Biewer Terrier

The history of the Biewer Terrier is unique and reads like a fairytale. It didn’t start with planned breeding work but rather by a stroke of luck. In 1984, a puppy with unusual coloring was born to Werner and Gertrude Biewer, German breeders who had been raising Yorkshire Terriers for over 20 years. In a litter from world champions Darling von Friedheck and Fru-Fru von Friedheck, a little girl appeared with large white patches on her fur. This was made possible by a spontaneous mutation of a recessive gene (the piebald gene), carried by both parents.

This unusual puppy, named “Schneeflockchen von Friedheck” (Snowflake), marked the beginning of a new breed. The Biewers were so captivated by the dog’s beauty that they decided to solidify this trait. They began specifically breeding dogs with white patches. In 1988, the breed was first introduced at a show in Wiesbaden, Germany, under the name “Black and White Yorkie.”

The breed owes its fancy suffix “à la Pom Pon” (which translates from French as “colored ball of yarn”) to the husband of German singer Margot Eskens. During a dinner, he presented his wife with a Biewer puppy on a silver platter, and its appearance reminded them of a bright ball of yarn. The name stuck and became part of the breed’s official title.

Biewers are elegant little dogs with harmonious and proportional features. Their look immediately grabs attention thanks to their luxurious long hair and unique tri-colored coat. Despite their miniature size, they give the impression of being sturdy and resilient animals.

The main distinction of the breed is their coat – long, perfectly straight, and silky to the touch, cascading down the sides of the body to form a characteristic part along the spine from head to tail. The structure of a Biewer’s coat is very similar to human hair; it lacks an undercoat, so the dogs virtually do not shed. This makes them a great choice for people with allergies, though, of course, total hypoallergenic safety can never be guaranteed.

Color is the breed’s calling card. The standard allows for a combination of three colors: white, black, and gold (or tan). White and black predominate on the body, often in a “saddle” pattern or random spots. The head has a symmetrical tri-color pattern: white-black-gold or white-blue-gold. A blue shimmer on the black fur is a desirable trait. Importantly, white must be present on the body.

The Biewer’s head is small and flat. The muzzle isn’t too long. A prominent feature is the long neck with a nape, giving the dog an aristocratic look. The eyes are medium-sized and dark, with an intelligent, slightly mischievous, and inquisitive gaze. The ears are small, triangular, and upright, giving Biewers a characteristically alert and witty expression. The tail is set high, covered in long hair, and carried over the back.

Biewer Terrier vs. Yorkshire Terrier

Biewer Terriers are a celebration on paws. They possess a wonderful, social character and incredible psychological stability that many other breeds – even much larger ones like the American Bulldog – might envy. Their cheerfulness and childlike spontaneity make them excellent companions. They happily participate in any family activities, games, and fun.

These are highly intelligent and sharp dogs. They learn quickly, grasping new commands and behavioral rules on the fly. Their curiosity knows no bounds, so it’s important to provide them with enought mental stimulation: puzzle toys, trick training, and hide-and-seek games. Biewers are very people-oriented and eager to please their owners, which makes the training process much easier.

Friendliness and peacefulness are other bright character traits. Biewers get along wonderfully with all family members, including children. They can become tireless playmates for a child, but it is crucial to explain to kids how to handle a small dog properly to avoid accidental injuries. They also coexist well with other pets, especially if raised together. Even toward strangers, they tend to show curiosity rather than aggression or fear.

Overall, Biewers are considered a relatively healthy breed with a lifespan of 12-15 years. However, like all breeds, especially toy ones, they are prone to certain conditions. A responsible owner should know these risks for timely prevention and diagnosis.

• Tracheal Collapse: A common problem in miniature breeds. The tracheal rings weaken and flatten, making breathing difficult. The main symptom is a dry, loud cough sounding like a “goose honk,” especially during excitement or leash pulling. Prevention: use a harness instead of a collar, control the dog’s weight, and avoid irritants (smoke, dust).
• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: Aseptic necrosis of the femoral head. Blood supply to the head of the femur is disrupted, leading to its disintegration and arthritis. It manifests as lameness, pain, and muscle atrophy. Usually occurs between 4-12 months of age. Treatment is primarily surgical.
• Portosystemic Shunt (Liver Shunt): A congenital vessel anomaly where blood from the intestine enters general circulation, bypassing the liver, which should clean it. This leads to body intoxication. Symptoms may include poor growth, neurological disorders (seizures, disorientation), and digestive issues.
• Dental Problems: Like many small dogs, Biewers are prone to tartar buildup, periodontitis, and retained baby teeth. Retained deciduous canines can lead to a bad bite. Prevention: regular brushing, use of dental treats and toys, and timely vet check-ups to remove baby teeth if they haven’t fallen out by 7-8 months.
• Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): Particularly dangerous for puppies. Symptoms: lethargy, trembling, disorientation, seizures. It is important to feed the puppy often and in small portions.

