Biewer Terrier
Also called Biewer Yorkshire Terrier a la Pom Pon, Biewer
From Germany, where Werner and Gertrude Biewer developed it in 1984 from tricolour puppies born in their Yorkshire Terrier kennel.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
UKC and PetMD give 4-8 lb (about 1.8-3.6 kg) for the breed.
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.21
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.243
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate. Livelier than its size suggests, it is happy with daily walks plus play indoors.3
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.3
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.3
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.3
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.21
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 2021.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
'Biewer' is said roughly like 'beaver', after the German couple who created the breed.1
- 2
The German singer Margot Eskens suggested adding 'a la Pom Pon' to the breed's original name.1
- 3
Its distinctive white patches come from a recessive piebald gene that surfaced in Yorkshire Terriers.1
- 4
The AKC describes it as a toy terrier that loves to carry its toys around.4
Recognised by the official bits
- AKC
- Toy Group; became the AKC's 197th recognised breed in 2021, after entering the Foundation Stock Service in 2014.1
- UKC
- Companion Dog Group; recognised 1 January 2016.2
- VDH (Germany)
- Accepted as of May 2024 (per Wikipedia).1
- FCI
- Not listed as an FCI breed in the sources consulted.1
Popularity Ranked 74th of AKC-registered breeds5
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Biewer Terrier. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
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.36
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.37
How often should I bathe a Biewer Terrier?
Furry Diary'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.38 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Biewer Terrier need brushing?
Brush your Biewer Terrier several times a week, ideally daily for its long silky coat. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests weekly brushing, but daily is better to prevent tangles.38 Furry Diary 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.8 Furry Diary 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.3 Furry Diary 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.8 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Biewer Terrier live?
A Biewer Terrier typically lives 12 to 15 years.3
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.2431
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 Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Biewer Terrier, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, AKC and VDH recognition, size, fun facts
- UKC Biewer Terrier breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, weight, coat, colours, temperament, history
- PetMD Biewer Terrier petmd.comused for lifespan, size, exercise, grooming, diet
- AKC Biewer Terrier breed page akc.orgused for temperament, traits
- AKC, The Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2025 akc.orgused for popularity
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.