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Science & Nature • Dog Breed

Biewer Terrier

The Biewer Terrier is a toy dog breed developed in Germany from Yorkshire Terriers and recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2021.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Biewer Terrier is a toy dog breed developed in Germany from Yorkshire Terriers and recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2021. It is known for its long, silky tri-coloured coat and is commonly kept as a companion dog or show dog. The breed was named after Werner and Gertrude Biewer, who first bred the dogs in the 1980s.

History

The Biewer Terrier traces its origin to 1984 in Germany, when tricoloured puppies appeared in a Yorkshire Terrier breeding program run by Werner and Gertrude Biewer. The breed was later developed as a distinct type and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2021.

Appearance

Biewer Terriers are toy-sized dogs with a long, fine, silky coat. Their colouring is usually tri-coloured, with white combined with blue or black and tan markings.

Temperament and use

The breed is generally kept as a companion dog and may also be shown in conformation events. Breed descriptions commonly emphasize a cheerful, affectionate, and lively temperament.

Breed status

The Biewer Terrier is a relatively recent addition to formal dog-breed recognition compared with older terrier breeds. It is now established in major kennel club registries, including the American Kennel Club.

Key facts

  • The breed originated in Germany in 1984 from Yorkshire Terriers carrying a recessive piebald gene.
  • It is a small toy terrier bred primarily as a companion animal.
  • The Biewer Terrier has a long, silky coat that is typically tri-coloured.
  • The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 2021.
  • The breed name comes from breeders Werner and Gertrude Biewer.
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Canadian context

Biewer Terriers are present in Canada as companion dogs and may be of interest to Canadian dog owners, breeders, and kennel clubs, although the breed’s main formal recognition noted in the sources is by the American Kennel Club.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Biewer Terrier?
A Biewer Terrier is a small toy dog breed developed from Yorkshire Terriers in Germany and known for its long tri-coloured coat.
Where did the Biewer Terrier come from?
The breed originated in Germany in 1984 from the breeding program of Werner and Gertrude Biewer.
When was the Biewer Terrier recognized by the AKC?
The American Kennel Club recognized the Biewer Terrier in 2021.
What does a Biewer Terrier look like?
It is a toy-sized dog with a long, silky coat that is usually white with blue or black and tan markings.
What is the Biewer Terrier used for?
It is mainly kept as a companion dog and is also shown in dog conformation events.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biewer_Terrier
    Supports: Origin, breed type, and AKC recognition date.
  2. PetMD — https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/biewer-terrier
    Supports: German origin in 1984 and AKC recognition in 2021.
  3. American Kennel Club — https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/biewer-terrier/
    Supports: Breed description, toy group status, and general breed characteristics.
  4. The Spruce Pets — https://www.thesprucepets.com/biewer-terrier-8423994
    Supports: Coat description, origin, and general breed traits.