preservationist breeders would never let one of their puppies be surrendered, they will always take them back if there’s a problem. When people know what kind of dog they’re bringing home, those dogs are more likely to stay with their families.
A well-bred Biewer Terrier offers predictability. Temperament, size, coat, energy level, and health are not guesses. They are shaped over generations. That matters to families and to people who want a dog that fits into their life for a lifetime.
Preservation Breeder FAQ
What does “preservation breeder” really mean?
It means I breed with intention. I care about health, temperament, structure, and keeping the breed true over time. It means I evaluate my breeding adults and determine who I will breed together. What am I missing in my lines? What are the weak spots in my Biewer Terriers? Then I prayerfully decide the direction I’m going, all with the aim of breeding something better than the last generation. I’m not breeding for volume or trends. I’m breeding dogs I would keep myself and stand behind for life.
Why do some preservation breeders use applications?
Because a preservation breeder wants to know that a potential puppy home is serious. It weeds out the “how much is your Biewer Terrier?” question. An application helps make sure the puppy fits the home, that the new owners connect with the breeder’s viewpoints, and that the home is ready for the puppy. It’s about a forever placement. Once I read an application and decide they would make a good home, I schedule an interview and call their references. Applications help ensure my puppies are going to the very best homes.
How is a preservation breeder different from someone just selling puppies?
A preservation breeder can explain why a pairing was done, what health testing was chosen, and what they expect from the dogs they produce. There’s no pressure and no “first to pay wins.”
What should I ask before putting down a deposit, or in California, a ‘Reservation Agreement’?
Ask about health testing. DNA health tests should be performed on breeding adults. Ask how the puppies are raised in the home. For me, I use enhanced protocols to make sure my puppies are confident and happy when they go to their new homes. Ask what happens if life changes and you can’t keep the dog. The answer should always be that the breeder will take the puppy back. Ask if the breeder stays involved after the puppy goes home. The right answer is yes. The answers should be clear and straightforward.
What Makes Me a Preservation Breeder?
I’m a preservation breeder because I breed with intention and care. I breed for myself first. Every pairing is planned to improve on the last generation. I look at my dogs honestly and adjust my program if something is missing. I take into consideration...structure, health, and temperament, which are all essential to a well bred dog.
My goal is to produce a structurally sound, healthy, even-tempered dog that I can confidently move forward with in my breeding program. If a pairing does not serve that purpose, they won’t be bred. And if a pairing doesn’t produce the desired result, it will not be repeated. Genetics are fascinating. Researching pedigrees and studying generational traits does not always mean the outcome will be exactly what I hoped for. Sometimes it is. Sometimes it is not.
Preservation breeding isn’t guesswork. It’s intentional. It is study, patience, and accountability. It demands that a breeder be honest about their own dogs and not be kennel-blind.
My dogs live with me in my home, often in my bed with me. They aren’t just numbers or livestock. I know their strengths, quirks, and limitations. This closeness is what matters when you breed responsibly.
My faith is part of this program. I believe God calls us to be good stewards of what we’re given. That includes animals. Breeding isn’t something I take lightly. It requires humility and the willingness to do what is right, even when it is difficult.
Preservation breeding is about protecting the future of the breed. It is about producing dogs who are healthy, sound, and capable of living long, happy lives as companions.
At Von Edelweiss Biewers, that responsibility comes first.