Biewer Terrier Information: Breed History, Traits, Care & More

The Biewer Terrier (the w makes a “v” sound, so it sounds like the word beaver) is an adorable toy breed of dog that makes a perfect furry companion. Hard to find but very trendy, these little dogs are just adorable with long hair and tricolored coats. These playful pups make wonderful family pets, bringing many hours of laughter and love to those they bond with.

When adopting a new pet, especially a breed like the Biewer Terrier, there is much to consider. A relatively new breed, these little tykes are growing in popularity worldwide. This guide discusses some of the need-to-know things, including its breed history and what to expect when bringing your new dog home.

This guide is to help prospective dog owners learn about this breed and is not a substitute for consulting with a professional trainer or veterinarian. Remember, owning a pet is a big responsibility, not something to jump into without the proper research and consideration.

Breed History

The Biewer Terrier has not been around for all that long. The dog came into existence in 1984 because of a German family breeding together two Yorkshire Terriers producing a Piebald puppy. The Biewer family was known for breeding, raising, and showing purebred show dog quality Yorkshire Terriers in Germany. The husband-and-wife team devoted much of their lives to these little dogs in the 1970s and 1980s.

In the early 1980s, the Biewers developed an interest in breeding a more specialized version of the Yorkshire Terrier. After the birth of rare Piebald puppies, the couple decided to produce more of the exclusive dogs as they were highly unusual, and no one had seen them before. Other breeders eventually joined in, and the breed grew in Germany.

Piebald means that an animal has a distinctive black and white coat. Piebald is a recessive genetic mutation that causes the lack of pigment in some portions of hair. This rare gene results in large, irregular white patches on the animal’s fur. The Biewers gave the little dogs the name Biewer a la Pom Pon. These dogs are also called Biewer Yorkie and Biewer Yorkshire.

The dog enjoyed some popularity in Germany and then eventually tapered off. The breed did not appear in America until about 2003 when an American woman saw one at a dog show in Germany. Donna Hall was very involved with show dogs for most of her life and fell in love with the little dogs. She founded the American Biewer Club and began the work to get the breed recognized as a rare breed.

In January 2021, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed, making them the 197th accepted breed in that organization’s system. Many others were soon taken in by the charm of The Biewer Terrier, and the breed is rapidly gaining popularity worldwide. This adorable toy breed is often a family pet and is quite popular as show dogs.

Temperament

A spunky little dog that is quite perky with an energetic and curious demeanor, the Biewer Terrier is a lovable breed that has no end of affection to be shared. They are pretty friendly with everyone, including strangers, and are known as happy-go-lucky dogs. Many people say they smile when someone speaks to them.

Biewer Yorkies have a bark that can be yappy. They are less prone to barking than Yorkies but do have a big voice when they want to. This breed often barks when happy, to greet people, or when they sense something as a threat.

These dogs are very playful and are often looking to have some fun. It is common to see them running around with different toys in their mouths. They are always full of energy and are highly active. It is rare to meet one of these dogs that prefer to lay around all day.

Biewer Terriers get along well with people of all ages and respond happily to children. They are much like children themselves in both personality and behavior. These little pups are an excellent choice for new pet owners because they are small, well-tempered, intelligent, and relatively easy to train.

These little tykes do need a lot of attention and can get lonely if left by themselves for too long. Have plenty of toys and entertainment for your pup if you need to leave them alone for work, etc. Looking into a regular dog walker or dog sitter can help if your puppy starts to suffer separation anxiety.

Size & Appearance

Classified as a toy breed, the Biewer Terrier is quite small. They weigh between 4 and 8 pounds and stand about 7 to 11 inches tall when fully grown. Males and females tend to be about the same size. These dogs are closely related to Yorkies and resemble them a lot.

These little dogs are long-haired toy terriers with floor-length straight hair most of the time. They have small flat heads with medium-sized dark eyes. Their ears are small, pointy, and erect. Biewer Terriers usually have shorter hair than the rest of the body. The dog’s entire body, including her legs and tail, will be covered with soft, silky hair. This breed has rounded feet with white or black toenails.

Coat & Colors

Their coats tend to grow very long and look very posh. Because of the Piebald mutation, these dogs look similar to a Yorkshire Terrier with long, silken hair. One significant difference is that Yorkshires have only two colors in their coats, tan, and gold, or gold with black or blue, and no white hair. Biewer Yorkies have three coat colors and a lot of white hair. They come in several different color combinations.

• Black, tan, and white
• Chocolate, tan, and white
• Colors also include blue and cream
• Always tricolored

Biewer Terries do not shed much and are considered a hypoallergenic breed. This makes them attractive for those folks who suffer allergies or sensitivities to hair and dirt. Some owners prefer their Biewer Yorkies to have a shorter coat and may trim the floor-length mane to suit their preference.

