What Is a Biewer Terrier? The Tricolor Yorkie Born in 1984 and Proven Purebred by DNA 🐾
Breedpedia Ep.10 — the Biewer Terrier, the tricolor Yorkie that proved it was a breed of its own, in about a minute.
Quick answer: The Biewer Terrier (pronounced "beaver," and called Biba Terrier in Korea) is a long-coated, tricolor toy breed born in Germany in 1984, when a white-spotted puppy named Schneeflöckchen ("little snowflake") appeared in the Yorkshire Terrier kennel of Werner and Gertrud Biewer. A 2007 DNA study showed the dogs formed a breed of their own, and the AKC fully recognized the Biewer Terrier in 2021 as its 197th breed. Adults stand 7–11 in (18–28 cm) tall, weigh 4–8 lb (1.8–3.6 kg), and live about 12–16 years. Biewers are affectionate, playful and "childlike" for life, with a silky, low-shedding coat in blue or black, gold and white.
Where do Biewer Terriers come from? 🇩🇪
Most breeds have origins lost in legend. The Biewer Terrier has a birthday. On 20 January 1984, in the Hunsrück region of Germany, two champion blue-and-tan Yorkshire Terriers named Darling and Fru Fru produced a female puppy with white patches. Her breeders, Werner and Gertrud Biewer, named her Schneeflöckchen, "little snowflake." A few months later a second tricolor puppy, Schneemann ("snowman"), was born, and the Biewers began breeding for the new look.
The breed takes its name from the couple. A veterinarian friend suggested it, and a famous German singer, Margot Eskens, who bought the first two puppies, added the flourish "à la Pom Pon." In Germany the breed is still often called the Biewer Yorkshire Terrier à la Pom Pon. In the US it was shortened to Biewer Terrier, and in Korea the German surname became "Biba" (비바테리어). It is the same dog in every country.
From "not for breeding" to AKC breed number 197 🧬
The Biewer's early years were rocky. For a Yorkshire Terrier, white patches are a color fault, so Germany's largest kennel club stamped the dogs "not for breeding." The Biewers kept going anyway. After Werner Biewer died in 1997 the breed nearly faded away in Germany, and it was American enthusiasts who brought it back to life in the early 2000s.
The turning point came in 2007, when the Biewer Terrier Club of America commissioned a DNA study that compared Biewers with Yorkies and other breeds. The result showed a distinct purebred population, with traces of Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese and Bichon-type ancestry. The AKC describes the Biewer as the first breed whose purebred status was established through genetic testing rather than pedigree records alone. From there the breed climbed at record speed: AKC Foundation Stock Service in 2014, Miscellaneous Class in 2019, and full recognition in the Toy Group on 1 January 2021 as the AKC's 197th breed. Its homeland finally accepted it too: the German kennel club adopted the Biewer as a national breed in 2024, forty years after little snowflake was born.
A rat-catcher's heart in a lapdog's body 🐀
The Biewer has no "old job" of its own; it was bred from day one as a companion. But its personality comes from its ancestor, the Yorkshire Terrier, which started out catching rats in the mills and mines of northern England. That is why a 3 kg Biewer is fearless, curious and quick to announce any new sound at the door. At the same time, generations of breeding purely for companionship have made it mellower and cuddlier than most terriers. The AKC lists its main purpose in one word: affection.
What is a Biewer Terrier like? Personality 🧸
- Childlike for life. The AKC's official description uses the words "childlike" and "whimsical." Adult Biewers still carry their favorite toys around the house like toddlers, and breeders say many of them literally smile.
- Devoted lap companion. The breed club calls it "a small dog with a big heart, the perfect lap companion." Biewers want to be wherever you are.
- Brave and alert. The terrier side shows in confidence and a good watchdog bark. Early socialization to new sounds and people keeps barking reasonable.
- Easy to train. Intelligent and eager to please, the Biewer learns quickly with positive, treat-based sessions. It is generally calmer and more biddable than a classic Yorkie.
- Apartment-friendly. A couple of short walks and indoor play meet its exercise needs, making it ideal for city living and for first-time owners.
