Biewer Terrier:  Dog Breed Profile and Information

The Biewer Terrier  By Janice Jones  |Last Updated 1-17-2023

At first glance, the Biewer Terrier looks like a colorful tricolored Yorkie or a hybrid mix between a Maltese and Yorkie (Morkie). 

It is neither and to prove it belongs to a breed of its own, the American Kennel Club welcomed them into their Foundation Stock Service Program (FSS) in April of 2014 announcing that there were enough genetic differences to set them apart from the Yorkshire terrier. On January 1, 2021, the breed was officially accepted into the Toy Group.

Here is a modern breed in the making right before our very eyes.

Two Biewer Terrier Puppies playing in the grass.

Pronounced “Bee-Vair,” the breed was first discovered and developed in Germany by a couple, Werner and Gertrude Biewer, Yorkshire terrier breeders. 

They mated two of their dogs together in 1984 and produced a blue, gold, and white dog named Schneeflocken von Friedheck.  The explanation for this unusual “Yorkie” was a rare recessive piebald gene mutation. 

From there it was introduced into the United States in 2003 and continues to gain in popularity as people learn about this incredibly sweet, happy, even-tempered terrier that is a fiercely loyal companion to all those humans he determines are his family.

As a breed distinct from the Yorkie, there are still plenty of similarities.  One major difference that you will notice immediately is his upturned tail held over his back, covered with a rich plume of hair. 

As you known, in American, most Yorkies have docked tails, but the Biewer keeps his full tail as part of the  standard began in Germany. 

As in many European countries, the practice of docking tails and cropping ears is banned and the breed’s founders in the U.S. determined that it was in the best interest to maintain this look. 

Biewer Terrier Quick Facts

Other Names Used  ‘Biewer a la Pom Pon, Biewer Yorkshire Terrier, Biewer Yorkshire, or Biewer Yorkie

Affiliation:  AKC FFS (May 2014); ARBA (American Rare Breed Association)

Size

     Height: 8 12 inches

     Weight:  4-7 pounds

Coat Type:  Long and Silky; No undercoat

Colors:  Black/Blue with Tan/Gold and White

Country of Origin:  Hunsruck, Germany

Activity Level:  Moderate

Life Expectancy:  12 to 15 years

Good with Children:  Yes (Older children)

Good with other pets:  Yes

Here's some more Fun Facts about Biewer Terriers

History

A puppy named ‘Scneeflocken von Friedheck’ was born to a mating from the Mr & Mrs. Biewer’s, Yorkshire Terriers, ‘Darling von Friedheck’, and ‘Fru Fru von Friedheck’. 

This was in 1984 in Hunsruck, Germany and what was interesting was these two purebred Yorkies produced a puppy with piebald markings. 

Piebald refers to large asymmetrical black and white patches seen on an animal’s back.  These markings occur in dog breeds, as well as other animals such as deer, hamsters, and even squirrels. 

The Biewers loved the new look.  They named these Yorkies with white markings "Biewer Yorkshire Terrier à la Pom Pon.”  It was from these breedings the Biewer Yorkie began. 

The couple continued to breed these dogs until the colorations became part of a new breed.  They were first imported to American in 2003 and the Biewer Terrier Club of America, Inc. was formed.  The American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) recognized the Biewer in 2008.

The BTCA began work with geneticists from Mars Veterinary in 2007.  They hoped to prove for the last time that the Biewer was a distinct breed. 

They were able to do this and information about this research was presented to the AKC.  In April 2014, the AKC recognized the breed and entered it into its Foundation Stock Services Program (FSS) with a toy group designation.

TraitsRating
Playfulness Paws Ratings
Affection Level Paws Ratings
Friendliness Towards Strangers Paws Ratings
Good with Children Paws Ratings
Good with Other Dogs Paws Ratings
Good for First Time Owners Paws Ratings
Exercise Needed Paws Ratings
Ease of Training Paws Ratings
Watch Dog Ability Paws Ratings
Grooming Requirements Paws Ratings
Shedding Paws Ratings
Cold Tolerant Paws Ratings
Heat Tolerant Paws Ratings

Explanations for At a Glance Ratings 

  • Playfulness:  Most=5   Less=1
  • Affection:  Most=5   Least=1
  • Friendliness Towards Strangers:  Most=5  Least=1
  • Good with Children:  Good=5   Not Good=1
  • Good with Other Dogs:   Good=5   Not Good=1
  • Good for First Time Owners:  Good=5  Not Good=1
  • Amount of Exercise Required:  Much=5  Minimal=1
  • Ease of Training:   Easy=5   Difficult=1
  • Watch Dog Ability:   Excellent=5   Poor=1
  • Grooming Needs:   Extensive=5  Minimal=1
  • Shedding:   Heavy Shedding=5   Minimal Shedding=1
  • Cold Tolerance:   Cold Well Tolerated=5    Poorly Tolerated=1
  • Heat Tolerance:   Heat Well Tolerated=5   Poorly Tolerated=1

Personality of the Biewer Terrier

Two Biewer Terrier PuppiesBiewer Terrier Puppies

When a four-pound Biewer tries to intimidate a 120-pound Great Dane, it is clear to any onlooker, that the smaller canine has little understanding of his actual size.  Human parents must be ready to step in and protect the Biewer from himself. 

They are fearless, devoted, and ingenious at finding fun things to entertain themselves and you.  They do make excellent companions, as they are affectionate, many loving to warm a lap or two.  Owners need to be aware of their desire to lead the pack and nip it before it gets out of hand.  If this happens, the dog can be yappy, aggressive and even suspicious, all the signs of Small Dog Syndrome. 

