Biewer Terrier
PlayfulLightheartedCharming
Germany · 16–16 years
About the Biewer Terrier
The Biewer Terrier (pronounced 'BEE-vah') is a rare, elegant toy breed that originated from a piebald (parti-colored) Yorkshire Terrier born in Germany in 1984. Werner and Gertrud Biewer bred these distinctive tricolored dogs, and DNA studies later confirmed they had diverged genetically enough from Yorkies to be recognized as a separate breed. Biewer Terriers are the first breed established using DNA science rather than traditional pedigree documentation. They are charming, whimsical, and playful little dogs with a flowing, silky coat and a lighthearted, childlike personality that brings joy to everyone around them.
Breed stats
- Height
- 7–11 in
- Weight
- 4–8 lbs
- Lifespan
- 16–16 years
- Group
- Toy
- Coat
- Long, straight, silky, flowing
- Origin
- Germany
Coat colors
- White, Blue, and Tan (tricolor)
- White, Black, and Tan
- White, Chocolate, and Tan
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
20–30 min
per day recommended
Daily food
0.25–0.5 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Patellar luxation
- Dental issues
- Hypoglycemia
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Portosystemic shunt
Not every Biewer Terrier will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Biewer Terriers eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Biewer Terriers originated from Yorkshire Terriers but are now a separate breed. The most obvious difference is color — Biewers are tricolored (white, blue/black, and tan) with significant white markings, while Yorkies are blue and tan without white. Biewers tend to be slightly sturdier and less delicate than Yorkies. Temperamentally, Biewers are often described as more lighthearted and less intense than Yorkies. DNA analysis confirmed genetic divergence between the breeds, leading to AKC recognition in 2021. Both share the long, silky coat, small size, and terrier spirit, but Biewers are the rarer, more recently recognized breed.
- Biewer Terriers are considered hypoallergenic because their long, silky coat is more similar to human hair than typical dog fur. They shed very little, with dead hair staying in the coat rather than falling around the house. They produce less dander than most breeds. However, no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic. Regular grooming — daily brushing and professional grooming every four to six weeks — helps minimize allergens. People with mild to moderate allergies often do well with Biewer Terriers. Those with severe allergies should spend time with the breed before committing.
- Biewer Terriers can be good family dogs for households with older, gentle children. Their very small size (4-8 lbs) makes them fragile and vulnerable to injury from rough handling or accidental drops. They are playful, affectionate, and enjoy being the center of attention. They get along well with other small dogs and can live with cats. They are not suitable for families with toddlers or very young children who might accidentally harm them. For households with older children or adults, Biewers are charming, entertaining, and deeply devoted companions.
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