How big do Biewer Terriers get? Size and weight 📏
The AKC standard calls for 7–11 in (18–28 cm) at the shoulder and 4–8 lb (1.8–3.6 kg); over 8 lb is a serious fault. The German standard is the same 1.8–3.6 kg. That makes the Biewer a genuine toy breed, about the size of a Yorkshire Terrier. Puppies reach most of their adult size by 8–10 months.
Because the standard already tops out at 3.6 kg, a "teacup Biewer" is simply a Biewer at the small end of the normal range, usually 1.8–2.5 kg. Size is never guaranteed until a puppy grows up, so a responsible breeder shows you the puppy's current weight and both parents. Very small puppies need frequent meals to avoid low blood sugar in their first months.
Biewer Terrier colors: born tricolor, one of a kind 🎨
Here is the breed's signature. Biewer puppies are born black, white and tan, with the color already in place; unlike many breeds, the pattern does not "come in" later. As some dogs mature, black softens to blue and tan brightens to gold. The standard asks for a symmetrical tricolor head, a white chest, belly, legs and tail tip, and no tan on the back. Every Biewer's pattern is different, so no two dogs look alike.
Two more details set it apart from the Yorkie: the Biewer's tail is never docked and curls up over the back, and its show style is a center part with the breed's signature ponytail on top of the head.
Do Biewer Terriers shed? Coat and grooming ✂️
The Biewer has a single coat of long, straight, silky hair with no undercoat, which is why it sheds very little and is often recommended for people with mild allergies. No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but the Biewer is one of the lower-dander breeds.
Silky hair does tangle, so plan on daily brushing if the coat is kept long, or a puppy cut every 6–8 weeks for easy care. A bath every 2–4 weeks with a gentle shampoo, regular ear checks and nail trims round out the routine. Many pet owners keep the body short and leave the signature ponytail.
Biewer Terrier lifespan and health 🩺
The Biewer is a long-lived breed, usually 12–16 years, with the breed club citing an average around 16. Health topics to discuss with your vet and breeder include:
- Sensitive stomach: the one issue the AKC specifically notes for the breed. A consistent, quality diet usually manages it.
- Dental care: small mouths crowd teeth, so brush regularly and schedule dental checks.
- Luxating patella: a slipping kneecap common in toy breeds. Keep your Biewer lean and use steps for the sofa.
- Low blood sugar in tiny puppies: feed small, frequent meals in the first months.
Biewer Terrier vs. Yorkshire Terrier: what's the difference? 🔍
They are close cousins and the same size, so the differences are easy to list. The Yorkie is blue and tan only, has a docked tail in many countries, and keeps a sharper, bossier terrier temperament. The Biewer is tricolor with white, has a natural tail carried over the back, and is bred to be calmer and more affectionate. Both have silky, low-shedding single coats and both weigh under 8 lb. If you love the Yorkie look but want a softer personality and a one-of-a-kind coat, the Biewer is the answer.
Biewer Terriers in Korea 🇰🇷
In Korea the breed is known as the Biba Terrier, and it has become a sought-after "special" small breed for people who want something rarer than a Maltese or Poodle. Korean breeders are known for compact, well-marked Biewers with bright white and clean tricolor heads. One note for buyers: some Korean pet shops sell a Biewer × Maltese mix under the name "Bibatese." That is a mix, not a Biewer Terrier, and it is not recognized by any kennel club. A purebred Biewer comes with a pedigree and the tricolor pattern from birth.
Looking for a Biewer puppy? Browse our available Biewer Terrier puppies, or read how adoption and worldwide delivery work at Kim's Pups. We ship healthy, vet-checked puppies to the US, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong and more.
Biewer Terrier FAQ ❓
Where do Biewer Terriers come from?
From Germany. The first Biewer, a white-spotted Yorkshire Terrier puppy named Schneeflöckchen, was born in the Biewer family's kennel on 20 January 1984.
Is a Biewer Terrier a Yorkie?
No. It descends from Yorkshire Terriers, but a 2007 DNA study showed it is a distinct purebred, and the AKC recognized it as a separate breed in 2021.
How do you pronounce Biewer?
Like "beaver." In Korea the breed is called the Biba Terrier.
How big do Biewer Terriers get?
About 7–11 in (18–28 cm) tall and 4–8 lb (1.8–3.6 kg). They are a true toy breed.
