Also known as the Biewer Terrier, the Biewer Yorkie is a rare dog breed that is distinctively known for its tri-colored coat of black, white, and tan. So, exactly what is a Biewer Yorkie?
Biewer Yorkies are a small breed of terriers that originated in Germany and were bred to resemble a miniature Yorkie. They have long, silky hair with a wavy to curly coat that comes in colors such as black, white, silver, or brown. Its distinctive tri-colored coat is due to the Piebald genetic recessive gene of two Yorkie Terriers.
These Biewer Yorkies have a specific color placement (white paws, the tip of the tail, symmetrical coloring on the head and face, etc), and they are recognized as an entirely new dog breed.
We will provide some tips on how to care for your Biewer Yorkies properly. First, let’s take a closer look at understanding the physical features of a Biewer Yorkie.
What Kind Of Dog Is A Biewer?
The general appearance of a Biewer is that of a small-bodied dog, distinct from most dog breeds by its long silky hair that closely resembles human hair. It is often confused with the Parti Yorkie because the long coat is associated with the Yorkshire bloodlines.
You will be speaking about the same breed if you call it Biewer, Biewer Yorkshire, Biewer Yorkie, Biewer Terrier, or Biewer à la Pom Pon. This last name describes the Biewer’s black, white, and tan coat, which can have a variation of blue, white, and tan.
The colors liken the Biewer to the Parti Yorkie, which has a tan or white color to add to the double-color combinations of the Yorkie (black and tan, blue and tan, or black and bluish-silver.
While the Biewer Yorkie is recognized as a distinct breed consistently reproduced in its distinct colors along with its other traits, the Parti Yorkie is only a variation of the Yorkie Terrier thanks to the recessive Parti Gene. This means that Parti Yorkies are born of Yorkie Terrier parents who carry a recessive gene of Parti Yorkie coloration.
But color is not the only trait that compares the Biewer to the Yorkshire breeds. Unlike the docked tails of the Parti Yorkie and the traditional Yorkie, the Biewer has a furry full-length tail that is carried up.
You’ll be interested to know that the Biewer Breeders Club of America (BBCA) disqualifies any Biewers presented with a docked tail in line with Germany’s animal protection dog regulations.
How Big Do Biewer Yorkies Get?
As a small-sized dog, the Biewer can weigh between 4 lbs to 8 lbs (1.8 kg and 3.6 kg) when fully grown. This sets it aside when compared to the Yorkshire Terrier and the Parti Yorkie’s 7 lbs (3.2 kg).
The Biewer Yorkie’s size also differs from the two Yorkshires in height. Biewers can grow to a height ranging between 7 inches to 11 inches while the Yorkshires’ height will range between 7 inches to 8 inches. Their body is slightly longer than their height.
While the size difference between males and females is less pronounced in small-size breeds, the female Biewer can grow an inch and a pound less than the male.
But the small size of the Biewer Yorkie is not to be underestimated. This small-sized dog is athletic and can withstand hours of exercise, thanks to its playful nature. Your tiny pet will also keep up with you on your daily walks and outings.
The Biewer’s small size also helps your pup adapt easily to its living space. Biewer Yorkies will be happy living with you in an apartment as much as they will be in a larger home setting. The presence of a backyard, however tiny, will offer an alternative play and exercise space.
Small-sized dogs are not prone to obesity as much as larger ones are, and your Biewer is no exception. It is always advisable, however, to feed your pet 2 to 3 times with smaller meals in a day than with a big meal. This will keep their weight at its natural range.
Biewer Terrier Temperament
If you want a small-sized dog with a pleasant temperament, the Biewer is an excellent choice. Your dog will welcome you home with a smile and a merry attitude when you come back from work or other errands.
But the Biewer’s closeness and attachment to the owner will cause your furry friend to suffer from separation anxiety every time you leave home. Biewers with separation anxiety will bark a lot more than others.
You can talk to your pet’s vet if your furry friend manifests separation anxiety symptoms such as barking and being destructive. You can also try aromatherapy. According to the ACK, there are Biewer owners who have used essential oils to calm their four-legged friends who exhibit signs of separation anxiety.
Barking among Biewers can also intensify when they spot human or dog strangers. Despite this, the Biewers’ friendly and playful nature makes them excellent pets in a family where there are children.
