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.
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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
Breed Gallery
Biewer Terrier visual guide
Adult Comparison — Male & Female

Adult representative
Biewer Terrier explicitly identified; public domain.
Life Stages — Puppy, Adolescent, Mature Adult

Puppy
Biewer puppy explicitly identified in the breed-specific Wikimedia Commons category.
Photos are for educational reference only. Individual dogs vary. Rare or non-standard colours do not indicate better health, value, or quality.
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
American Kennel Club — Toy Group Health Testing Requirements
health
Registry note — no current FCI standard verified for Biewer Terrier
registry note
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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