
Biewer Terrier
- Toy
- Toy Group
- Popularity rank 74
The Biewer Terrier is a small, silky-coated companion from Germany, known for its lively, devoted nature. Surprisingly energetic for its size, it pairs a striking tricolor coat with a playful, intelligent personality.
- Height
- 7 to 11
- inches at the shoulder
- Weight
- 4 to 8
- pounds, adult
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 16
- years, median 14
- Senior from
- 10.5
- years, about
Senior starts in the last quarter of a breed's expected lifespan, following the 2019 AAHA canine life stage guidelines. Individual dogs vary.
About the breed
- Temperament
- Intelligent, devoted, amusing
- Coat
- Silky, long
- Origin
- Germany
- Recognized
- 2021
2021: rank 82, 2022: rank 77, 2023: rank 78, 2024: rank 70, 2025: rank 74
The Biewer Terrier (pronounced "beaver") is one of the newer breeds in the dog world. It traces to 1984 Germany, where two tricolor puppies were born in the kennel of experienced Yorkshire Terrier breeders. The major US kennel registry officially recognized the breed in 2021.
This is a toy breed. Full-grown Biewers typically weigh 4 to 8 pounds and stand about 7 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder, with an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years. Their small size and lively temperament make them popular companions.
The temperament is often described as intelligent, devoted, and amusing, with a lively, playful streak. The most notable feature is the long, silky coat, which always comes in one of three tricolor combinations: chocolate, tan, and white; black, tan, and white; or blue, tan, and white. This coloring sets the Biewer apart from the Yorkshire Terrier it descends from.
Temperament and needs
Scored 1 to 5 for the breed overall. Individual dogs vary.
- Affectionate with family5 out of 5
- Good with young children3 out of 5
- Good with other dogs5 out of 5
- Openness to strangers3 out of 5
- Playfulness4 out of 5
- Watchdog and protective nature2 out of 5
- Adaptability3 out of 5
- Trainability3 out of 5
- Energy level3 out of 5
- Mental stimulation needs3 out of 5
- Barking level3 out of 5
- Shedding1 out of 5
- Grooming frequency3 out of 5
- Drooling1 out of 5
Care
The routines that matter most for this breed. Open one at a time.
Nutrition
The Biewer Terrier does well on a high-quality dog food suited to their age and any added health needs. A small-breed formula is a good fit, since the smaller kibble makes chewing and digestion easier for tiny dogs. Always factor in life stage, because puppies, adults, and seniors have different nutritional needs.
A typical feeding routine looks like this:
- Puppies: three to four small meals a day on a regular schedule.
- Adults: one meal in the morning and one in the evening.
Exact amounts vary with age, weight, activity level, and the food you choose. The packaging lists recommended portions, and your vet can give sharper guidance. As with any dog, watch how much food and how many treats you give, since some dogs gain weight as they age. If your dog prefers smaller, more frequent meals or has specific dietary needs, adjust the schedule with your vet's help.
A healthy Biewer eating a complete, balanced diet usually needs no extra supplementation. If your vet does suggest something, it might be omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, joint supplements, multivitamins, antioxidants, or fiber. Always talk to your vet first, and never give a supplement without their guidance.
Grooming
The long, silky coat is the Biewer's signature feature, and it needs more care than most other terriers. Brush it daily with a pin brush or metal comb to keep mats and loose hairs at bay, and address any mats right away. Silkier coats mat little, while softer coats pick up more, so adjust your routine to your dog. If you keep the coat trimmed short, upkeep is much lighter. The Biewer also sheds very little.
Bathe your Biewer about once a week with a dog-friendly shampoo and conditioner. Human shampoo can cause dry, itchy, or flaky skin, so stick to products made for dogs.
Trim the nails regularly with a clipper or grinder to avoid overgrowth, splitting, and cracking. Check the ears often for wax, debris, redness, swelling, discharge, or odor, and clean them based on your vet's guidance so changes are easy to spot. Brush the teeth regularly too, and pair at-home brushing with professional cleanings for long-term dental health.
Biewers are not prone to many eye issues, but they can develop tear stains, which clean up with dog-friendly eye wipes or a damp washcloth. Long-haired dogs may need the fur around the eyes trimmed so it does not block their vision. Contact your vet if you notice redness, discharge, cloudiness, or signs of vision trouble such as bumping into objects at night.
Exercise
Despite their tiny size, Biewer Terriers are surprisingly energetic, though easy-going compared to many terriers. A daily walk plus some active play keeps them happy and healthy. Their playful nature gives them a built-in way to self-exercise alongside time spent with the family.
These dogs adapt well to apartment life. In bad weather, even short walks down the hallway help, and indoor games like hide-and-seek, chasing a rolled ball, or a round of fetch burn off energy. Biewers are agile, fond of outings, and good on walks.
They are naturally alert and curious, keen to explore and investigate new things. That curiosity comes with a tendency to bark at new sights and sounds, which steady training can curb.
Biewers descend from hunting terriers. They are athletic and intelligent, so they want chances to problem-solve and play. They thrive on human interaction, so an ideal home offers regular engagement, daily activity, and plenty of attention.
Training
The Biewer is a devoted, playful companion that can suit families with children. They typically do well in homes with children and other pets, and they tend to make friends with animals of any kind, especially when socialized early.
Biewers are intelligent and generally easy to train, though potty training can take a little longer. Because they are terriers, they can show an independent streak, so patience pays off.
Start training as soon as you bring your puppy home. Use positive reinforcement with treats and praise, and keep sessions fun and game-like. Enrolling in socialization and obedience classes helps build good habits early.
Health conditions
8 conditions are documented for the Biewer Terrier.
A predisposition is not a diagnosis. Ask your vet which screenings make sense for your dog's age.
- Bladder StonesKidney and Bladder
- HypoglycemiaMetabolic
- Liver ShuntsLiver
- Patellar LuxationSkeletal
- Primary Lens LuxationEyes
Show all 8 conditions Show fewer
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy, prcdEyes
- Tracheal CollapseOther
- Urate Kidney & Bladder StonesKidney and Bladder
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