Because they are high-energy, adventurous, and clever dogs, Biewers are easy to train. Be sure to let your pet understand that you are the alpha; otherwise, they can become stubborn. Their loyalty and bravery also make them good watchdogs.
How Long Do Biewer Yorkies Live? The Common Health Problems Of Biewer Yorkie
Biewer Yorkies are generally healthy dogs and being small-sized dogs, they record a life expectancy of up to 16 years. This beats their counterparts, the Yorkies, who have a lifespan of 11 to 15 years. Like all other canine breeds, Biewers can be susceptible to some health problems.
The primary health issue associated with the Biewers is a sensitive gastrointestinal system. This is symptomized by diarrhea and discolored soft stool. If you notice these symptoms persistently, seek the advice and care of a vet.
The Biewer Terrier Club of South Africa indicates that giving probiotics (protexin) to your doggie consistently can keep gastrointestinal issues at bay. There are also canine foods specially produced for canines with sensitive stomachs and intestines. For example, the Solid Gold Mighty Mini is grain-free and contains the probiotic support required for a sensitive canine stomach.
The Biewer Breeders Club of America advises that Biewers be tested for liver shunt before breeding. According to the club, the congenital defect is grave and can be fatal if left untreated. Luckily, the condition can be diagnosed through blood tests and consequently treated.
Like all other dogs, hip and joint health are key for the active Biewer. Biewer Yorkies are susceptible to poor hip and joint health, and it is thus important to feed your furry friend with food that keeps the bones and joints healthy.
The Doggie Dailies Advanced Hip and Joint Supplement For Dogs comes highly recommended. It’s made from a blend of ingredients that are recommended for optimal bone and joint health, like glucosamine and salmon oil.
How Much Is A Biewer Yorkie?
Knowing so much about the Biewer may have triggered the interest to own yours. If that is the case, you are wondering how much that will cost you. To begin with, it’s always advisable to look for dog breeders through National and Regional Kennel Clubs and the Breed Clubs.
Going by the latter, the Biewer Nursery of the Biewer Breeders Club of America (BBCA) showcases Biewer puppies that are available, while their Biewer Breeders page has a list of breeders you can contact to find a puppy and enquire about the price.
As always, learn more about how to care for a Yorkie puppy right here and know what you are in for before making the purchase.
When buying a Biewer puppy, the cost will depend on the breeder and the country, among other factors. Let’s give you some estimates.
From the AKC’s Biewer Terrier Puppies For Sale page, randomly picked Biewer puppies are listed for a price between $3,000 to $3,500. From a search on the News Now classifieds, UK, the price for the first 10 listed Biewer puppies ranges between $184 to $3,078. Note that this information changes as puppies are sold and the information updated.
According to the NextDayPets.com, the $3,000 to $3,500 range is for top quality Biewer puppies and can go up to around $6,000. The average price instead, is around $1,400.
You will need to add the price for owning a Biewer puppy to the buying price. The price of owning a Biewer can go up to $2,000 in the first year and $1,000 in the sequent years. The owning cost accounts for vet visits, vaccinations, food, and other care and training expenses.
There are many other channels that you can look into to get hold of a Biewer Yorkie for cheap or even free. Check out the different methods in this article.
Related Questions
How Do You Pronounce Biewer Yorkshire Terrier? The Biewer Yorkshire Terrier dog breed is pronounced as Beaver or Be-vare. The Biewer Yorkshire takes its name from its original German breeders, Gertrude and Werner Biewer. The German language has some words that have a Latin derivation. In Latin-derived languages, the consonant ‘w’ is considered a double ‘v’, hence the pronunciation as Be-vare.
Do Biewer Yorkies Change Color? Biewer Yorkies will maintain their tri-color coat throughout life. The color is considered a breed standard that is passed on from the parents. However, some breeders and owners pay attention to the pink speckles on the Biewer’s nose at birth. Most of these will turn black in a few weeks.
Does A Biewer Terrier Shed? The Biewer Terrier is considered hypoallergenic because of its long-silky hair that mimics human hair, the dog sheds minimally, pretty much like a normal Yorkie. The hair is easy to groom and can be kept neat by brushing daily without having to struggle with matting. Some Biewers can present a cotton coat that could encourage a bit of matting.
