The Biewer Terrier, also called the Biewer Yorkie, is a rare purebred dog created through the occurrence of a recessive piebald gene in two Yorkshire Terriers. These dogs are friendly, playful, and energetic, which are some of their best qualities. The Biewer Terrier, pronounced like “beaver,” is also known by the names Biewer à la Pom Pon, or Biewer Yorkshire. You may be able to find Biewer Terrier dogs at shelter and rescues, so remember to adopt! It’s always better than shopping!
Since these energetic and lovable pups are small in stature, they are great for those who live in apartments. A Biewer Terrier puppy may make an excellent fit for city-dwelling pup parents. They fit well a wide range of households, from single and senior citizens to families with children. Biewer Yorkies make great companion pets and they generally get along well with children and other pets, though they can be pretty active and have a tendency to be noisy, especially with strangers and dogs they don’t know.
When considering a Biewer Terrier, it’s advisable to prioritize adopting from rescue organizations or shelters to provide a loving home to a dog in need. However, if you decide to purchase, it’s crucial to choose a reputable breeder. Conduct thorough research to ensure that the breeder follows ethical practices and prioritizes the well-being of their dogs. Reputable Biewer Terrier breeders prioritize the health and temperament of their dogs, conduct necessary health screenings, and provide a nurturing environment for the puppies. This active approach ensures that you bring home a healthy and happy pup while discouraging unethical breeding practices.
QUICK FACTS
- Origin: Germany
- Size: Small, typically standing 7-11 inches tall and weighing 4-8 pounds.
- Breed group: Toy
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Coat: Long, silky, and tricolored (black, tan, and white)
- Temperament: Affectionate, playful, and intelligent
- Exercise needs: Low
- Training: Easy to train
- Health: While generally healthy, the Biewer Yorkie can be prone to some health problems, such as patellar luxation and portosystemic shunt.
- The 2017 film “A Dog’s Journey” features a Biewer Terrier as one of the reincarnations of the movie’s canine protagonist, voiced by Josh Gad.
- The American Kennel Club accepted the breed into the Toy Group in 2021.
OVERVIEW
The Biewer Terrier is a delightful toy breed that originated in Germany during the 1980s. It emerged from a Yorkshire Terrier breeding pair when a unique puppy with piebald coloring was born, leading to the intentional development of the breed. These small dogs have a compact and well-proportioned physique, characterized by their fine, silky coat, typically tricolored with blue and white, along with gold or tan markings. Due to their petite size, they stand at an average height of 7 to 11 inches and weigh between 4 to 8 pounds. In terms of temperament, Biewer Terriers are known for their affectionate and loyal nature, making them wonderful companions. They are also intelligent dogs, which means they respond well to training and enjoy mental stimulation. While they require daily exercise and grooming due to their long, flowing hair, they tend to have a relatively long lifespan of 12 to 15 years when properly cared for. As with any breed, prospective Biewer Terrier owners should consider their grooming needs, socialization, and training requirements, making them an excellent choice for families or individuals willing to provide the necessary attention and care. Additionally, selecting a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs is crucial when acquiring a Biewer Terrier.
HISTORY
The Biewer Terrier originated in Hunstruck, Germany on January 20th, 1984 after two Yorkshire Terriers with recessive piebald genes were bred by Gertrud and Werner Biewer. Both Gertrud and Werner Biewer were passionate Yorkshire Terrier lovers, who raised and bred them for 20 years, and only stumbled upon the Biewer Terrier breed after noticing the recessive piebald gene their Yorkshire inherited.
In Germany, the Biewer Terrier breed fell in popularity by the year 2000, and the number of breeders dropped significantly. However, the breed enjoyed renewed popularity once these dogs were brought to America. A few years later in 2014, the American Kennel Club (AKC) inducted the Biewer Terrier into their Foundation Stock Service. In 2021, the AKC recognized the Biewer Terrier as a full, pure breed in the Toy Group.
SIZE
The Biewer Terrier is relatively small, basically comparable to the size of their forefather breed, the Yorkshire Terrier. Most weigh in the range of four to eight pounds and range in height between seven to eleven inches fully grown
PERSONALITY
The Biewer Terrier is very energetic and loves to play as well as receive endless amounts of affection from their owners. These loving pups love to cuddle and especially like to settle into their owners’ laps. They are constant explorers and love to play.
Though these dogs are fairly intelligent, they can be stubborn, which makes training them a little more difficult than normal. Be sure to practice persistence and consistency when training these small pooches.
Though they are a terrier breed, they do not possess the terrier tendencies of strong prey drive or digging behaviors. They are also able to live in apartments and homes with or without backyards.
Biewer Terriers can be a bit “yappy” and do not warm to strangers quickly, though with proper socialization training they can be adequate watchdogs. They can generally fit any household type, from singles to senior citizens and families with children of all ages.