Debarah Billings | Windsong Biewer Terriers

Interview with Debarah Billings, Breeder of Windsong Biewer Terriers

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. What are the hallmarks of your breed and why are they important for maintaining breed type?
3. In your opinion, are there enough puppy homes to support breeding a litter this year?
4. How have you implemented new technologies in science and communications as a breeder?
5. In your community, have you noticed a change in the public’s perception of purebred dogs?
6. Have you noticed any trends in the sport? Anything to be concerned about?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport in recent years?

Debarah Billings

1. My name is Debarah Billings from Blountville, Tennessee. I have been showing dogs for 17 years and started a breeding program with Windsong Biewer Terriers 16 years ago; I am now an AKC (American Kennel Club) breeder-judge for our breed. My love and dedication for the breed will always be there and my new journey will bring excitement in watching breeders developing their breeding programs for the future.

2. Hallmarks for the Biewer Terrier breed are small, upright, V-shaped ears, a long, silky, tri-color coat, and tail carried well-arched over a level topline. Breeding to our Standard to ensure the hallmarks are maintained is of the utmost importance in our development for the future of our Biewer Terriers. As a relatively new breed, we must continue our commitment to improving the breed while maintaining the hallmarks that allow our judges to be able to recognize the Biewer Terrier at first sight.

3. The Biewer Terrier is rapidly gaining popularity among the sport of purebred dogs. We receive inquiries from families looking for a companion as well as interested exhibitors and breeders hoping to find a good representative of the breed. We maintain a select few breeding pairs in order to produce hopeful show prospects as well as loving family companions.

4. We use all-inclusive genetic health testing and genetic diversity testing for breeding purposes. I have a database that I use for trial matings in order to see how many relatives are involved. This gives a suggested COI (coefficient of inbreeding) and it’s interesting to compare the actual relatedness from the genetic testing results.

I have a website as well as Facebook and Instagram that we utilize to share photos and educational content. Zoom meetings and FaceTime are excellent ways to share information with interested individuals and families.

5. I have noticed more people who are interested in Performance events with our breed. While breeders are normally more involved in the Conformation show rings, I am getting families that are interested in Fast CAT, Agility, Scent Work, and Barn Hunt. I believe this is a positive step for our sport. The bonding experience is so rewarding for the owner and the dog.