What Is a Biewer Terrier? The Tricolor Yorkie Born in 1984 and Proven Purebred by DNA ๐พ
Breedpedia Ep.10 โ 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 Schneeflรถckchen ("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 7โ11 in (18โ28 cm) tall, weigh 4โ8 lb (1.8โ3.6 kg), and live about 12โ16 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? ๐ฉ๐ช
Most breeds have origins lost in legend. The Biewer Terrier has a birthday. On 20 January 1984, in the Hunsrรผck 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 Schneeflรถckchen, "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 "ร la Pom Pon." In Germany the breed is still often called the Biewer Yorkshire Terrier ร la Pom Pon. In the US it was shortened to Biewer Terrier, and in Korea the German surname became "Biba" (๋น๋ฐํ ๋ฆฌ์ด). It is the same dog in every country.
From "not for breeding" to AKC breed number 197 ๐งฌ
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 ๐
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 ๐งธ
- 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 ๐
The AKC standard calls for 7โ11 in (18โ28 cm) at the shoulder and 4โ8 lb (1.8โ3.6 kg); over 8 lb is a serious fault. The German standard is the same 1.8โ3.6 kg. That makes the Biewer a genuine toy breed, about the size of a Yorkshire Terrier. Puppies reach most of their adult size by 8โ10 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 1.8โ2.5 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 ๐จ
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 โ๏ธ
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 6โ8 weeks for easy care. A bath every 2โ4 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 ๐ฉบ
The Biewer is a long-lived breed, usually 12โ16 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? ๐
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 ๐ฐ๐ท
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 ร 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 โ
Where do Biewer Terriers come from?
From Germany. The first Biewer, a white-spotted Yorkshire Terrier puppy named Schneeflรถckchen, 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 7โ11 in (18โ28 cm) tall and 4โ8 lb (1.8โ3.6 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 12โ16 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.
๐น๐ญ เธเธตเนเธงเธญเธฃเน เนเธเธญเธฃเนเนเธฃเธตเธขเธฃเน เนเธเนเธเธชเธธเธเธฑเธเธเธฑเธเธเธธเนเธญเธฐเนเธฃ เธกเธฒเธเธฒเธเนเธซเธ?
เธเธตเนเธงเธญเธฃเน เนเธเธญเธฃเนเนเธฃเธตเธขเธฃเน (Biewer Terrier) เนเธเนเธเธชเธธเธเธฑเธเธเธฑเธเธเธธเนเธเธญเธขเธเธเธขเธฒเธงเธชเธฒเธกเธชเธตเธเธฒเธเนเธขเธญเธฃเธกเธเธต เนเธเธดเธเนเธกเธทเนเธญเธเธต 1984 เนเธเธเธญเธเธขเธญเธฃเนเธเนเธเธตเธขเธฃเนเนเธเธญเธฃเนเนเธฃเธตเธขเธฃเนเธเธญเธเธเธฃเธญเธเธเธฃเธฑเธงเธเธตเนเธงเธญเธฃเน เนเธกเธทเนเธญเธฅเธนเธเธชเธธเธเธฑเธเธเธตเนเธกเธตเธฅเธฒเธขเธชเธตเธเธฒเธงเธเธทเนเธญ "เนเธเธฅเนเธเธซเธดเธกเธฐเธเนเธญเธข" เธเธทเธญเธเธณเนเธเธดเธ เธเธฅเธเธฃเธงเธเธเธตเนเธญเนเธเนเธญเนเธเธเธต 2007 เธขเธทเธเธขเธฑเธเธงเนเธฒเนเธเนเธเธชเธฒเธขเธเธฑเธเธเธธเนเนเธเนเธเธญเธเธเธฑเธงเนเธญเธ เนเธฅเธฐเธชเธกเธฒเธเธก AKC เธฃเธฑเธเธฃเธญเธเธญเธขเนเธฒเธเนเธเนเธเธเธฒเธเธเธฒเธฃเนเธเธเธต 2021 เธชเธธเธเธฑเธเนเธเนเธเนเธกเธงเธฑเธขเธชเธนเธ 18โ28 เนเธเธเธเธดเนเธกเธเธฃ เธซเธเธฑเธ 1.8โ3.6 เธเธดเนเธฅเธเธฃเธฑเธก เธญเธฒเธขเธธเธเธฑเธข 12โ16 เธเธต เธเธดเธชเธฑเธขเธเธตเนเธญเนเธญเธ เธเธตเนเนเธฅเนเธ เนเธซเธกเธทเธญเธเนเธเนเธเธเธฅเธญเธเธเธตเธงเธดเธ เนเธเนเธเธฅเนเธฒเธซเธฒเธเนเธเธเนเธเธญเธฃเนเนเธฃเธตเธขเธฃเน เธเธเนเธชเนเธเนเธเธตเธขเธงเนเธเธฒเธเธฒเธก เธฃเนเธงเธเธเนเธญเธขเธกเธฒเธ เธชเธตเธเนเธณเนเธเธดเธเธซเธฃเธทเธญเธเธณ เธเธญเธ เนเธฅเธฐเธเธฒเธง เนเธเนเธฅเธฐเธเธฑเธงเธกเธตเธฅเธฒเธขเนเธกเนเธเนเธณเธเธฑเธ เนเธเนเธเธฒเธซเธฅเธตเนเธฃเธตเธขเธเธงเนเธฒ "เธเธตเธเธฒ เนเธเธญเธฃเนเนเธฃเธตเธขเธฃเน"
๐ฎ๐ฉ 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 18โ28 cm, berbobot 1,8โ3,6 kg, dan hidup 12โ16 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".
๐ญ๐ฐ ๆฏ็็ดๅ ๏ผๆฏ่ฏ็ฌ๏ผBiewer Terrier๏ผไฟๅฉๅ็จฎ๏ผ็ฑ้ๅบฆๅ๏ผ
Biewer Terrier๏ผ้ๅๅซใๆฏๅทดในดใ๏ผไฟๆบ่ชๅพทๅๅ ้ทๆฏไธ่ฒ็ฉ่ณ็ฌใ1984 ๅนด๏ผBiewer ๅคซๅฉฆๅ ็ด็็นๅฉ็ฌ่่ช็ๅไธ้ปๅธถ็ฝ่ฒๆ็ดๅ ๅนผ็ฌใๅฐ้ช่ฑใ๏ผๅฐฑไฟๅขๅๅ็จฎๅ ้ๅงใ2007 ๅนด DNA ็ ็ฉถ่ญๆไฝขไฟ็จ็ซ็ด็จฎ๏ผ็พๅ AKC ๅบ 2021 ๅนดๆญฃๅผๆฟ่ช็บ็ฌฌ 197 ๅ็ฌ็จฎใๆ็ฌ่บซ้ซ 18 ่ณ 28 ๅ็ฑณ๏ผ้ซ้ 1.8 ่ณ 3.6 ๅ ฌๆค๏ผๅฃฝๅฝ 12 ่ณ 16 ๅนดใๆงๆ ผ้ปไบบใ่ฒช็ฉ๏ผไธไธ้ฝๅฅฝไผผ็ดฐ่ทฏไปๅฝ๏ผไฝไฟ็ในด็ฌๅ ๅๆขใๅฎๅฑค็ตฒ่ณช้ทๆฏ็ฉๆฏๆฅตๅฐ๏ผๆฏ่ฒ็บ่ๆ้ปใ้ๅ็ฝไธ่ฒ๏ผๆฏ้ปๆ็ด้ฝ็จไธ็กไบใ
