Biewer Terrier dogs are a small, energetic, smart and fun new breed. Ancestors of the Yorkshire Terrier, they have a rich working history, but today are lapdogs and apartment pets. They have calm and devoted personalities, but terrier behaviors and breed traits can cause them trouble. Digging, chewing, chasing or squabbling with other pets are characteristic of the breed, but they are generally good companions for active homes that enjoy grooming a long, silky haired toy dog. Their fur is mostly white spotted or piebald, with parti or tricolor patterns. They have cute faces, big eyes and a loving expression.
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Although Biewer Terriers do have some genetic health problems, they are healthy and live into their teen years. Today I’ll share tips for adopting, raising and caring for these affectionate, loyal and protective little dogs. They are good family pets and generally happy around kids, through their little bodies are fragile so they need careful handling.
Where Does the Biewer Terrier Come From?
The Biewer Terrier (pronounced “bee-vah”/“beaver”) is a toy-sized dog similar to the Yorkshire Terrier. This breed is also sometimes called the Biewer Yorkshire Terrier or Biewer a la Pom Pon. The Biewer Terrier is one of the most recent breeds to achieve AKC recognition. And they secured it an unprecedented and unique way!
The first Biewer Terriers were developed from Yorkshire terriers. Havanese and German Shorthaired Pointer dogs also have the recessive gene that causes large white areas. This sort of dog coat coloring is described variously as white spotting, piebald, parti-color, and tricolor. To breed tricolor puppies with lots of white on their coats, both parents must carry this gene.
Biewer Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier
The Biewer Terrier breed came from Yorkies. They were bred in the 1970s and 80s by a German couple called Werner and Gertrude Biewer. But ill health prevented them from ever fully creating a Biewer Terrier stud book.
So for the next three decades, many people simply regarded the Biewer breeding lines as nothing more than mismarked Yorkies. In fact, terrier enthusiasts had countless spirited arguments about what, if anything, distinguished a Biewer Terrier from a parti-colored Yorkshire Terrier.
The Biewer Terrier Breed
Nonetheless, in 2014 Biewer Terriers secured a place in the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service. Then in 2019 they accomplished something completely unprecedented.
Until then, new breeds vying for full recognition had to prove they were distinct from any other breed using detailed pedigree documentation. But the Biewer Terrier became the first breed proven to be distinct and unique using genetic testing. This secured them a place in the AKC’s Miscellaneous group.
Entry in the Miscellaneous class is still a step away from full recognition, but it does effectively recognize Biewers as being different from Yorkies. And go some way to settling that decades long argument.
But only time will tell if Biewers can achieve large enough numbers and consistent population growth to achieve complete recognition in the Toy group.
Appearances
Mr & Mrs Biewer developed the original breed standard, and a version of this is still in use. This standard describes the desired body shape and pattern of coloration, including symmetrical face markings and white legs.
They are a very petite terrier with a coat that will sweep the ground unless clipped. The coat is largely white with various amounts of black and smaller areas of tan.
The Biewer Terrier in Germany often had a docked tail until 1998 when docking was no longer permitted in that country. Having a natural tail is now standard world-wide.
Biewer Terrier Grooming
Yorkies are dark grey and brown in color (referred to in show standards as ‘blue and tan’ or ‘blue and gold’). In contrast, the Biewer Terrier is tricolor: white, black, and tan.
The Biewer Terrier has a long silky coat that reaches the floor. Long hair grows from the head requiring a “ponytail” to allow the animal to see and avoid eye irritation.
Regular grooming is essential. Some owners prefer to keep the hair clipped short in what groomers call a “puppy cut”.
Temperament and Training
Some describe Biewer Terriers as behaving more like a sedate toy breed. The Yorkshire Terrier on the other hand, retains more terrier pluck and boldness. But we don’t have any scientific studies to back this up. So there is probably a bit of a bias here. Biewers will tend to be alert, amiable and ideal household pets.
As with any dog, early socialization and positive training is required to promote good animal welfare. As a terrier breed, Biewer Terriers have a moderate tendency towards barking and may require persistence with house-training.
Average Lifespan
Biewer Terriers are robust for their size and have the typical long lifespan of toys breeds, of 10-16 years. They are not really numerous enough to be confident about health issues at this point, but it is sensible to assume they are prone to the same conditions as their Yorkie ancestors.
Biewer Terrier Breeders
Depending on where you are in the world, Biewer Terriers are either rare or potentially unavailable. As such you need to show caution in accepting claims from a seller that a puppy is a Biewer Terrier.
If you wish to ensure your puppy is from the Biewer breed, check that that both parents and the litter are on the list of a reputable registry.
When buying from a breeder ask to see parents, ask about testing for congenital disorders.
They should be familiar with risks for disorders including congenital blindness (progressive retinal atrophy) and dislocated kneecaps (patellar luxation).
Check for evidence of inbreeding such as the same animal appearing multiple times in a heritage chart. Follow our puppy raising guidelines for a toy-sized dog. Accustom your puppy to any activities you will want them to be comfortable with as an adult dog. These activities may include: handling, tooth brushing, and travelling in a carrier.
