The Biewer Terrier 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,” are also known by the names Biewer à la Pom Pon, Biewer Yorkie, 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 or homes with or without backyards. They fit well a wide range of households, from single and senior citizens to families with children. Biewer Terriers 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.
Breed Characteristics:
Adaptability
Contrary to popular belief, small size doesn’t necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog.
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easy going. They’re also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. You’ll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.
If you’re new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!
Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.
Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.
Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can’t pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you’ll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.
All Around Friendliness
Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
See Dogs Less Affectionate with Family
Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by who’s on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren’t always so family-friendly.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.
Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they’re love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isn’t the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.
Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash like this one in public!
Health And Grooming Needs
If you’re going to share your home with a dog, you’ll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here!
Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you’ve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you’re a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.
Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk.
If you’re adopting a puppy, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup’s parents and other relatives.
Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that’s prone to packing on pounds, you’ll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.
Ask your vet about your dog’s diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.
Dogs come in all sizes, from the world’s smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they’re compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!
Trainability
Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude, in which case you’ll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.
Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don’t get the mental stimulation they need, they’ll make their own work–usually with projects you won’t like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.
Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that it’s fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that’s been stuffed with kibble and treats.
Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you’ll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally aren’t a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won’t chase, but you’ll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.
Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If you’re considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If you’re considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they’ll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.
Physical Needs
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they’re more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.
Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you’ll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.
A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who’s elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.
Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.
Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don’t like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.
Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group:Terrier DogsHeight:7 to 11 inchesWeight:4 to 8 poundsLife Span:12 to 15 years
More About This Breed
Highlights
- Biewer Terriers have a piebald colorization, meaning they have irregular patches of colors. Usually their coloring includes white or blueish-white patches over white fur on their chests, legs, and undersides. Their faces usually have black and tan coloring.
- Biewer Terriers can be a bit “yappy” and do not warm to strangers quickly, though with proper socialization training they can be adequate watchdogs.
- These dogs are highly adaptable to most living situations and do well in apartments or large homes.
- The Biewer Terrier is considered hypoallergenic and fairly easy to groom, though if you let the coat grow long, you’ll need to keep up with daily brushing.
- Although Biewer Terriers tend to get along with children fairly well, they are small and can be easily injured during play. It’s important that kids are instructed on how to safely play with small dogs. Supervision is a must.
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.
If you are interested in this wonderful breed, consider adoption by checking your local shelters or breed-specific rescues because all dogs deserve a loving home.
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.
Health
As the Biewer Terrier is a descendant of the Yorkshire Terrier, they might be predisposed to some of the same health conditions their forebears face. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups.
Some of the more common health problems the Biewer Terrier suffers from include:
- GI tract sensitivity
- Bouts of diarrhea
- Frequent discolored or soft stool
- Dental issues
Care
As with all dogs, you should keep up with your Biewer Terrier’s veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine specific for your dog breed that will keep them healthy.
The Biewer Terrier is a naturally active breed that requires regular daily exercise to work off their excess energy. Without enough exercise of some form, however, this breed is likely to develop behavioral problems such as digging and chewing.
These pups also have long coats which will require daily brushing to prevent matting and tangled fur. You can also choose to shorten their coat which would reduce the need for brushing.
Their nails should be trimmed regularly with a nail clipper or grinder to avoid overgrowth, splitting and cracking. Their ears should be checked regularly to avoid a buildup of wax and debris, which can result in an infection.
Teeth should be brushed regularly. As a small breed, these dogs may be more prone to dental issues. Your vet can help you form a brushing routine and give you further instructions on dental care at home.
Feeding
An ideal Biewer Terrier diet should be formulated for a small breed with high energy. If overfed, these pups might have a tendency to gain weight. Stick to a regular feeding schedule with few treats in between.
Because they are a smaller breed, their GI system might be a little more sensitive than most dogs. Make sure to feed them high quality foods.
As with all dogs, the Biewer Terrier’s dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Biewer Terrier’s diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs–including weight, energy, and health–to make a specific recommendation.
Coat Color And Grooming
As the Biewer Terrier are descendants of the Yorkshire Terrier, their coats might be similar, but their coat colors will have differences. Biewer Terriers have a piebald colorization, meaning they have irregular patches of colors. Usually their coloring includes white or blueish-white patches over white fur on their chests, legs, and undersides. Their faces usually have black and tan coloring.
These pups typically have long coats though you can also choose to shorten the coat to reduce the need for daily brushing. The Biewer Terrier is also considered hypoallergenic. Because of their small size and soft coat, they are quite easy to groom. If you decide to keep their coat long, daily brushing is required.
The Biewer Terrier is small in stature which does not make them ideal for extreme conditions and weather, regardless of their coat. Their long coat might be helpful during the winter months, with a haircut to shorten when summer rolls around.
Children And Other Pets
The Biewer Terrier is a small dog so they can be easily injured by overly excited children. Though they can get along with small children, it’s best to make sure they learn and understand early how to properly approach and play with a small dog. These pups can get along with virtually everyone including adults, older kids, and senior citizens. The Biewer Terrier can make a great, active companion.
When it comes to other pets, the Biewer Terrier needs time to socialize in order to feel comfortable. These small pups tend to have big personalities and are not afraid to stand up for themselves against larger dogs. Introducing them early in their life to other dogs and dog parks will make things easier as far as socialization with other pets.
For the most part, Biewer Terrier’s get along with everyone, but it all comes down to proper training, socialization, and luck of the draw.
Rescue Groups
Because the Biewer Terrier is still a relatively rare breed, you may have trouble finding a breed-specific rescue near you. You may also want to check your local shelter or Yorkshire Terrier breed-specific rescues, as they may also care for Biewer Terriers. Here are a few rescues you can try:
- Biewer United Rescue inc.
- Save A Yorkie Rescue