Caring for the luxurious coat of a Biewer is the main and most demanding aspect of owning this breed. It requires regularity and patience. Biewer fur has no undercoat, so it isn’t prone to heavy shedding, but it easily forms mats if not brushed daily. This grooming routine is quite similiar to that of a Maltese, another breed known for its silky hair.

1. Daily Brushing: Use a natural bristle brush or a metal comb with widely spaced teeth. Before brushing, lightly mist the coat with a special grooming spray to facilitate gliding – this prevents hair breakage.
2. Bathing: Water procedures should be done every 2-3 weeks. Use only high-quality shampoos and conditioners for long-haired dogs, preferably labeled “for white coats” to avoid yellowing. After bathing, the fur needs to be patted dry with a towel (do not rub!) and must be blow-dried while brushing the strands in the direction of growth.
3. Haircuts: Many owners who do not participate in shows prefer a hygienic or “puppy cut” to make care easier. This significantly simplifies life for both the dog and the owner. It is important to regularly trim the hair around the eyes, between the paw pads, and in intimate areas.
4. Ear and Eye Care: Regularly inspect the ears and clean them with a special lotion. Hair on the upper third of the ear needs to be trimmed or plucked to ensure ventilation. Wipe the eyes daily with a cotton pad soaked in warm water or a special solution to avoid tear stains.
5. Claws: Trim claws every 2-4 weeks with a clipper designed for small breeds.

Thanks to their intelligence and desire to please, Biewer Terriers are easy to train. They are capable of mastering not only basic commands but also complex tricks. The key is to use positive reinforcement methods: praise, affection, and treats. Yelling and punishment can scare the dog and undermine their trust.

Early socialization is of huge importance. Introduce the puppy to various people, sounds, places, and other dogs from childhood. This helps them grow into confident, balanced, and well-adjusted dogs that aren’t afraid of the world around them. Training sessions should be short (10-15 minutes) and engaging so as not to tire the little one out. Don’t underestimate their intellect – even small breeds need discipline and clear rules, otherwise they can become demanding. In this regard, their upbringing is no less important than that of large working breeds like the Boerboel.

Biewers successfully participate in various dog sports, such as agility for mini-breeds, freestyle (dancing with dogs), and obedience. It’s a great way to channel their energy in the right direction and strengthen the bond with the owner.

Proper nutrition is the key to the health and longevity of your Biewer. There are two main approaches: commercial food and natural feeding. Both options have their pros.

Dry Food: This is the simplest and most balanced option. Choose premium or super-premium kibble designed for toy breeds. They contain all the necessary vitamins and minerals. It is important to follow the dosage indicated on the package to avoid weight gain.

Natural Diet: This option requires more time and knowledge. The basis of the diet (about 60-70%) should be lean meat (turkey, beef, chicken) and organ meats. The diet is supplemented with grains (buckwheat, rice), dairy products (low-fat cottage cheese, kefir), vegetables (carrots, pumpkin, zucchini), and a small amount of fruit. Strictly forbidden: chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, cooked bones, fatty, smoked, and sugary foods.

• The Biewer Terrier breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) only in 2021, making it one of the newest recognized breeds.
• Despite their ornamental appearance, Biewers remain terriers at heart. They will happily chase a ball or even hunt mice if given the chance.
• The name “à la Pom Pon” (colored ball of yarn) describes the puppies’ appearance so accurately that it became an integral part of the breed’s image.
• Every Biewer’s coat pattern is unique, like a fingerprint. You won’t find two dogs with exactly the same spot placement.

Are Biewers suitable for families with children?
Yes, Biewers get along great with kids. They are patient and playful. However, due to their small size, it is important to teach children to be gentle with the dog to avoid injury.

Do Biewers bark a lot?
They can be prone to barking as it is part of their terrier nature – alerting to anything suspicious. However, this can be controlled through proper upbringing and training.

How much does a Biewer Terrier puppy cost?
This is quite an expensive breed. The price for a puppy from responsible breeders with a good pedigree can be very high due to the rarity of the breed and the complexity of breeding.

Can a Biewer be left alone for long periods?
They are very attached to their owners and handle loneliness poorly. If you spend a lot of time away from home, this breed might not be for you. Prolonged solitude can cause stress and destructive behavior.