Biewer Terrier for Companionship
by Robert Hudson
The Biewer Terrier is an adorable toy breed that looks very much like the Yorkshire Terrier, and for good reason. Biewer Terriers are the result of the occurrence of a recessive piebald gene in two Yorkshire Terriers. It is now recognized as it’s own breed in America by the AKC.
The Origin
Yorkshire Terrier breeder Gertrud and Werner Biewer in Germany discovered the gene in a litter of Yorkies in 1984 and began breeding them under the name of black and white Yorkshire Terriers and later as the Biewer Yorkshire. Their popularity in Germany waned and was never recognized as its own breed, but in the 2000s they were brought to America where their popularity has grown.
Biewer Terrier traits
| HEIGHT | 7-11 inches |
| WEIGHT | 4-8 pounds |
| LIFE SPAN | 16 years |
| GOOD WITH | Children, but due to its small size the dog is more easily hurt and should be handled gingerly. Should be good with cats and other dogs if socialized early. |
| TEMPERAMENT | Stubborn, friendly, affectionate |
| INTELLIGENCE | high |
| SHEDDING AMOUNT | light |
| EXERCISE NEEDS | medium |
| ENERGY LEVEL | calm |
| BARKING LEVEL | Can be yappy, barks at strangers |
| DROOL AMOUNT | low to none |
| BREED GROUP | toy |
| COAT LENGTH/TEXTURE | long or short |
| COLORS | black blue white gold / yellow |
| PATTERNS | tricolor |
| OTHER TRAITS | Although no dog is truly hypoallergenic, this breed is one that is close to it. Requires grooming and frequent brushing particularly if you keep the hair long. Great companion for long walks or hikes. Apartment-friendly. Toy breeds have small bladders which makes housebreaking difficult. Most opt for puppy pads. |
Puppies
The average litter size for the Biewer Terrier is between 2 and 5 puppies. It is recommended that you start socialization and training as early as possible with this breed. Training is essential to prevent the development of small dog syndrome and early socialization will help prevent this breed from becoming aggressive toward other dogs. They are typically NOT shy, but very curious of their surroundings. Biewers do not like being alone and are much more calm when in the company of another dog or human.
Availability
Biewer Terrier is considered a rare breed and in limited supply by a small number of breeders in the USA. It carries a hefty price tag. Average Biewer terrier puppies will cost between $2,000 and $3,000. Puppy mill and backyard breeders are selling pups for much less but they are not true pure breeds.
Health
The Biewer Terrier is prone to developing a sensitive GI tract, so feeding them a diet that includes plenty of fiber is a good idea. This breed suffers from an affliction affecting several small breeds: stubborn baby teeth. A Biewer’s puppy teeth won’t always come out when their adult teeth grow in. A trip to a veterinarian to get them removed would be needed.
Grooming
This dog requires daily brushing if you keep a long coat, and once a week if you keep it short. Bathe once a month for short hair and twice a month for long hair. You should also brush your dogs teeth and keep their nails cut.
Biewers on Social Media
Finnie-Bean is a Biewer Terrier on social media we featured this summer. Finnie is five years old and a pure bred Briewer Terrier. Finnie is a perfect rep for the breed. He is cute, mischievous, and comical to watch.
I agreed when you stated that socialization and training must start early for Biewer Terrier puppies. My friend wants to have a Biewer Terrier puppy. I should advise him to go for it since they look adorable.