History
Up until recently the Biewer Yorkshire Terrier was practically unheard of let alone seen in the UK but this small gentle dog has rapidly become a favourite with dog lovers around the world.
So what is a Biewer Yorkshire Terrier and is it really a Yorkshire Terrier?
In 1984 a very special puppy “Schneefloeckchen von Friedheck (Snowflake) was born in Germany her parents were both Yorkshire Terriers originating from the UK but unlike her siblings she did not have the black and tan colouring of a Yorkshire Terrier puppy, her coat was black tan & white.
Her Breeder Dr Biewer was fond of the anomality and pursued the development of breeding the Parti Coloured Yorkshire Terriers which were initially named the Biewer Yorkshire Terrier a La Pom Pom.
In 1989 the Biewer Yorkshire Terrier was officially recognised by the Allgemeiner Club der Hundefreunde Deutschland.
American Kennel Club Breed Recognition
In 2007 the American Kennel Club engaged the services of Mars Veterinary geneticists who used DNA samples from ten pedigree registered Biewer Terriers to determine that the breed was a purebred Yorkshire Terrier. The study disclosed that the Biewer Terrier combined a mix of the Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Havanese & Bichon Frise.
To satisfy the demand and love for this beautiful small companion breed and to maintain the purity of the Yorkshire Terrier the American Kennel Club recognised the Biewer Terrier as a purebred dog in it’s own right separate from the Yorkshire Terrier.
Breed Standard
The Biewer Terrier is a small dog with a tri coloured coat of black tan and white or blue tan and white. The coat is long, fine and silky reaching ground level.
The head features three colours, black tan and white or blue tan and white with tan points on the ears, eyebrows and cheeks.
The ears should be small and pricked upright. The eyes should be very dark. The pigment of the eye rims and nose are black.
The back should be black and white or blue & white, the legs and tip of the tail must be white.
The Biewer Terrier weighs between 1.9 – 3.6 kg (3-8lbs) standing 18 – 27cm (7-11″) however as with all breeds height and weight can be less or more than the breed standard. In Europe breeders often categorise puppies into two sizes, “Mini” and “Standard” whilst there is no official classification it is indicative of the expected weight and height of a puppy at maturity.
Character & Personality
The Biewer Yorkshire Terrier is best described as a small, joyous little dog. They are an elegant, longhaired, tri-colored toy terrier whose only purpose in life is to love and be loved. They maintain a charming, whimsical attitude well into adulthood.
The Biewer Terrier is a very dedicated, loyal family member and friendly with strangers. A large percentage of the Biewer Terriers are happy-go-lucky dogs, smiling when asked if they are happy. In spite of its small stature, the Biewer is a very hearty, athletic dog and an excellent hunter of vermin. They are lighthearted, have a childlike attitude and like to carry toys in their mouths. Theyt are quick to alert you to company, but are not constant barkers.
How do you pronounce Biewer Terrier? Beaver, exactly like out little dam building friends.
Coat Maintenance
The coat of the Biewer Yorkshire Terrier is low shedding, that is the hair will shed minimally just as human hair does and will not cast or molt with the changing of the seasons. The hair also has a similar structure to human hair which is often better tolerated by people suffering from allergies. It is however important to note that allergic reactions are often triggered by a dogs dander and or saliva.
As a non shedding breed their coats require daily grooming if to be kept long. We find that a once weekly bath helps to reduce grease and dirt and reduces the coat from tangles and mats. If their coats are to be maintained shorter grooming costs must be calculated into ongoing costs.
Overall Health
The Biewer Yorkshire Terrier are generally very healthy little dogs with an average life expectancy of 15 years though it is not uncommon for them to live longer. The most common problems that can arise as with many small breeds are Luxating Patella, Liver Shunt and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. Given the overall good health of the Biewer Yorkshire Terrier insurance premiums are reasonable.
Dental Hygiene
As with many small breeds dental hygiene is essential, regular brushing, tonics that can be added to water of granules that can be added to food will help maintain healthy gums and teeth.