Private Person says
We purchased ours back in approx. 2013-2014, and we purchased her from a breeder in Arkansas. Perhaps AKC breeder listings can be of assistance for those of you looking for one of these delightful little gems. There are many breeders across the United States!
Nancy says
Looking for a biewer pup in Georgia, preferably Atlanta area. Recommend any breeders?
Maria Keenan says
Rocky Mountain Biewer breeders in Dolores, CO. That where i got mine, very reputable.
I live in CA so breeder has puppy handlers who can bring them to you. i met my Oliver at the Oakland airport.
Nancy says
I got my precious baby from Donna at North Georgia Biewers in Canton GA. She was great to deal with. Expect to go onto a waiting list.
Lanette says
We have an 8 month Biewer. Male. Not neutered yet. Our health and his enthusiasm are not a good fit. If anyone knows of a way for us to get our puppy to a family looking for one that would be wonderful. We have him on Adopt a Pet. His name is Walker. We’re in Missouri.
Katie says
I would like him. I lost my Yorkie/poo 2 weeks ago.
.need to replace the hole in my heart
Mary says
I’m looking for a Biewer puppy I live by Madison, Wisconsin. Can anyone help out of the where abouts of one.
Greatly Appreciate
Maria Keenan says
Rocky Mountain Biewer in Dolores CO
Joyce says
Do they breed and whelp naturally?
Cindy Scott says
Looking for a female Biewer in Georgia area!
Colleta Fecteau says
I’ve had my Biewer Terrier for 5 years and she is the light of my life!
She’s such a happy furbaby!
Lanette says
Do they calm down after they get older? Our 8 month male is a hyper dog that yipes and bounces and pounces and bites and leaps and digs. He needs attention every minute.
FK says
Classes can correct that hyperactivity but it is time consuming. So REWARDING when that barking, jumping, playfulness is managed
Deborah Buchanan says
I recently got a Birwer she’s 13 wks old. So adorable love her so much
Elizabeth Stockinger says
Where did you purchase her ?
Patricia Carey says
I am looking for a boo or puppy in the Tampa Bay area. Do you know where I can find a breeder
charlotte says
i love the stuff
Diana says
I have a Biewer and I absolutely love her. My vet said in the 25 years of being a vet, she is the first one that he has ever seen. He is amazed by her, said she is beautiful. We love her ❤️
charlotte says
cool
Deborah L Buchanan says
How can i find out about the breeder Biewer Yorkie
Gisele Soto says
I have the most beautiful biewer puppy now 1 year old. Super smart and super playful and happy. We named him Truffles! Absolutely love him!
Sue says
Can I ask were you got yours, I’m so interested in this breed and would love to find a puppy!
Yvonne Allingham says
Does anyone know of a breeder in the UK please
charlotte says
Biewer terrier
Kathy says
My brother and girlfriend just bought a Biewer puppy! I am in love with it!!!!!!! Would love to find one for sale!
Sherri says
Are there any breeders of Beiwer Terriers in San Diego County?
M. Spillone says
Looking for a Biewer to love. Very difficult to find breeders in California or states near by. Would love some recomendations.
Davud says
We have a year old Biewer that we adopted when he was 3 months old. He is the best and a great combination of all anyone would want from adopting a new family member. He is quite active though so be aware if you’re looking for a calm breed a Maltese may be a better choice for you.
Denise says
My Biewer is 8 months old , his left ear has sometimes stood up but now has gone really floppy again he’s recently been groomed but alas even his short hair the ear is still down , can anyone give me advice please
Joey Shapiro says
At that age they will be down. Should’ve been taped as a puppy.
Martha says
Deseo comprar un Bieber Terry yorkie de 3 colores quisiera saber el presio
Andrew says
We have just got a smashing little 7 month old rescue/rehome Beiwar Terrier……….he is so so adorable and a very handsome chap and ot to mention very funny. Absolutely full of beans and mischief, so very lucky to have found him. He has quite a few issues and slowly he is coming round. House training is ‘challenging’ but in time I am sure all will be well.
ELlen says
Hello,
I have recently lost a 16 year old Maltese & a friend of mine has a Biewer that I happened to see as and fell in love.
Is this dog still available and can you send a photo? What is price & w we by is he rehomed?
Siobhan says
Biewers are now recognized by the AKC as a breed of their own. Maybe this was written a while ago but they were deemed their own breed in 2014.
Sarah Holloway says
Hi Siobhan,
Thanks for your comment! You’re correct that we hadn’t yet updated this article since Biewers graduated from the Foundation Stock Service to the Miscellaneous class last year. I’ve updated it now to reflect that, and we’re excited to see if this charming little breed can progress all the way to full recognition!
Best wishes,
Sarah, Happy Puppy HQ
Arlana Anderson says
Need a Biewer to love! Friend in Poland has one and recommended this breed. A rescue would be awesome… don’t want a show dog.