Living Conditions & Care

Providing your dog with a safe, clean, comfortable home, regular medical care, healthy food, and plenty of playtime is part of being a responsible pet owner. The Biewer Terrier will need a lot of attention, and they are highly social dogs. They crave love and attention and will be very affectionate with their people. This breed is very well suited for apartment living. They do not need a ton of outside room and can be very happy in smaller homes.

A Biewer Yorkie is an active breed and will need an outlet for all that energy. They can get hurt if play gets too energetic, so keep things fun while making sure they do not get stepped on, stuck, or injured with rough play. These dogs need regular access to toys and daily walks, as well as grooming.

Your pup will need regular medical care, vaccinations, and treatments. Ensuring these are all up to date and that you consult your veterinarian about any health or behavior concerns is part of caring for your pup. Expect to visit the vet every few weeks when your dog is young and then every few months after that.

Biewer Yorkies require a high level of attention and care. They need daily exercise, entertainment, attention, and grooming. Make sure they have lots of love and a place to feel safe. Crate training can be helpful for these little dogs, as they feel secure in the crate, and it keeps them out of trouble when you are asleep or not home. Lots of TLC is just what this lovable breed needs.

Exercise Requirements

She will need plenty of time to get that energy out and loves to play. She will need a walk every day or ample time outside to run and play. Ensure she has access to space to run around and an opportunity to get physical activity every day.

These little pups are great at games. A fast study, they will quickly learn to play fetch, tug of war, and even hide and seek. They can get exercise in small spaces, making them good pets for apartments and people who cannot move around much.

Despite being tiny dogs, Biewer Terriers can be destructive if they get bored or do not get enough exercise. They will need a daily walk and sessions of active play throughout each day. Sometimes these dogs can be diggers. Though they are small, they can do some damage, and providing outlets for this behavior can be part of daily exercise.

Never let your Biewer Yorkie off-leash anywhere but home. She is small and fast, and you always want to keep a good eye on her. This is not a breed that needs long runs at the dog park, and she will do just fine with a brisk walk around the block. Be careful not to overexert her. Little dogs can tire quickly and overwork muscles and joints.

Training

Biewer Terriers are highly intelligent and respond positively to training. This breed can have a stubborn streak, which can make training tricky. Start when your pup is young and socialize with other canines. This interaction will help your Biewer Yorkie learn to behave around other dogs and people.

Make sure to stay firm and consistent with your pup when training. These dogs need positive reinforcement, as well as persistence from you. House training this breed may take some time. Smaller breeds can be tricky to house train as they like to sneak off and find somewhere to go in the house. Do not get discouraged. Make sure to keep trying and stay strong with your pup. Remember, house training is difficult for most dogs. They will get the hang of it with your support.

Health

Biewer Terriers are a generally healthy dog breed and live about 12 to 16 years. Of course, they will need regular medical and dental care to stay in top health. Because they are such small animals, there are some things to look out for. As a relative of the Yorkshire Terrier, the Biewer Terrier can have a genetic predisposition to some of the same health issues. This breed is known for an extremely sensitive digestive system, and GI tract issues are a common concern.

Health concerns for Biewer Terriers

• Diarrhea
• Soft or discolored stool
• Bladder stones
• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
• Patellar luxation
• Dental concerns
• Bladder stones
• Dislocated kneecaps
• Joint issues
• Injury
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

If your pet has bowel problems that last more than a few days or seem persistent, it is always best to check in with your veterinary provider. As pet owners, we are responsible for monitoring and regularly checking our pets and their bodies to ensure all is well. This breed is healthy. However, many things can affect dogs. Dental disease, overgrown claws, fleas, and ear infections happen to all dogs, not just one specific breed. Pet insurance can be a benefit when it comes to healthcare for your pet, especially in emergencies or when unexpected issues arise.

Nutrition

Nutrition is essential for every dog, and the Biewer Terrier needs a balanced diet to stay healthy. They will need a diet that is low in protein. Dry food (kibble) is recommended. Wet food can be high in fat and cause plaque buildup and weight gain. Here are some great dog food recommendations for Yorkies, their closest relative, and, thus, a good proxy for their needs.

Poor nutrition can be seen in the degradation of your pup’s coat, so if you notice changes, talk to your veterinarian about her diet. You can feed her either on a schedule or freely. However, if she is free-feeding, keep a close eye on weight gain. This can lead to hypoglycemia, cardiac issues, and other poor health. Smaller breeds of dogs gain weight very quickly. Even just a pound can mean the difference between a healthy pup and one at risk for long-term health concerns.

