“Vian breeds with intention, and it shows in temperament.
Our Yorkipoo, Mister, at 6½ years old and just under 5 lbs,
is gentle, friendly, beautifully mannered, and deeply adored.”
At SkyRidge, each puppy is placed with intention. We work with a small number of families, taking the time to ensure the right match in both lifestyle and energy.
Placed in a quiet coastal home, where mornings begin slowly and companionship is cherished.
Now part of a young family, growing alongside gentle routines and everyday moments.
A perfect match for a client seeking a devoted, elegant companion to share in both travel and stillness.
“From the very beginning, SkyRidge felt different. Thoughtful, intentional, and deeply caring in every step.”
Each placement is more than a transition — it is the beginning of a lifelong bond, thoughtfully chosen.
A Thoughtful Placement
Out of respect for our clients, many of our placements remain private — a quiet reflection of the trust placed in our program.
— Vian Alexo
SKYRIDGE
Every item here has been thoughtfully selected with Yorkshire and Biewer Terrier puppies in mind, with an emphasis on comfort, quality, gentleness, and a beautiful beginning.
A practical, well-loved staple with a strong quality-to-value ratio. A balanced choice for growing puppies when consistency matters most.
Helpful for tiny appetites, transitions, and puppies who need extra encouragement at mealtime. A little softness can go a long way.
A true must-have for Yorkie and Biewer coats. Daily combing helps preserve coat integrity, prevents tangles, and keeps grooming gentle.
Ideal for maintaining delicate, silky texture without unnecessary pulling or breakage. Especially lovely for finer coat types.
A soothing transition item for newly placed puppies. Particularly helpful in those first nights away from littermates and familiar rhythms.
Small, gentle rewards for early training, bonding, and confidence-building. Ideal for little mouths and frequent praise.
Gentle guidance for a beautiful beginning
Small puppies do best with consistency. Frequent, smaller meals help support energy and stability.
Daily combing is less about perfection and more about preservation. A few calm minutes each day makes all the difference.
Keep the first days soft and quiet. Tiny breeds thrive when the world feels safe, warm, and predictable.
SkyRidge Puppies · Breed Education
From its 1984 origins in Germany to AKC recognition in 2021 — including the rare chocolate Biro variety.
Origins · 1984 — Present
The Biewer Terrier (pronounced "Beeva") is the result of a single remarkable genetic event — and the dedication of breeders across two continents who recognized something extraordinary when they saw it.
Origin Year
1984
Hunsrück, Germany
Founders
Werner &
Gertrude Biewer
Yorkshire Terrier breeders
First Puppy
Schneeflocken
von Friedheck
Born January 1984
AKC Recognition
2021
197th AKC breed · Toy Group
Weight Range
4–8 lbs
1.8–3.6 kg
Height
7–11 in
18–28 cm at withers
January 1984
Werner and Gertrude Biewer's Yorkshire Terrier parents — "Darling von Friedheck" and "Fru Fru von Friedheck," both 1981 Dortmund World Youth Winners — produce a puppy named Schneeflocken von Friedheck. The recessive piebald gene produces a blue, white, and golden tricolor that has never been seen before in their kennel.
1986
The new breed makes its public debut at a large German dog show and is an immediate sensation. German singer Margot Eskens, one of the first buyers, suggests naming them "Biewer Yorkshire Terrier à la Pom Pon" — a reference to the dogs' luxuriously plumed tails.
1989
The Allgemeiner Club der Hundefreunde Deutschland (ACH e.V.) becomes the first organization to officially accept the Biewer Yorkshire Terrier as a distinct breed. Werner Biewer signs the first formal breed standard under UCI Reference No. 00/490.
1997
Werner Biewer passes away and Gertrude disperses most of the kennel's dogs. Breed population in Germany dwindles through the late 1990s as breeders struggle to maintain consistency without the founders.
2003
The Biewer arrives in the United States. Dagmar Przystaw opens the first Deutsche Biewer Club (IBYTC) in Germany. In America, the breed begins gaining traction rapidly as fanciers recognize its charm and rarity.
