Pet Wiki

Biewer Terrier

Also called Biewer Yorkshire Terrier a la Pom Pon, Biewer

A cheerful, devoted little companion that keeps a puppyish sense of fun for life.

SizeToy
Weight1.8 to 3.6 kg (4 to 8 lb)123
Height18 to 28 cm (7 to 11 in)32
Lifespan12 to 15 years2
CoatLong, silky single coat
OriginGermany, where Werner and Gertrude Biewer developed it in 1984 from tricolour puppies born in their Yorkshire Terrier kennel.31
Last checked2026-09-30
Recognised breedShort profile
affectionate
playful well into adulthood
friendly and sociable
413

Personality what they are like

A cheerful, devoted little companion that keeps a puppyish sense of fun for life. It loves company, is usually outgoing with visitors and, once socialised, gets along with children and other pets, though it will speak up about anything new.142

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Biewer Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, silky single coat

A straight, fine, flowing coat with no undercoat that hangs close to the floor, usually parted down the back and often tied up on the head in a topknot. The tail is left natural and carried with a plume.13

Colourswhite, black and tan/goldwhite, blue and tan/goldchocolate, tan and white132

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate. Livelier than its size suggests, it is happy with daily walks plus play indoors.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The long coat needs brushing several times a week with a pin brush or metal comb, and regular baths keep it silky. Many owners opt for professional grooming or a shorter trim to save time.2

Home where they are happiest

Its small size and moderate exercise needs make it well suited to flats and smaller homes, as long as it gets daily walks and playtime.2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete small-breed food; puppies are usually fed three to four times a day and adults twice a day, with portions set with a vet.2

Company who they like around

A people-focused dog that forms strong bonds and does best when it spends plenty of time with its family.13

The story where it all began

In 1984 two tricolour puppies appeared in Werner and Gertrude Biewer's Yorkshire Terrier kennel in Germany, and the couple built a new breed around the look. Americans began importing Biewers in the early 2000s, a US breed club formed in 2006, and after DNA work showed it was genetically distinct, the AKC granted full recognition in 2021.31

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    'Biewer' is said roughly like 'beaver', after the German couple who created the breed.3

  2. 2

    The German singer Margot Eskens suggested adding 'a la Pom Pon' to the breed's original name.3

  3. 3

    Its distinctive white patches come from a recessive piebald gene that surfaced in Yorkshire Terriers.3

  4. 4

    The AKC describes it as a toy terrier that loves to carry its toys around.4

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed takes its name from the late Werner and Gertrud Biewer, Yorkshire Terrier breeders in Germany, who in the 1980s began producing tricolor Yorkies. The couple referred to them as black and white Yorkshire Terriers and later as the Biewer Yorkshire.5

Name ideas for your new friend

FritziGretaHansLieselPomponSchnuffelWernerZiggyBärliTrudiWuffelTrixi

A day in the life told by a Biewer Terrier

This morning I bounced out of my basket and did my happy tippy-tap dance for breakfast. After a quick snuffle in the garden, I helped my human fold laundry, mostly by sitting on every warm piece. Then I barked at the postman because it’s my job. Later, we played fetch with my squeaky hedgehog until I flopped onto the sofa, paws up, for a belly rub. Now I’m curled in a sunbeam, dreaming of tomorrow’s adventures.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

AKC
Toy Group; became the AKC's 197th recognised breed in 2021, after entering the Foundation Stock Service in 2014.3
UKC
Companion Dog Group; recognised 1 January 2016.1
VDH (Germany)
Accepted as of May 2024 (per Wikipedia).3
FCI
Not listed as an FCI breed in the sources consulted.3

Popularity Ranked 74th of AKC-registered breeds6

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Blueberry Oat Biscuits

These simple, three-ingredient biscuits are full of fibre and antioxidants from blueberries, and are easy to make in small sizes for toy and small dogs.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • a little water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C.
  2. Mix the mashed banana, oats and chopped blueberries together in a bowl.
  3. Add splashes of water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture comes together in one large ball.
  4. Roll the mixture out on a lightly floured surface to about 1–2 cm thick.
  5. Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes suitable for a small dog.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes until slightly browned.
  7. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Give one small biscuit per day for a toy or small dog, and reduce their main meal accordingly.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt and Fruit Treats

These refreshing frozen treats are perfect for warm days and use simple, dog-safe ingredients. Yoghurt provides calcium and probiotics, while strawberries and apple add vitamins and natural sweetness.

You need

  • 30g plain, unsweetened yoghurt (no additives or sweeteners)
  • 2-3 medium strawberries (washed and chopped)
  • Half a small apple (cored and chopped into small pieces)

How

  1. Wash the strawberries and apple thoroughly. Core the apple and chop both fruits into small, bite-sized pieces.
  2. Mix the chopped fruit together in a small bowl.
  3. Place a few pieces of fruit (no more than five) into each compartment of a small silicone mould or ice cube tray. Each mould should be roughly 30mm x 25mm x 17mm or smaller.
  4. Pour the plain yoghurt over the fruit, filling each mould to the top.
  5. Place the mould or tray in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until fully frozen.
  6. Pop the treats out of the moulds and serve immediately.

How much: Small dogs can have one treat per day; medium/large dogs can have two per day. These count towards the 10% treat allowance, so reduce your dog's main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Biewer Terrier, and at what times?

Feed your Biewer Terrier puppy three to four small meals a day, and an adult twice a day, at consistent times. Portion sizes should be set with your vet.27

What should a Biewer Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a complete small-breed dog food. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always check with your vet for specific dietary advice.28

How often should I bathe a Biewer Terrier?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but general guidance recommends at least every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets dirty or has skin issues.29 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Biewer Terrier need brushing?

Brush your Biewer Terrier several times a week, ideally daily for its long silky coat. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests weekly brushing, but daily is better to prevent tangles.29 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Biewer Terrier's nails, and how often?

Trim your Biewer Terrier's nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every three weeks. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer.9 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Biewer Terrier need?

Your Biewer Terrier needs daily walks and indoor play. It's a lively little dog that enjoys moderate exercise.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Biewer Terrier's teeth and ears?

Brush your Biewer Terrier's teeth daily with dog toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks. Never insert anything into the ear canal. Ask your vet for a dental care routine.9 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Biewer Terrier live?

A Biewer Terrier typically lives 12 to 15 years.2

Is a Biewer Terrier good with children and other pets?

Yes, with proper socialisation, the Biewer Terrier is good with children and other pets. It's a cheerful, devoted companion that will alert you to anything new.1423

Can a Biewer Terrier be left alone?

Biewer Terriers are people-focused and may struggle with long periods alone. It varies by individual; ask your breeder or a vet for advice on training and gradual alone time.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. UKC Biewer Terrier breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, weight, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. PetMD Biewer Terrier petmd.comused for lifespan, size, exercise, grooming, diet
  3. Biewer Terrier, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, AKC and VDH recognition, size, fun facts
  4. AKC Biewer Terrier breed page akc.orgused for temperament, traits
  5. akc.org akc.org
  6. AKC, The Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2025 akc.orgused for popularity
  7. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  9. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.