The Biewer Yorkie is a rare breed of toy dog that has long hair hanging quite straight down the side of its body. The breed was developed in 1984 due to a so-called Piebald genetic recessive gene, originating from 2 Yorkshire Terriers. It is seldom found outside of Germany, its country of origin, where it was bred.
The breed was first imported into the USA in 2003. The breed standard is that of a Yorkshire Terrier except for the coloring. The head must have three colors: black or blue, white, and gold in good symmetry. The belly, chest, legs, and the tip of the tail are white. The tail is full. The back is blue or black with white in it. The hair is silky, not curly.
As a very new breed, there remains some controversy over whether the Biewer is a completely separate breed or is simply a color variation of the Yorkshire Terrier. However, a true Biewer Yorkie can only be achieved via multi-generation crossing.
The head must have three colors: black or blue, white, and gold in good symmetry. The belly, chest, legs, and the tip of the tail are white.
This can be a high maintenance dog, depending on its purpose. Families wishing to have a Biewer Yorkie as a companion will usually choose the puppy-cut look for these little dogs. They need to be bathed only once in 2-3 weeks. Combing should be done every week with a wire comb.
Those Biewer Yorkies that are taken to shows need much more attention. Their coat will reach the ground and are specially groomed. Breeders, who specialize in showing these little dogs, will rap the coat, so that the coat reaches the floor and is rather impressive-looking!
The dogs are susceptible to eye irritations, tracheal collapse, premature dental disease and patellar luxation. Biewer Yorkies are prone to bronchitis and early tooth decay, poor tolerance of anesthetic and delicate digestion. Be sure to feed Biewer Yorkies with dry food (canned food can be added) to help keep their teeth clean and strong.
They should get their teeth cleaned at the Vet to keep them from falling out and creating infection. Some puppies suffer paralysis in the hindquarters caused by herniated disks and other problems of the spine. But in general, it can be said that this is a healthy breed, if correctly cared for. To minimize the risk of your Biewer Yorkie developing any hereditary health issues, you should buy a Biewer Yorkie puppy from a reputable breeder.