2004
In September 2004, Dagmar Przystaw opens the International Biewer Club (IBC) in Germany — the club that would become central to the breed's international registry and European showing.
2004–2005
On December 1st, 2004, the Art of Highclass Kennel in Germany produces the world's first Biro — a chocolate, white, and gold puppy named "Artois of Highclass Relight My Chocolate Fire." The Biro variety is born.
2006
The Biewer Terrier Club of America (BTCA) is formed by Myrna Torres (Southern California) and Gayle Pruett (Alabama) to organize American breeders and pursue AKC recognition. Mrs. Gertrude Biewer herself joins the club in 2007 to support their mission.
2007
Mars Veterinary analyzes DNA from 10 Biewer Terriers and concludes they represent a genetically distinct breed — separate from the Yorkshire Terrier. The Biewer becomes the first breed in history established as a purebred through DNA science rather than pedigree records.
November 2007
On November 2nd, 2007, Gertrude Biewer officially renames the breed from "Biewer Yorkshire à la Pom Pon" to the "Biewer Yorkshire Terrier" — the name it carries in Germany's IBC to this day.
2012
On October 10th, 2012, Gertrude Biewer passes away after a lengthy illness. Her legacy lives on through the beautiful breed she and Werner created.
2014
The Biewer Terrier is admitted to the AKC's Foundation Stock Service — the formal first step toward full AKC recognition.
2016
The United Kennel Club officially recognizes the Biewer Terrier on January 1, 2016, placing it in the Companion Dog Group.
2021
The Biewer Terrier becomes the 197th breed fully recognized by the American Kennel Club, placed in the Toy Group. There are 1,424 registered with AKC at the time of recognition — a milestone over 15 years in the making.
May 2024
The VDH (Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen) in Germany — the breed's home country — officially accepts the Biewer Terrier, closing a decades-long irony that the breed was recognized everywhere but where it was born.
Organizations · Worldwide
The Biewer Terrier is governed by a network of clubs and registries across the globe, each with its own history, standards approach, and registration requirements.
Founded in September 2004 by Dagmar Przystaw, the IBC is the original international registry born in Germany where the breed itself originated. The IBC registers dogs as "Biewer Yorkshire Terriers" — preserving the original German naming convention. The first Biro was registered to the IBC in 2005. The IBC operates under the ACH-L umbrella and remains one of the most historically significant clubs in the breed's development.
🇩🇪 Original International Registry · Est. 2004Founded in 2006 by Myrna Torres and Gayle Pruett, the BTCA is the AKC parent club for the breed in the United States — the most authoritative body for the "Biewer Terrier" name. The BTCA orchestrated the DNA testing through Mars Veterinary that proved the breed's genetic distinctiveness and spent 15+ years pursuing full AKC recognition, achieved in 2021. The BTCA manages the official AKC breed standard, maintains a breeder referral list, and coordinates mandatory health testing. Gertrude Biewer herself joined the BTCA in 2007.
🇺🇸 AKC Parent Club · Est. 2006The RVD/UCI is the original German standard under which Werner Biewer himself registered the breed. UCI Reference Number 00/490 is the foundational breed document, translated and used by clubs like the Biewer Breed Club of America (BBCA) which exclusively follows this original German standard. The BBCA is the only American club that has bred Biewer to Biewer exclusively since its inception and does not condone mixing of any breed into the Biewer line.
🇩🇪 Founding Standard · Original German RegistryHosted by the BTCA, the BTRA provides official DNA-verified pedigree and registration documentation for purebred Biewer Terriers. The BTRA is open to all approved breeders regardless of club affiliation, and its rigorous DNA verification system — including Mars Wisdom Panel breed testing, DNA profiles, and coat color tests — is a prerequisite for AKC registration. The BTRA addresses gene pool diversity by uniting breeders across club affiliations.
