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Yorkshire Terrier vs. Biewer Terrier: A Detailed Comparison

By Ashley MR · 5 minutes read

Last updated: May 28th, 2025

Yorkshire Terrier vs. Biewer Terrier: A Detailed Comparison

When it comes to toy-sized charm and silky coats, few breeds rival the Yorkshire Terrier and the Biewer Terrier. Both pint-sized pups boast bold personalities and undeniable elegance, but they’re far from identical. Whether you’re trying to decide which breed fits best into your lifestyle or you're just curious about what sets them apart, this guide provides a detailed comparison to help you understand their key differences and similarities.


Breed Origins and Background

Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)
bP-9HCbvP-0.jpgDeveloped in 19th-century England, the Yorkshire Terrier was originally bred to catch rats in textile mills. Over time, their glamorous looks and spunky personalities made them a favorite among the upper class and urban pet lovers alike.

Biewer Terrier
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Pronounced “beaver,” the Biewer Terrier originated in Germany in the 1980s. This breed descends directly from Yorkshire Terriers but was selectively bred for their unique tri-color coat. They are recognized today as a distinct breed, thanks to DNA verification and a separate breed standard.


Yorkshire Terrier vs. Biewer Terrier: Breed Comparison Chart

TraitYorkshire TerrierBiewer Terrier
OriginEnglandGermany
Recognition (AKC)Recognized (Toy Group)Recognized (Toy Group, 2021)
Coat TypeFine, straight, silkySilky, with unique tri-color markings
Coat ColorsBlue & tanBlue/black, white, and gold (tri-color)
Weight4–7 pounds4–8 pounds
Height7–8 inches7–11 inches
TemperamentSpirited, brave, affectionateFriendly, whimsical, gentle
Grooming NeedsHigh – daily brushing recommendedHigh – coat can mat easily
Good with Kids?Yes, with supervisionYes, very good with children
Hypoallergenic?YesYes
Exercise NeedsModerate – daily walks and playtimeModerate – playful indoors and outdoors
TrainabilityModerate – can be stubbornEasy – responds well to gentle training

Star Ratings Comparison

CategoryYorkshire TerrierBiewer Terrier
Friendliness with Family⭐⭐⭐⭐☆⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Friendliness with Other Pets⭐⭐⭐☆☆⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Friendliness with Strangers⭐⭐⭐☆☆⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Overall Friendliness⭐⭐⭐⭐☆⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Grooming Requirements⭐⭐☆☆☆⭐⭐☆☆☆
Apartment/Living Space Adaptability⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Note: Lower stars in grooming = higher maintenance. Five stars in adaptability = excellent for apartments and smaller spaces.


Key Differences to Consider

Appearance
yorkie-vs-biewer.png

While they’re closely related, the Biewer Terrier’s most noticeable difference is their distinct coat coloring. Yorkies have the classic steel-blue and tan look, while Biewers sport a whimsical tri-color pattern of white, black/blue, and gold.

Temperament

Yorkshire Terriers tend to be bolder and more territorial, which can sometimes translate to a bit of a "big dog" attitude. Biewer Terriers, in contrast, have a gentler and more sociable demeanor, making them a popular choice for families with kids and other pets.

Health and Genetics

Since the Biewer Terrier was developed from a specific genetic line within the Yorkshire breed, some health conditions overlap. However, the Biewer’s genetic diversification through responsible breeding practices may contribute to fewer hereditary issues in some lines.


Which Breed is Right for You?

Choose a Yorkshire Terrier if you want a brave, spunky, and loyal companion with classic elegance.

Choose a Biewer Terrier if you prefer a whimsical, easygoing dog with a unique coat and a loving, adaptable personality.

Both breeds are wonderful companions that thrive on human affection, attention, and care. With proper socialization and grooming, either will flourish in the right home.


Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are Biewer Terriers just a color variation of Yorkies?
    No. While Biewer Terriers originated from the Yorkshire Terrier, they are now recognized as a separate breed due to genetic differences and a distinct appearance.
  • Do both breeds need a lot of grooming?
    Yes. Both Yorkshire Terriers and Biewer Terriers have fine, silky coats that require daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats.
  • Which breed is better with kids?
    Biewer Terriers are generally more laid-back and tend to be more patient with children. Yorkies can be good with kids too but may need supervision due to their bold nature.
  • Are these dogs good for apartment living?
    Absolutely. Both breeds are small, adapt well to indoor spaces, and don't require large yards—as long as they get daily play and exercise.
  • Do they bark a lot?
    Yorkies are known to be more vocal, especially if they sense something unusual. Biewers tend to be quieter but will still alert you if needed.

If you're still torn between these two lovable toy breeds, you really can't go wrong. Whether you go with the classic Yorkie or the eye-catching Biewer, you're sure to gain a loyal companion full of character and heart.

Available Yorkshire Terrier Puppies

Teacup Tiny Teddy - Yorkshire Terrier Male

Yorkshire TerrierBoy

Bastian - Yorkshire Terrier Male

Bastian

$1950

Yorkshire TerrierBoy

Bastian - Yorkshire Terrier Male

Bastian

$1700

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Teacup Bear - Yorkshire Terrier Male

Yorkshire TerrierBoy

Nuggets - Yorkshire Terrier Male

Nuggets

$2950

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Bonnie - Yorkshire Terrier Female

Bonnie

$2325

Yorkshire TerrierGirl

Baxter - Yorkshire Terrier Male

Baxter

$1700

Yorkshire TerrierBoy

Mellow - Yorkshire Terrier Male

Mellow

$2950

Yorkshire TerrierBoy

Baxter - Yorkshire Terrier Male

Baxter

$2200

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Betsy - Yorkshire Terrier Female

Betsy

$2325

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Byron - Yorkshire Terrier Male

Byron

$2200

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Becky - Yorkshire Terrier Female

Becky

$2325

Yorkshire TerrierGirl

Galinda - Yorkshire Terrier Female

Galinda

$4200

Yorkshire TerrierGirl

Chocolate Traditional - Yorkshire Terrier Male

Yorkshire TerrierBoy

Black Traditional Yorkie - Yorkshire Terrier Male

Yorkshire TerrierBoy

Charlie  - Yorkshire Terrier Male

Charlie

$3575

Yorkshire TerrierBoy

Chloe - Yorkshire Terrier Female

Chloe

$5450

Yorkshire TerrierGirl

Chelsea - Yorkshire Terrier Female

Chelsea

$5450

Yorkshire TerrierGirl

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Related puppies for sale

Teacup Bear - Yorkshire Terrier Male

Yorkshire TerrierBoy

Galinda - Yorkshire Terrier Female

Galinda

$4200

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Bastian - Yorkshire Terrier Male

Bastian

$1950

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Nuggets - Yorkshire Terrier Male

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$2950

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Mellow - Yorkshire Terrier Male

Mellow

$2950

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Baxter - Yorkshire Terrier Male

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$1700

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Bastian - Yorkshire Terrier Male

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$1700

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Charlie  - Yorkshire Terrier Male

Charlie

$3575

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Chelsea - Yorkshire Terrier Female

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$5450

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Chloe - Yorkshire Terrier Female

Chloe

$5450

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Chocolate Traditional - Yorkshire Terrier Male

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Black Traditional Yorkie - Yorkshire Terrier Male

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Teacup Tiny Teddy - Yorkshire Terrier Male

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Byron - Yorkshire Terrier Male

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$2200

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Baxter - Yorkshire Terrier Male

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$2200

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Betsy - Yorkshire Terrier Female

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$2325

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Becky - Yorkshire Terrier Female

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$2325

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Bonnie - Yorkshire Terrier Female

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Riley - Yorkshire Terrier Female

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$3075

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Ria - Yorkshire Terrier Female

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$3075

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Rhett - Yorkshire Terrier Male

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$2650

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Ryker - Yorkshire Terrier Male

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$2525

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Ruby - Yorkshire Terrier Female

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$2950

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Rory - Yorkshire Terrier Female

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$2650

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Reese - Yorkshire Terrier Female

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$2650

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Tiny Teacup Timmy - Yorkshire Terrier Male

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Kaya - Yorkshire Terrier Female

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$6075

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Lilly - Yorkshire Terrier Female

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$2200

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Kylie - Yorkshire Terrier Female

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Elsa - Yorkshire Terrier Female

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