Do Biewer Terriers shed?
Very little. They have a single silky coat with no undercoat, which is why they are popular with people who have mild allergies.
Are Biewer Terriers hypoallergenic?
No dog is completely hypoallergenic, but the Biewer is low-shedding and low-dander, so it is often a good match for allergy-sensitive homes.
What is a Biewer Terrier's temperament like?
Affectionate, playful and childlike, with a brave terrier streak. They are calmer and cuddlier than most terriers and love to sit on laps.
Are Biewer Terriers good family dogs?
Yes, for families who handle a small dog gently. They love company and get along with other pets when socialized early.
Do Biewer Terriers bark a lot?
They are alert and will announce visitors. Early socialization and a "quiet" cue keep barking reasonable.
How long do Biewer Terriers live?
Usually 12–16 years, with many reaching the upper end with good care.
What colors do Biewer Terriers come in?
Blue or black, gold or tan, and white, in a tricolor pattern that is present from birth. Every dog's markings are unique.
🇹🇭 บีเวอร์ เทอร์เรียร์ เป็นสุนัขพันธุ์อะไร มาจากไหน?
บีเวอร์ เทอร์เรียร์ (Biewer Terrier) เป็นสุนัขพันธุ์ทอยขนยาวสามสีจากเยอรมนี เกิดเมื่อปี 1984 ในคอกยอร์กเชียร์เทอร์เรียร์ของครอบครัวบีเวอร์ เมื่อลูกสุนัขที่มีลายสีขาวชื่อ "เกล็ดหิมะน้อย" ถือกำเนิด ผลตรวจดีเอ็นเอในปี 2007 ยืนยันว่าเป็นสายพันธุ์แท้ของตัวเอง และสมาคม AKC รับรองอย่างเป็นทางการในปี 2021 สุนัขโตเต็มวัยสูง 18–28 เซนติเมตร หนัก 1.8–3.6 กิโลกรัม อายุขัย 12–16 ปี นิสัยขี้อ้อน ขี้เล่น เหมือนเด็กตลอดชีวิต แต่กล้าหาญแบบเทอร์เรียร์ ขนเส้นเดียวเงางาม ร่วงน้อยมาก สีน้ำเงินหรือดำ ทอง และขาว แต่ละตัวมีลายไม่ซ้ำกัน ในเกาหลีเรียกว่า "บีบา เทอร์เรียร์"
🇮🇩 Biewer Terrier itu anjing seperti apa dan berasal dari mana?
Biewer Terrier adalah ras toy berbulu panjang tiga warna dari Jerman. Anjing pertamanya, seekor anak Yorkshire Terrier bercorak putih bernama "kepingan salju kecil", lahir pada 1984 di kandang keluarga Biewer. Studi DNA tahun 2007 membuktikan bahwa ia adalah ras murni tersendiri, dan AKC mengakuinya secara resmi pada 2021. Biewer dewasa tingginya 18–28 cm, berbobot 1,8–3,6 kg, dan hidup 12–16 tahun. Sifatnya penyayang, suka bermain, dan seperti anak kecil seumur hidup, dengan keberanian khas terrier. Bulunya tunggal, halus seperti sutra, dan sangat jarang rontok, berwarna biru atau hitam, emas, dan putih dengan corak unik pada setiap anjing. Di Korea ras ini disebut "Biba Terrier".
🇭🇰 比熊約克／比華犬（Biewer Terrier）係咩品種？由邊度嚟？
Biewer Terrier（韓國叫「比巴㹴」）係源自德國嘅長毛三色玩賞犬。1984 年，Biewer 夫婦嘅約瑟爹利犬舍誕生咗一隻帶白色斑紋嘅幼犬「小雪花」，就係呢個品種嘅開始。2007 年 DNA 研究證明佢係獨立純種，美國 AKC 喺 2021 年正式承認為第 197 個犬種。成犬身高 18 至 28 厘米，體重 1.8 至 3.6 公斤，壽命 12 至 16 年。性格黏人、貪玩，一世都好似細路仔咽，但保留㹴犬嘅勇敢。單層絲質長毛甩毛極少，毛色為藍或黑、金同白三色，每隻斑紋都獨一無二。
