Biewer Terrier

Get to Know Biewer Terriers

• They are a relatively new breed: The breed was first developed in Germany in the 1980s and wasn't officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) until 2021.
• Hair instead of fur: Like their Yorkshire Terrier ancestors, Biewer Terriers have hair instead of fur, which means they shed very little and are often tolerated by allergy sufferers.
• They were bred for companionship: Unlike many small breeds with working or hunting origins, Biewer Terriers were specifically bred to be loving, elegant lap dogs, making them ideal for families and apartment living.
• Their name includes a nod to their appearance: The original name given by the breeders, Biewer Yorkshire à la Pom Pon, refers to their fluffy, pom-pom-like look.
• They originated from a genetic surprise: Biewer Terriers were first bred from Yorkshire Terriers that unexpectedly carried a recessive piebald gene, resulting in their distinctive tri-color coat.

Breed History

The Biewer Terrier originated in Germany in the 1980s, when Werner and Gertrud Biewer, longtime Yorkshire Terrier breeders, noticed unique puppies born with piebald (white) coloring in their litters. These puppies carried a rare recessive gene that produced a striking tri-color coat—white, black, and tan—which set them apart from standard Yorkies. The Biewers began selectively breeding for this coloration, and the distinct line became known as the "Biewer Yorkshire Terrier à la Pom Pon." Over time, consistent breeding established the Biewer as a separate breed with its own characteristics and temperament. In 2021, the Biewer Terrier was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a member of the Toy Group, cementing its place as a charming and elegant companion dog.

Personality and Behaviour

• Loyal and Affectionate: Biewer Terriers form strong bonds with their families and love being close to their people. They’re affectionate lap dogs who thrive on companionship and attention.
• Playful and Energetic: Despite their small size, Biewers are lively and playful. They enjoy interactive games, toys, and short bursts of activity, making them entertaining companions.
• Alert and Confident: Biewer Terriers are naturally alert and may bark at unfamiliar sights or sounds. They carry themselves with confidence and are often fearless, sometimes forgetting just how small they really are.

Care

• Training: Biewer Terriers are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement methods like treats and praise. Early socialization and consistent, gentle training help curb stubbornness and encourage good behavior.
• Exercise Needs: They require moderate daily exercise, such as short walks and play sessions totaling about 30 minutes. This helps keep them mentally stimulated and physically healthy without overexertion.
• Grooming: Their long, silky coat demands daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles, plus regular professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks to maintain a neat appearance and skin health.