🇺🇸 DNA Verified Registry · AKC GatewayThe UKC officially recognized the Biewer Terrier on January 1, 2016 — five years before AKC recognition — placing the breed in the Companion Dog Group. The UKC maintains its own breed standard, which has some differences from the AKC standard, particularly in how it describes the color requirements and topline specifications. UKC recognition was a critical milestone that helped build the breed's credibility ahead of full AKC acceptance.
🌍 Recognized Jan 1, 2016 · Companion Dog GroupThe BBIR is the primary registry dedicated specifically to the Biro (chocolate Biewer) variety. Administered in partnership with the Biro Biewer Golddust Club (BBGC), the BBIR provides official registration for chocolate-colored Biewer Terriers that carry the liver gene. The BBIR works alongside the ACA, NKC, ARBA, CKC, and BBGC to ensure chocolate Biewers have a formal home in the registry world. In June 2016, AKC accepted the liver-colored Biewer as a non-standard color variation (Chocolate Tan & White).
🍫 Biro Specialist Registry · Chocolate Biewer Focus"The Biewer Terrier is the first breed in history established as a purebred through DNA science rather than pedigree records alone — a genuinely unusual distinction in the dog world."
— Furry Critter Network Breed Guide, 2026Official Standards · BTCA · UKC · UCI
The BTCA (AKC) and UKC each maintain official Biewer Terrier breed standards, while the original UCI/RVD German standard remains foundational. Below is a comprehensive comparison across standards.
| Characteristic | BTCA / AKC Standard | UKC Standard | UCI / Original German |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 4 to 8 lbs | 4 to 8 lbs | Up to 3.5 kg (~7.7 lbs) |
| Height | 7 to 11 inches at withers | Not strictly specified; square outline | Per outline impression of square |
| Proportion | Body slightly longer than height; square acceptable | Outline gives impression of square; can be slightly longer than tall | Compact and neat; very square impression |
| Coat | Long, silky, straight; parts down center back; no undercoat | Straight, fine to medium, at least ¾ to ground; no undercoat | Long, straight, silky; hangs evenly from skull to tail root; no undercoat |
| Head Coloring | Blue/Black, Gold/Tan, White in symmetry; two-color combos acceptable | Blue/Black, White, Gold/Tan; Gold/Tan and White acceptable | Symmetrical blue-white-gold (or black-white-gold) |
| Body Coloring | Blue/black and white on back; no tan on back, belly, chest, legs or feet | Black or blue and white; must have some black or blue on topline (any amount) | Blue-white or black-white; white belly, chest, legs |
| Tail | Set high; carried arched over body; richly plumed; NOT docked | Well feathered; carried over body; NOT docked | Carried up; NOT docked (Germany banned docking May 1998) |
| Eyes | Medium, dark, not prominent; black eye rims | Medium, dark; oval; black eye rims | Dark; not too prominent; dark rims |
| Ears | Small, V-shaped, erect; set high; covered with hair | Small, V-shaped, upright; set moderately wide and to the back of head | V-shaped, erect, covered with hair |
| Nose | Fully black; liver pigment is a disqualification | Fully black in dogs over 6 months; liver pigment disqualifies | Black; light nostrils are a fault |
| Topknot | Required; head falls / rollovers are an eliminating fault | Preferred; no strict eliminating fault described | Hair tied or bowed on top of head |
| Disqualifications | Blue eyes; liver pigmentation of rims/nose; any color outside standard | Albinism; unilateral cryptorchid; liver eye rim pigment; liver nose | Light eyes; light nose; wavy or curly coat; non-erect ears |
Coat Colors · Genetics
The Biewer Terrier's remarkable coat is the result of the piebald gene — also called "parti" — interacting with the blue/steel modifier that Yorkies are known for. Color does not define a separate breed; a chocolate or gold Biewer is still a Biewer.