Grooming

The Biewer Terrier requires daily brushing to keep her coat from matting. This is not an area to cut corners in (no pun intended). Even skipping brushing for just a few days can create a nasty mess in her fur. Professional grooming every few months can help keep her coat in tip-top condition.

Grooming is a perfect time to bond with your pet. It would help if you made this a routine she looks forward to. This effort will make the process much more enjoyable for both of you.

Some dogs of this breed have a less silky coat. However, they still require regular grooming and daily brushing. This type of coat mats very quickly, and some owners choose to have their dog’s coats cut shorter to avoid this.

Grooming must be started when your pup is very young, about two or three months. She should be bathed every week to keep their coats clean and soft. This also promotes healthy growth and reduces tangles. Biewers are one breed that requires product on their hair. There are plenty of good canine haircare options on the market. Do not use human products on your pup! These can contain ingredients dogs are allergic to and cause them significant discomfort.

Grooming Supplies

You will need:

• High-quality canine shampoo
• Detangler
• Conditioner
• Pin brush
• Wide-toothed metal comb—these work best for brushing this breed’s hair and pulling out mats. If mats do occur, start at the side closest to the skin to try and work them out.
• Patience

Regularly check your pup’s ears for wax buildup when you groom her. Small objects can also make their way into their ears, leading to discomfort and infection. Additionally, clean any discharge from her eyes when grooming. It can stain her fur.

Grooming also involves regular checking of your pup’s footpads. This breed has very hairy footpads, which can mat, capture debris, and become painful. This buildup can impair her ability to walk, so regular inspection, cleaning, and trimming of footpads are necessary to keep her in good health. Do not forget to inspect and trim your canine’s toenails as needed.

Breeders & Puppy Costs

Biewer Terriers are a rare, expensive breed. The harder a breed is to find, the higher the price tag. Biewer Terriers can sell for thousands of dollars. Companion puppies range from about $1,500 to $3,000. Show quality dogs cost much more, and they range from about $3,000 to $4,000 or more for a top-quality show dog bloodline. Those looking for a show dog can expect to pay more than those looking for a companion dog.

Because this breed is rare and highly sought after, you may have to be on a waiting list for a breeder. Check with organizations like the Biewer Terrier Club of America and the AKC Marketplace to connect with breeders and other owners.

Make sure to investigate breeders. Especially when looking for a purebred pup, you want to ask questions and see the parent dogs. Reputable breeders will be upfront with information. You can ask to see a previous litter to see the history and experience a breeder has. Avoid pet stores or breeders who may be running puppy mills. Some less reputable breeders may try to pass off other mixed breeds, such as the rare Biewer Yorkie, so be diligent in your research.

Rescues & Shelters

While it is not common to find a purebred Biewer Terrier in a city animal shelter or rescue, several groups are devoted to caring for this breed. The price of a shelter or rescue dog will be much lower than that of a breeder. Retired show dogs often find their way to rescues or shelters and make excellent companions for folks looking to adopt an older dog. Several Terrier and Yorkie rescue groups worldwide work to help find homes for this breed.

• The Biewer Terrier Rescue Association
• United Yorkie Rescue
• Save A Yorkie Rescue

As Family Pets

The Biewer Terrier is an adorable tiny dog with a gorgeous floor-length coat. Famous for their unique tricolor coats, these little pups make excellent companions. These pups are sure to take over your heart, a bouncy ball of fluff and attitude.

Biewer Terriers are intelligent, affectionate, fun, and have a playful, happy demeanor. Small but with huge personalities, these dogs are a rare breed that has grown rapidly in popularity worldwide.

These dogs get along well with children and adults, and they can bond with the whole family. They are perfect for less active people as they need less room to walk and play. This tiny yet mighty breed is loyal and intelligent, always ready to spread love.

As with any small dog, there are some special considerations when adopting a Biewer Terrier as a family pet. While they are easy to care for, they are easily injured. Before adopting one of these little tykes, make sure your home does not have a lot of hidden places or areas where she can get stuck. Especially pay attention to outside spaces and openings to a road or street. She can get out of a tiny gap and may not be visible to people in cars or walking around.

Final Thoughts

The Biewer Terrier is a sweet, playful, and fun toy-sized dog breed. They make fantastic companions and can be trained to perform as show dogs. This breed is rare and popular, making it difficult to find at times. Since this exclusive purebred can be hard to find, it often costs more than many other breeds.

These dogs have a ton of energy and will keep you on the go. They do need special grooming and will require lots of TLC. But, these lovable little fluff balls are 100% worth the effort. You will have a canine friend for life in these petite pups.