Hailing from Germany, the Biewer Terrier is a relatively new breed that has only recently appeared in the spotlight. This fun-loving dog is known for its charming aura and happy-go-lucky attitude. Read on to learn more about the Biewer Terrier!
1. This Breed Originated from Germany
The Biewer (pronounced as “beaver”) Terrier’s history began in 1984 when two piebald-colored Yorkshire Terrier puppies were discovered in a litter born by well-respected Yorkie breeders Werner and Gertrude Biewer. A veterinarian friend of the Biewers suggested that these dogs be named the “Biewer Yorkshire Terrier”.
The Biewers then proceeded to selectively breed these dogs with the piebald patterning, creating the original founding population of this newly created breed. After the Biewer Terrier’s debut in 1986, a famous German musician named Margot Eskens took a huge liking to the breed and suggested adding “a la Pom Pon” to its name (which translates to “tassel or colorful ball of yarn”) due to their long tails. Eventually, some Biewer Terriers were introduced into the United States in 2002 and became very popular, with the formation of the Biewer Terrier Club of America founded in 2006.
Eventually, the Biewer Terrier was formally recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2021, though it was registered into the American Kennel Club Foundation Stock Service back in 2014. As of 2024, the Biewer Terrier ranks 78th out of 201 in the AKC’s popularity index.
2. These Terriers Were Solely Bred for Companionship
Like many other toy dog breeds, the Biewer Terrier was bred solely for the purpose of companionship. This, in general terms, means that this dog wasn’t bred for working purposes (for instance, the Golden Retriever was originally bred to retrieve hunted birds, while sheepdogs such as the Border Collie and the Australian Shepherd were bred to herd livestock). While the Biewer Terrier is a relatively new breed compared to many others, dog breeds purposely bred for companionship have existed for thousands of years, with the Pug and the Maltese being a few examples.
As mentioned earlier, the Biewer Terrier’s ancestry comprises mostly of the Yorkshire Terrier, which was a breed originally bred to pursue vermin such as rats and mice. Even the Yorkie itself has become a companion dog in the modern day, though some people will swear that some individuals still retain the traits needed to hunt down rodents. Like other companion dog breeds, the Biewer Terrier enjoys lots of interaction and strives to be the center of attention.
3. Biewer Terriers Are Different from Yorkies
As the Biewer Terrier descends from a line of Yorkshire Terriers, some people believe that this dog is simply a tricolor or piebald Yorkie. After all, it’s a recently developed breed that only emerged in the 1980s, so it’s easy to see why some can see the Biewer Terrier as an odd variant of Yorkie. However, a study in 2009 done by the Mars Veterinary Group (and requested by the Biewer Terrier Club of America) determined that the Biewer Terrier is indeed a separate breed of dog of its very own. Most notably, there are a few chromosomal and other genetic differences between the Biewer Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier.
Either or, more comprehensive genetic studies should be performed and conducted to further confirm that the Biewer Terrier is indeed a separate breed of its own, which the Biewer Terrier Club of America is investigating further. As the Biewer Terrier is still relatively new, breeders are continuing to work on further developing and perfecting this breed, along with the potential other breeds that were involved in the creation of this dog.
4. Biewer Terriers Are Generally Healthy Dogs
The Biewer Terrier isn’t known for developing many breed-specific health conditions, though there are a few issues to be relatively aware of. Many Biewer Terriers have rather sensitive digestive systems, so a diet tending to dogs with gastrointestinal issues may be needed. While soft stool may occur with all dogs, be observant and seek veterinary attention immediately if your dog is constantly having diarrhea or discolored stool.
Like many other small breeds, the Biewer Terrier may also be susceptible to luxating patellas, or “floating kneecaps”. This occurs when your dog’s knee cap bones become dislocated, which can cause discomfort. This can usually be remedied through a management plan set up by a veterinarian, but serious cases may require surgical intervention. Tracheal collapse, hypoglycemia, and bladder stones are other health issues that this breed may have. A responsible breeder will genetically screen their dogs for such issues that could potentially be inherited by their puppies; if not, continue your search for a puppy elsewhere.
5. These Dogs Require Daily Grooming
The long, silky coat of the Biewer Terrier needs to be tended to daily. For ease of care, most owners of this breed keep their coats clipped short in the puppy-cut fashion. The puppy cut requires very minimal grooming and is the most feasible option for those who don’t want to spend time brushing every day. While trimming can be done at home, you can also take your dog to a professional groomer if you so desire.
If you choose to maintain your Biewer Terrier with its traditional long coat (or a show coat), then brushing must be done every day. A pin brush is highly recommended, along with a long metal comb which should be used after a brushing session on your dog’s coat. The comb assists in unraveling any tangles or mats that the brush may have missed (and it does happen frequently!). As the Biewer Terrier is prone to developing gunk on its face, a small, fine-toothed flea comb can help with removing these little “eye boogers”.
Though the Biewer Terrier’s coat is similar to human hair, it is not recommended to use human shampoos or conditioners, as this can affect your dog’s coat. Instead, use a shampoo and conditioner that is specifically formulated for dogs. This breed requires regular bathing, preferably once a week.
As with all other dogs, your Biewer Terrier’s ears should be cleaned frequently to ward off earwax buildup or infections. Your dog’s nails should also be trimmed every few weeks to prevent discomfort. Biewer Terriers, like other smaller toy breeds, are susceptible to dental problems, so brushing your dog’s teeth is a must. Brushing them every day is highly recommended, and while dental treats are enjoyed, they are supplemental only and should not be a substitute for teeth brushing.
6. These Small Dogs Enjoy Exercise
The Biewer Terrier, like all dogs, requires exercise every day to maintain its health and well-being. This canine, however, doesn’t require a highly intensive exercise routine that some other breeds may need. This playful canine is typically very easy to satisfy and only needs around 30-45 minutes a day to meet its requirements. The Biewer Terrier enjoys walks (on a leash!) and playtime, including classic games of fetch and learning new tricks. While this dog is easily satisfied, take care not to neglect its exercise requirements; as a rule of thumb, a bored dog is a destructive one. Exercise is crucial for the health of your dog both physically and mentally.
Some people believe that due to its tendencies as a lap dog, this dog isn’t suited for more athletic activities. This can’t be further from the truth; in fact, this energetic breed also enjoys participating in sporting activities.
To exercise its terrier roots, the Biewer Terrier can participate in barn hunt trials, which are simulated sessions in which your dog has to navigate through obstacles while tracking down and finding their targets. These targets are tubes containing live rats; don’t worry, no rodents are harmed in a proper barn hunt session.
Agility trials are another fun activity a Biewer Terrier can participate in. This involves having your dog peruse through an obstacle course in a limited amount of time, competing with other canine athletes. These obstacles can range from hurdles and weave poles to seesaws and tunnels.
7. This Breed Makes an Excellent Family Companion
For a first-time dog owner, the Biewer Terrier makes a fantastic companion for many households, even in smaller settings such as apartments and condos. With its small size, playful attitude, and low-shedding coat, this dog is great for many families. However, like its Yorkie relatives, this dog can be a little stubborn, so patience is definitely needed when training this canine.
Training and socialization must begin early in puppyhood to ensure that no further behavioral problems arise in the future. Fortunately, while a little headstrong the Biewer Terrier is relatively easy to train. It is also important to keep in mind that this dog can develop separation anxiety and could therefore be destructive if left alone for long periods of time. As with all other dogs, always do thorough research before bringing any pet home, and always obtain your Biewer Terrier from a reputable breeder or a rescue group.
