Mary Allen
Did you know that the Yorkshire Terrier has a direct relative named Biewer Yorkshire Terrier a la Pom Pon? We neither. But is true.
If there was a prize for the most striking dog name, this dog would have won it with fanfare and drum rolls. This kid with bright eyes is actually called: Biewer Yorkshire Terrier à la Pom Pon! gosh!
A direct relative of the Yorkshire Terrier, the elaborately named dog is just as cute. Created by chance, the small breed is mainly bred in the USA and Russia. But the rather rare but absolutely lovable bundle of energy also has a sworn fan base in this country.
Find out in our breed portrait how the Biewer Yorkshire Terrier got its unique name, what distinguishes it from its relatives and what the best way to keep and care for the dog is. In order to be able to better distinguish the Biewer Yorkshire Terrier from the Yorkshire Terrier, the outdated name Biewer Yorkshire Terrier is no longer used in this article, but only Biewer Terrier.
What does a Biewer Terrier look like?
Just like the Yorkshire Terrier, the Biewer Terrier has a well-proportioned, compact body. Overall, according to the standard, the dogs should look dainty and elegant. The head is rather small, with protruding V-shaped ears.
The biggest (and only) difference between the la Pom Pon Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier is the coat color. The Biewer’s coat is a mix of black, white, and gold. The color distribution should generally be as even as possible. Paws and tail should always be white. As with the Yorkshire Terrier, the dog’s coat parts evenly in the middle of the back. The hair is silky, smooth, without an undercoat, and feels very soft.
The dogs are considered particularly good candidates for dog shows because their fur can grow to their paws. However, since this greatly restricts the dog’s freedom of movement, such unnecessary haircuts should be avoided nowadays. Due to their lack of undercoat and lack of hair change, the Biewer Terrier is just as suitable for allergy sufferers as the Yorkshire Terrier.
How big is a Biewer Terrier?
The Biewer Terrier reaches a size between 22 and 25 cm when fully grown. So small puppies fit in a coffee cup. The Biewers are one of the (very) cute, excuse me, small dog breeds.
How heavy is a Biewer Terrier?
Of course, such a small dog weighs very little. The small terrier weighs between 1.8 and 3.6 kg on average. Perfect for picking up and hugging.
How old does a Biewer Terrier get?
Like most small dog breeds, the Biewers live longer on average than large dog breeds. The dogs can be between 13 and 16 years old.
What character or nature does the Biewer Terrier have?
The appearance of the dogs may be deliberately dainty and delicate, but the impression is deceptive. Despite its misleading label as a ‘lap dog’, the Biewer, like the Yorkshire Terrier, is a real bundle of energy. The dogs are considered intelligent and confident. (Also read: Intelligent Dog Breeds – The 10 Smartest Dogs in the World) They are quick learners and are also very curious. If the dog doesn’t get enough activity, it will seek out small and large adventures for itself…
With appropriate handling, dogs have a very close and loving relationship with their humans. Their soft fur just begs to be petted by our hands and that’s exactly what they enjoy. However, the Biewer can be quite suspicious of strangers and animals. Surprisingly, the small dog is therefore also considered a good watchdog. The little guy guards his territory vigilantly and doesn’t hesitate to bark loudly at much larger dogs (and people). Sometimes the dogs can even become aggressive, which is why consistent training is important right from the start. This dog breed is therefore not one of the beginner dogs.
The History of the Biewer Terrier
The history of the Biewer Terrier began in 1984 in tranquil Hirschfeld, Germany. By fate, a predetermined higher will, or simply genetic coincidence, in a litter of two purebred Yorkshire terriers, several puppies were born with white patches on their coats. In the FCI breed standard, this is considered an inadmissible “fault”. However, the owners of the Yorkie, the Biewer family, liked the new coat color variation so much that they decided to keep this trait. They established a new breeding line and named it the Biewer Yorkshire Terrier à la Pom Pon. What the pompous Pom Pon is supposed to express remains a mystery to this day. In the meantime, the dog breed is only called Biewer Terrier in order to be able to better distinguish the dog from the Yorkshire Terrier.
To date, the new breed has not been recognized by either the FCI or the German Club for Terriers (KFT). In America, the AKC lists the dog breed as a candidate for possible recognition. In Russia, the RKF recognized the breed in 2009.
You can find even more interesting facts about the history of the Biewer Terrier in our breed portrait of the Yorkshire Terrier.
Biewer Terrier: The right attitude and training
So small, so delicate and so easy to care for? Not correct! Because the Biewer Terrier, just like the Yorkshire Terrier, is not only a bundle of energy but also a sports cannon. Due to its small size, the dog can be kept well in a city apartment, but it needs a lot of exercise and activity every day. Sports, games, and fun are obligatory for his species-appropriate husbandry and should not be neglected under any circumstances. If the dog is under-challenged mentally or physically, it could quickly develop behavioral problems out of boredom.
Despite their sportiness and energy, the dogs are not really suitable for long bike rides, jogging, or hiking tours. The Biewer is simply too small for that. However, he definitely has nothing against a place in the dog basket on the bicycle handlebars.
Even as a puppy you should train your Biewer consistently but lovingly. The dogs have their own little stubbornness and are typical of small dog breeds, the Biewers are subtly megalomaniac and very self-confident. Early socialization of the puppies is therefore essential.
What Grooming Does the Biewer Terrier Need?
It is best to get your puppy used to the fur brush as early as possible. Since the breed rarely sheds hair, you should brush the coat daily to avoid matting and knots. It is best to use a metal comb with wide teeth for this. In addition, you should also go to the dog groomer regularly so that your Biewer can be pampered in a fine way à la pom pon.
Since the Biewer, like the Yorkshire Terrier, is susceptible to eye diseases, appropriate eye care is important. This also includes regularly trimming the fur on the face or tying it back around the eyes.
What are the typical diseases of the Biewer Terrier?
The Biewer Terrier has the same hereditary diseases as the Yorkshire Terrier. These include, above all, certain eye diseases such as lens displacement and glaucoma. Due to its long fur, distichiasis is possible. This causes hairs to grow in the eyes and lead to watery eyes, spasmodic eyelid closure, corneal inflammation, or corneal ulcers.
Other diseases include progressive retinal atrophy, tracheal collapse, and a tendency to luxate the kneecap.
How much does a Biewer Terrier cost?
While the Yorkshire Terrier is regularly one of the most popular dog breeds in Germany, things are a little quieter about its siblings with the special name. There are only a few reputable breeders in this country and only a few puppies are born each year. Therefore, no information can be given about the corresponding prices for a puppy. With a Yorkshire puppy costing an average of £800 to £1,200, it’s safe to assume that the same is true for Biewer puppies.
In any case, only buy puppies from registered breeders. Providers from the Internet or abroad are often not verified and often practice torture breeding. Or you look in your local animal shelters to see if there is a little Biewer waiting for a new family. And also in animal welfare organizations at home and abroad, small and large fur noses are always waiting for a new, safe home. Even if many of you don’t belong to such a pompous race… Give them a chance!