Biewers are smart and can be trained if you find a way around their stubborn side.  Housebreaking is usually more difficult with these dogs, but can be accomplished with persistence and consistency.  They will provide an adequate watchdog service if owners socialize them, teach some basic manners and refuse to allow these adorable dogs to take over the house.

They are great with children, gentle and playful.  Their small size though puts them at risk around small children who have not been properly trained to handle such a small dog.  They do best in household with older children, couples, and singles. 

Even though they are a terrier breed, they do not display the terrier tendencies such as a strong prey drive or fierce digging tendency.  While not ruling out the possibility, they are more gentle, homebodies that prefer the company of humans to the chasing of every rodent whose scent they catch.

They are an active breed, but can obtain most of their exercise needs by a daily walk, romp around the yard and indoor bouts with a playful zeal.  They tend to follow you from room to room, so some of the exercise can be met in this way also. 

If the dog does not get enough exercise to meet his needs, you are likely to see some behavioral problems forming such as chewing, barking, or worse.  Some have even been known to pace like a lion in a zoo cage.

Grooming the Biewer Terrier

Grooming the Biewer Terrier is very similar to that of the Yorkie.  They each have silky hair that continues to grow.  Pet owners can opt to keep the hair short, making grooming much easier.  Show dogs’ hair continues to grow and more work is involved in keeping a show coat at its best. 

Even Biewers with short hair require frequent brushing and combing to prevent mats or tangles.  Hair should always be misted with a spray conditioner prior to brushing.  Using a brush on a dry coat will break the hair.  Bathing is also recommended as often as weekly. 

Always brush the coat prior to bathing.  Beyond brushing and bathing, they will need to have their teeth regularly brushed, the nails cut and hair between the paw pads trimmed about every 2 to 3 weeks. 

Both Yorkies and Biewers’ ear hair continues to grow and the weight of it will pull the ears down from its usually erect position.  The hair should be cut or clipped from about 1/3 of the ear to the tips. 

The edges can also be trimmed to present a neat appearance.  Many pet owners prefer monthly visits to the professional groomers who will take care of most of these tasks,  giving them more time for play and cuddling.

Other than that, these dogs like all dogs need their nails clipped periodically and their teeth brushed.

Health Concerns of the Biewer Terrier

While a healthy breed, the Biewer suffers from many of the same ailments that plague Yorkshire Terriers. 

Three of the most common inherited problems common to both breeds include  Patella Luxation,  Liver Shunt, and Heart Problems. 

Conscientious breeders are working to eliminate some of the genetic problems under their control.

Patellar Luxation

This is an extremely common problem in Biewers, Yorkies and other small dogs.  The kneecap or patella fits the groove of the large leg bone and can slide up and down as the leg bends or straightens. 

When the kneecap slips out of the groove, it has Luxated, thus Patella Luxation.  This can cause pain and lameness as the dog matures.

Read more about Patellar Luxation

Liver Shunt

This very serious problem can’t be ignored.  In utero, blood bypasses the liver through a small ductus leaving the placenta responsible for cleansing the fetal blood.  Once born, blood is directed to the liver where all the impurities are cleansed. 

If the ductus that is present before birth does not close, blood never enters the liver, so it can’t do its job of filtering the blood. 

Toxins build up in the body.  It is a treatable problem but requires special diets and possibly surgery.  Prevention is the best way to solve this condition.  This is the domain of the Biewer Breeder.

Heart Problems:  Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Patent Ductus Arteriosus is a condition present shortly after birth.  While the puppy is in the uterus, a small blood vessel known as the ductus arteriosus connects the pulmonary artery (carries blood to the lungs) and the aorta (takes blood to the body). 

While, in utero, blood bypasses the lungs through this ductus, but once the puppy is whelped, the lungs begin to function and blood begins to flow to them.  The ductus arteriosus closes shortly after birth.  If it does not, the dog has Patent Ductus Arteriosus.

Other Health Issues

There are probably other issues, but the breed is so young that the extensive research has yet to be conducted.  You can get a good idea of health concerns of Biewer Terriers by looking at those diseases that occur in Yorkshire Terriers.

Beyond the inherited diseases, tiny dogs are also susceptible to Hypoglycemia.  This occurs when blood glucose level drops below normal limits and can cause tremors, in-coordination, and even seizures. 

Dental problems can also occur such as a poor bite, retained baby teeth and tarter buildup.  There is not much that can be done about the bite, but you can prevent many problems through regularly brushing the dog's teeth.

Pros

  • Sweet, gentle nature
  • Small size makes them ideal for apartment living
  • Not too yappy
  • Very people oriented, loyal, and devoted
  • Usually good around other pets

Cons

  • Still relatively rare; this means they may be costly
  • Difficult to housebreak
  • Some genetic health issues to consider
  • Requires considerable grooming

Pin for Future Reference

The Biewer Terrier Complete Dog Profile

Similar Breeds

References

Breed Clubs

The Biewer Breed Club of America, Inc. (BBCA)

About Janice (author and voice behind this site)

Having lived with dogs and cats most of her life, Janice served as a veterinary technician for ten years in Maryland and twelve years as a Shih Tzu dog breeder in Ohio.

Her education includes undergraduate degrees in Psychology with a minor in biology, Early Childhood Education, and Nursing, and a master's in Mental Health Counseling.

She is a lifelong learner, a dog lover, and passionate about the welfare of animals. Her favorite breed for over 50 years has been the Shih Tzu, but she has also lived with poodles, Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, beagles, English bulldogs, carin terriers, and a Cocker Spaniel.

When not writing, reading, and researching dog-related topics, she likes to spend time with her eight Shih Tzu dogs, husband, and family, as well as knitting and crocheting. She is also the voice behind Miracle Shih Tzu and Smart-Knit-Crocheting

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