Biewer TerrierCharacteristics, history, training and care

According to Wikipedia, the breed was first bred in Germany in 1984 by Werner and Gertrude Biewer, after two tricolour Yorkshire puppies were born in their kennel. Two puppies, “Schneeflöckchen von Friedheck” and “Schneemann”, were sold to the singer Margot Eskens, who suggested adding “à la Pom Pon” to the breed's name.

American breeders began importing them in 2002, and the American breed club was founded in 2006. Blood tests showed that it is a separate breed from the Yorkshire Terrier. The AKC admitted it to its Foundation Stock Service in 2014 and recognised it in 2021; since May 2024 it has also been accepted by the VDH in Germany.

How the breed developed

• 1984 – The first puppies, at the Biewer kennel in Germany.
• 2002 – The first imports to the United States.
• 2014 – Enters the AKC Foundation Stock Service.
• 2021 – Recognised by the AKC.
• May 2024 – Accepted by the VDH in Germany.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed; the breed is not recognised by the FCI.

The AKC describes it as an elegant toy terrier with a long, uniquely coloured coat and its characteristic topknot. The coat parts down the middle of the back and falls straight and evenly on both sides. Its expression is “more human than canine”, lively and intelligent.

General appearance

The coat is long and flowing, silky and straight, with no undercoat, reaching almost to the ground. The hair on the head is tied into a single ponytail on the crown.

The Biewer Terrier is tricolour: white, black or blue, and gold.

The AKC describes it as amusing, intelligent and devoted, a fairly calm, relaxed dog whose playful nature gives it all the exercise it needs.

Like any toy dog, it needs gentle, reward-based training and early socialisation.

Tips for effective training

• Use rewards. It is intelligent and sensitive.
• Keep it from big jumps. It is very small.
• Get it used to brushing. The long coat needs daily care.
• Socialise it early. With people and with dogs.

The AKC says play gives it all the exercise it needs, together with time spent with the family. It enjoys walks and outings, it is agile, and indoors it likes search games and learning new tricks.

Tips for a balanced life

• It suits an apartment.
• Tie up its topknot.
• Brush it daily if it has a long coat.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says a long coat must be brushed daily; a silky coat tangles little, a soft one more. Kept in a short trim, it needs very little grooming.

Common health problems

The AKC says most are healthy, but a sensitive digestive system is common in the breed. Things to watch:

Other care

• If diarrhoea persists, go to the vet.
• Brush its teeth often.
• Go for yearly check-ups.

The AKC recommends a balanced, low-protein diet because of the sensitive digestive system, preferably dry food, as wet food encourages tartar. If it chews its paws and scratches a lot, a lamb- or fish-based food may help.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• If it puts on weight, give it meals at set times.
• Treats count towards the daily portion.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Small breeds become adults faster than large ones, usually at around one year.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. Only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance should be used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In small breeds, a litter has 3–4 puppies on average. The puppies are very small and fragile in the first weeks, so they must be kept warm and handled with care. Socialisation starts early: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• Named after its breeders. Werner and Gertrude Biewer.
• “À la Pom Pon”. Suggested by the singer Margot Eskens.
• A separate breed. Tests set it apart from the Yorkshire.
• A human expression. The AKC describes it as more human than canine.
• Recognised in 2021. By the AKC.

Margot Eskens

According to Wikipedia, the German singer Margot Eskens bought two of the first puppies and suggested adding “à la Pom Pon” to the breed's name.

Is it a Yorkshire?

No; tests have shown that it is a separate breed.

Is it recognised by the FCI?

No; the AKC has recognised it since 2021.

How much does it weigh?

1.8–3.6 kg.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives around 16 years.