A Delightful Companion, Biewer Yorkshire Terrier
The Biewer Terrier, originally known as the Biewer Yorkshire Terrier, is a charming and elegant toy breed that has captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts around the world. With their distinctive tri-colored coats, cheerful disposition, and lively personality, these adorable dogs have gained popularity as delightful companions. But what is the history behind this unique breed?
The Story of the Biewer Terrier
The story of the Biewer Terrier began in the 80’s in Germany. In 1984, a German couple named Werner and Gertrud Biewer, who were avid Yorkshire Terrier breeders had an unexpected surprise in their breeding program. A litter of puppies was born and one of those had unique markings of white, black, and gold instead of the usual black and tan coat pattern of Yorkshire Terriers.
Captivated by the beauty of this unexpected color variation, the Biewers decided to selectively breed these Biewer puppies to preserve the tri-colored coat pattern. They named this new variety the “Biewer Yorkshire Terrier” and dedicated themselves to establishing it as a distinct breed.
Over the years, the Biewer Terrier gained recognition and a following among dog enthusiasts. In 1988, the Biewer Yorkshire Terrier was officially recognized as a breed by the Allgemeiner Club der Hundefreunde Deutschland (ACH) in Germany. The breed was registered with the ACH and later with the Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen (VDH), the German Kennel Club.
The Biewer Terrier’s popularity continued to grow, particularly in Europe and the United States. In 2007, the Biewer Terrier was recognized by the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) and the Biewer Terrier Club of America (BTCA) was established to promote and preserve the breed in the United States.
A Historical Milestone for the Biewer Terrier
The Biewer Terrier gained recognition from the American Kennel Club (AKC) after their April 2014 Board meeting, during which they voted to accept the Biewer Terrier into the Foundation Stock Service (FSS) program. This recognition marked an important milestone for the breed in the United States.
The AKC’s Foundation Stock Service program is designed to track and support the development of new and rare breeds, providing a pathway for these breeds to eventually achieve full AKC recognition. Through the FSS program, the AKC collects and maintains information about the breed’s ancestry, breeders, and breed standards, while also allowing Biewer Terrier owners and enthusiasts to participate in AKC events.
By accepting the Biewer Terrier into the FSS program, the AKC acknowledged the breed’s growing popularity and the commitment of breeders and enthusiasts to its preservation and advancement. The inclusion in the FSS program allowed for greater visibility and exposure for the Biewer Terrier, opening doors to further recognition and progress within the AKC system.
After participating in the AKC Foundation Stock Service (FSS) program, the Biewer Terrier achieved another significant milestone when the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed and placed it in the Toy Breed Group. This recognition came after the AKC reviewed the breed’s progress, breed standards, and overall development.
In January 2021, the Biewer Terrier officially became the 197th recognized purebred breed by the AKC. This recognition meant that Biewer Terriers could compete in AKC-sanctioned events, including conformation shows, obedience trials, and agility competitions, among others.
The Toy Breed Group classification is fitting for the Biewer Terrier due to its small size and endearing qualities. These delightful dogs possess a friendly and affectionate temperament, making them well-suited for companionship and family life. Their beautiful tri-colored coats, along with their lively and playful nature, make them a charming addition to the Toy Breed Group.
The AKC recognition and placement of the Biewer Terrier in the Toy Breed Group not only further solidify the breed’s status but also offer more opportunities for Biewer Terrier owners and breeders to showcase their dogs and participate in AKC events. This recognition also helps to raise awareness of the breed among dog enthusiasts, potentially leading to increased interest and responsible breeding practices.
It is worth noting that AKC recognition signifies a significant achievement for any breed, as it reflects the breed’s adherence to breed standards and its establishment within the dog community. The AKC’s recognition of the Biewer Terrier demonstrates the breed’s growth in popularity and the dedication of Biewer Terrier breeders and enthusiasts in preserving its characteristics and promoting its positive qualities.
The journey of the Biewer Terrier, from its origins in Germany to gaining recognition from prestigious organizations like the AKC, showcases the breed’s unique appeal and its place among the diverse world of purebred dogs. With AKC recognition and inclusion in the Toy Breed Group, the Biewer Terrier continues to captivate dog lovers worldwide with its distinctive appearance and delightful personality.
Stunning Beauty, Affectionate Personality All in a Six-Pound Package
The Biewer Terrier is known for its stunning coat, which is long, silky, and flowing. The coat on the body is white and black with the head of the Biewer Terrier having 3 acceptable color markings; each must contain gold/tan: 1) white and gold, 2) black and gold, and 3) white, black and gold. The markings are symmetrical and appear in various patterns, including the traditional “saddle” pattern, where the black color appears on the back and sides in combination with the white.
Beyond its striking appearance, the Biewer Terrier is cherished for its lively and affectionate nature. These dogs are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and playful demeanor, making them wonderful family pets and companions. They are also relatively low-shedding, making them a good choice for individuals with allergies.
From a Serendipitous Breeding to World Recognition
The Biewer Terrier’s journey from a serendipitous breeding event to a recognized and beloved breed is a testament to the passion and dedication of the Biewer family and the breed enthusiasts who followed in their footsteps. Today, the Biewer Terrier continues to enchant dog lovers with its striking appearance and delightful personality, solidifying its place as a beloved companion and a true gem among toy breeds.