Rare Variety · Est. 2004
The Biro is one of the rarest and most visually striking color varieties in the terrier world — a rich chocolate, white, and gold tricolor that turns heads at every show.
| Characteristic | Standard Biewer | Biro (Chocolate Biewer) |
|---|---|---|
| Body Color | Blue/Black and White | Chocolate (light to dark) and White — no black coloring |
| Head Color | Blue/Black, White, Gold in symmetry | Chocolate, White, Gold in symmetry |
| Nose | Fully black (liver nose = disqualification) | Absolute chocolate/brown — defining feature |
| Eye Rims | Black pigment | Chocolate/liver pigment — unique to the Biro |
| Eye Color | Dark brown | Hazel / amber-green — distinctive and beautiful |
| Toenails | White or black | White or chocolate brown |
| Foot Pads | Dark/black | Chocolate brown |
| Genetics | Black & Tan Piebald (no liver gene) | Both parents must carry recessive liver (bb) gene |
| Conformation | AKC standard color — eligible for show | Non-standard color — ineligible for AKC conformation; eligible as pet/companion |
| Registries | AKC, UKC, BTCA, BTRA | AKC (non-standard), BBIR, BBGC, NKC, ARBA, CKC, IBC |
| Health Differences | Standard health considerations | No additional health defects associated with the liver gene |
| Chest / Belly / Legs | Pure white | Pure white |
Veterinary · Wellness
Biewer and Biro Terriers are generally hearty for their size, but as small-breed descendants of the Yorkshire Terrier, they share some inherited vulnerabilities. Responsible breeders test before breeding and educate families about what to watch for.
Low blood sugar is the #1 concern in puppies, particularly those under 3 lbs. Listless behavior and shakiness are the warning signs. Feeding 3–4 small meals per day is essential — never skip meals in young puppies.
Manage DailyThe kneecap slipping out of position — one of the most common conditions in toy breeds. Yorkies and Biewers are genetically predisposed. Early supplementation with glucosamine/chondroitin is recommended.
Test & SupplementThe windpipe weakens and flattens, causing a chronic cough — especially during exercise or excitement. Use harnesses instead of neck collars and avoid situations that cause excessive excitement in affected dogs.
Watch & PreventBiewer Terriers have a higher incidence of urinary stones than average. Feeding a quality diet with adequate hydration and monitoring for straining or blood in urine can help catch issues early.
Monitor & HydrateA congenital liver condition where blood bypasses the liver, allowing toxins to accumulate. Signs include poor growth, disorientation, and seizures. Reputable breeders screen for this condition before breeding.
Genetic ScreeningYorkshire-type breeds have a small jaw with many teeth — making them highly prone to dental disease. Daily tooth brushing beginning at 8 weeks is the single most impactful preventive measure. Dental chews help.
Daily PreventionDaily Life · Personality
The Biewer and Biro Terrier maintain a charming, whimsical, childlike attitude well into adulthood. Carrying around a toy is not surprising. They have the heart of a terrier and the soul of a lap dog.
The SkyRidge Standard
At SkyRidge, we do not simply raise puppies.
We shape the beginning of a life that will become someone’s constant, their comfort, their quiet companion through the years.
This responsibility is not taken lightly.
We believe that what a puppy experiences in its earliest weeks carries forward into how it connects, responds, and exists in the world.
Temperament is not an accident.
It is the result of presence, environment, and intention.
Our program is built slowly and deliberately.
We do not rush development.
We do not breed for volume.
And we do not place based on convenience.
Each puppy is given time, structure, and daily human connection — not just to grow, but to become.
We pay close attention to the subtle things:
the way a puppy observes
Because these are the foundations of a well-balanced companion.
Our role is not just to raise beautiful dogs.
It is to prepare them for a life where they are understood, valued, and deeply connected to the people they join.
For this reason, placement matters.
Not every home is the right home.
And not every puppy is meant for every family.
We take the time to understand both — because the right match is what allows everything else to unfold naturally.
What leaves SkyRidge is not just a puppy.
It is the result of intention, care, and a belief that how something begins… matters.
Raised with intention, placed with care
Our Philosophy
the way it settles
the way it responds to touch, sound, and energy
There’s a quiet presence to Noir — the kind you notice without trying.
Gentle, observant, and deeply connected, he leans in rather than demands attention.
Not just beautiful — but the kind of companion you feel.
NOIR
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