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Toy & Companion · Toy & Companion Dogs

Biewer Terrier

Also known as: Biewer

A small long-coated companion breed developed from Yorkshire Terrier lines, known for its tricolour coat, lively personality and close bond with people.

10 min read Last reviewed: August 2026

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Quick Facts

Best Suited For

Companion-focused homes

Exercise

Moderate

Grooming

High

Shedding

Low

Trainability

Moderate to high

Experience Level

Committed first-time owner possible

At a Glance

At a Glance

Size category
Small
Original purpose
Companionship
Country / region of origin
Germany
Height range
Typically about 7–11 in (18–28 cm)
Weight range
Typically 4–8 lb (1.8–3.6 kg)
Life expectancy
AKC lists about 16 years
Coat type
Long, silky, flowing coat
Exercise commitment
Moderate
Mental-work commitment
Moderate to high
Training commitment
Moderate
Grooming commitment
High
Shedding tendency
Low

Ranges and tendencies vary by sex, line, registry, and individual dog. Descriptive labels are used instead of scores or rankings.

Original Purpose

Original Purpose

Companionship

What People Often Love

What People Often Love

  • Strong companion bond
  • Portable size
  • Playful and engaging temperament
  • Low-shedding coat

What Can Be Difficult

What Can Be Difficult

  • High grooming commitment
  • Fragility around rough handling
  • Can become vocal or demanding without structure
  • Small-dog dental care is important

Appearance Variation

How Biewer Terrier can vary in appearance

Biewer Terrier does not have a single widely recognized working-vs-show line division, but appearance still varies by individual. Verified breed-typical details:

  • Coat: Long, silky, flowing coat.
  • Typical height: Typically about 7–11 in (18–28 cm).
  • Typical weight: Typically 4–8 lb (1.8–3.6 kg).

Individual dogs vary by sex, line, registry and development. None of these variations indicate better health, value or quality.

Breed Overview

The Biewer Terrier is a small companion breed developed in Germany from Yorkshire Terrier lines. It is distinguished by its white, blue/black and gold/tan colouring and a long silky coat.

Typical Temperament

Typical Biewers are playful, affectionate, lively and curious. Their small size does not remove the need for training, boundaries and age-appropriate exposure.

Exercise and Enrichment

Regular walks, play, short training sessions and scent games usually suit the breed well. Small dogs still benefit from real physical and mental engagement.

Training Approach

Clear, patient training works well. Prioritize house training, recall, handling comfort, calm behaviour and confidence around larger environments.

Grooming and Coat Care

The long silky coat requires frequent brushing and routine grooming. Owners who prefer lower coat maintenance may choose a shorter pet trim while still maintaining skin, ears, nails and teeth.

Health Considerations

Responsible breeder selection and documented health screening matter. Dental care and patellar/orthopedic awareness are practical small-breed considerations. This information is educational, not diagnostic.

Who This Breed May Suit

People wanting a highly social small companion and who are comfortable with substantial coat maintenance.

Who This Breed May Not Be For

Homes seeking a low-maintenance coat or households where a very small dog may be exposed to rough play without supervision.

Choosing a Breeder

  • What health testing has been done on the parent dogs?
  • What is the temperament of the parent dogs?
  • What lines are the parents from, and what traits were selected for?
  • How are puppies socialized and raised?
  • How are puppies matched to homes?
  • What support is provided after placement?
  • What is the return policy if the placement does not work?
  • Why was this specific breeding planned?

Choosing a Rescue or Adult Dog

  • What is known about the dog's history?
  • What has the foster home observed about behaviour?
  • How does the dog behave around dogs, cats, and children?
  • What medical information is available?
  • Is behaviour support available during adjustment?
  • What is the trial or return policy?
  • What adjustment period should be expected?

Sources and Review

Sources and review status

Last reviewed: August 2026

Academy editorial review: Approved

Published with a source-verified adult representative and breed-specific puppy example.

Report a correction or concern for this guide.

American Kennel Club (AKC) — Biewer Terrier

kennel club

verified

American Kennel Club — Toy Group Health Testing Requirements

health

verified

Registry note — no current FCI standard verified for Biewer Terrier

registry note

verified

Sources are being verified. No citation is presented as confirmed until review is complete. Always consult qualified professionals for breed-specific and health advice.

Last reviewed: August 2026

Reviewed by: The Academy Editorial Team

This guide describes common breed traits, historical purpose and practical ownership considerations. Individual dogs vary according to genetics, health, early development, environment, training and life experience.

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