The American Kennel Club revealed on Monday that the Biewer terrier, pronounced identical to “beaver,” will be added to the toy group, marking the club’s 197th officially recognized breed. Descendants of Yorkshire terriers, these small dogs are now eligible to participate in AKC-sanctioned events, such as dog shows.
Gina DiNardo, the AKC’s executive secretary, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “This delightful little dog serves as an excellent companion for various individuals, and we’re thrilled to introduce dog enthusiasts to another remarkable breed that could be an ideal fit for their household.”
Similar to Yorkshire terriers, Biewers are known for their loyalty and sociability, enjoying activities like hide-and-seek and playing with balls, providing ample entertainment.
Their classification within the toy group indicates their petite size, measuring between 7 to 11 inches in height and weighing only 4 to 8 pounds, with a lifespan of approximately 16 years.
Despite being newcomers to the AKC, Biewer terriers have an intriguing history. Originating in the early 1980s when one of Gertrud and Werner Biewer’s Yorkshire terriers birthed a pup with non-standard coloring, the breed garnered attention due to its rare piebald gene. The Biewers subsequently named the breed “Biewer Yorkshire Terrier a la Pom Pon” with the guidance of German singer Margot Eskens, who purchased two puppies.
First introduced to the public in 1986, the demand for Biewer terriers surged in Germany, where the Biewers resided. The breed arrived in the United States in 2003, with subsequent genetic testing confirming their distinct breed status.
This recognition marks a significant milestone in dog breeding, as it’s the first instance where a breed’s purebred status was scientifically established through genetic analysis rather than traditional pedigree documentation.
With the Biewer terrier now joining the AKC roster, speculation arises about which breed might be recognized next, considering the numerous contenders listed in the club’s Foundation Stock Service, including popular breeds like the American Bulldog and the Catahoula Leopard Dog.
