Breed Guides
What Is a Biewer Terrier? Everything Buyers Should Know
The Biewer Terrier is one of the newest AKC-recognized breeds — a rare, tricolor terrier descended from Yorkshire Terriers with a devoted personality and stunning appearance.
January 18, 2024 · 7 min read
What Is a Biewer Terrier?
The Biewer Terrier (pronounced 'Beaver') is a small, AKC-recognized breed that was developed in Germany in the 1980s from a parti-colored Yorkshire Terrier litter bred by Werner and Gertrud Biewer. Unlike standard Yorkies, Biewers carry the parti (piebald) gene, which produces their signature three-color coat — typically blue (or black), gold, and white, displayed in a symmetrical pattern along the body with a white belly and legs.
AKC Recognition
After decades of breed development and DNA study that confirmed them as genetically distinct from Yorkshire Terriers, the Biewer Terrier achieved full American Kennel Club (AKC) recognition in January 2021 — making them one of the newest recognized breeds in the country. This recognition was historically significant because DNA evidence — rather than traditional breeding records — was used to prove the breed's distinctiveness.
Biewer Terrier Personality & Temperament
Biewers have enormous personality in a tiny package. They are devoted, playful, and people-loving — forming extremely close bonds with their owners. While they have the confidence and curiosity typical of terriers, they are gentler and less scrappy than some other terrier breeds, making them wonderful family companions.
- Deeply loyal and devoted to their person
- Playful and entertaining — often described as comedic
- Intelligent and trainable
- Adaptable — thrives in apartments and houses alike
- Generally good with children and other pets when socialized early
Biewer Terrier Size & Coat
Biewer Terriers are a toy breed, typically weighing between 4 and 8 pounds at maturity. Their floor-length, silky coat is one of their most striking features — tricolor with precise distribution of blue/black, gold, and white. The coat is low-shedding and considered near-hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for allergy-conscious families (no dog is 100% allergen-free). Regular grooming is essential to maintain their beautiful coat.
How Is the Biewer Terrier Different from a Yorkie?
The most obvious difference is the tricolor coat — standard Yorkies are blue and tan, while Biewers are blue (or black), gold, and white with white symmetrically placed. Biewers also tend to have a slightly sweeter, less stubborn temperament than traditional Yorkies, and they are genetically recognized as their own distinct breed rather than a color variation.
Health & Longevity
Biewers are generally a healthy breed with a lifespan of 12–16 years when well-bred and properly cared for. Common concerns to test for include patellar luxation, cardiac issues, and liver shunts. At Star Struck Puppies, our parent dogs are DNA health tested and receive regular veterinary care before any breeding takes place. Every Biewer Terrier puppy comes with a written lifetime genetic health guarantee.
Is a Biewer Terrier Right for You?
A Biewer Terrier might be your perfect match if you want a rare, elegant, low-shedding companion that is deeply devoted, surprisingly sturdy for its size, and genuinely entertaining to live with. They are best suited to households where they receive regular attention and companionship — they don't love being left alone for long stretches. If you're interested in a Biewer Terrier puppy, contact us or fill out a puppy application and let us know.