Biewer Terrier

Updated November 30, 2025

Biewer Terrier sitting on an isolated background

The Biewer Terrier is an elegant and charming toy terrier, distinguished by its unique tri-colored, long and silky coat. They are affectionate, playful, and devoted companions that adapt well to various living situations, including apartments.

Temperament

Playful, Affectionate, Intelligent, Loyal, Devoted

Weight

4-8 pounds

Height

7-11 inches

Life Expectancy

12-15 years

Coat Color

Blue/Black, White, and Gold/Tan, Black, White, and Gold/Tan

At a Glance

Good with Kids

4/5

About Biewer Terrier

The Biewer Terrier is an elegant and charming toy terrier, distinguished by its unique tri-colored, long and silky coat. They are affectionate, playful, and devoted companions that adapt well to various living situations, including apartments.

12-15 years
Lifespan
4-8 pounds
Weight
7-11 inches
Height
N/A
Energy Level

What Makes Biewer Terriers Special

The Biewer Terrier is a delightful and devoted companion, capturing hearts with its elegant appearance and charming personality.

They are a relatively new breed, recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2021.

Biewer Terrier History & Origin

The Biewer Terrier originated in Germany in 1984, developed by Werner and Gertrude Biewer, who were breeders of Yorkshire Terriers.

The breed was established from a Yorkshire Terrier litter that produced a puppy with a recessive piebald gene.

The Biewer Terrier was first introduced to America in 2003.

The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Biewer Terrier in the Toy Group in 2021.

Biewer Terrier Characteristics

Individual Variation

Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

Couch Potato Star Athlete

Grooming Needs

Minimal Grooming Extensive Grooming

Training Needs

Requires Minimal Training Requires a Lot of Training

Health Issues

Few Known Health Issues Many Known Health Issues

Shedding Level

Sheds a Little Sheds a Lot

Biewer Terrier Appearance

The Biewer Terrier is a small, elegant toy terrier with a long, flowing, tri-colored coat.

Their hair is parted down the middle of their back, giving them a distinct and well-groomed appearance.

Physical Features

Ears

Their small, V-shaped ears are carried erect and are covered in hair.

Eyes

They have dark brown, medium-sized eyes that are either round or almond-shaped, conveying an intelligent and alert expression.

Nose

A Biewer Terrier's nose should be solid black.

Coat & Build

Coat Length

The coat is long, silky, and straight, without an undercoat.

Coat Color

The breed standard colors are a combination of blue or black, white, and gold or tan in a specific pattern.

Tail

The tail is set high, carried in a graceful arch over the body, and features a long plume of hair.

Biewer Terrier Temperament

Biewer Terriers are known for their whimsical and loving nature, forming strong bonds with their families.

They possess a fun-loving, childlike attitude and are generally friendly towards strangers and other pets, especially with early socialization.

Intelligent and eager to please, they are a joy to train, although they can sometimes exhibit a stubborn terrier streak.

Despite their small size, they have a moderate amount of energy and enjoy playtime and daily walks.

Temperament Traits

PlayfulAffectionateIntelligentLoyalDevoted

Good With

Health

Biewer Terriers are generally healthy with a life expectancy of 12-15 years. Responsible breeding practices can help minimize the risk of hereditary conditions.

Common Health Issues

Tracheal Collapse: A condition affecting the windpipe, common in small breeds.
Bladder Stones: Can cause urinary issues.
Patellar Luxation: Dislocation of the kneecap.
Dental Issues: Due to their small mouths, they are prone to dental problems.
Portosystemic Shunt (Liver Shunt): A congenital condition affecting the liver.
Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar, which can affect toy breeds.

Preventive Care

Regular veterinary check-ups, proper dental care, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight.

How to Care for a Biewer Terrier

The Biewer Terrier, while small, requires regular grooming for its long coat, daily exercise, and consistent training to be a well-behaved companion.

Living Conditions

Space Requirements

Adapts well to apartment living but enjoys having some room to play.

Climate Adaptability

Best in temperate climates; sensitive to extreme heat and cold.

Apartment Living

An excellent choice for apartment dwellers.

Best Suited For

Well-suited for a variety of households, including families with children and first-time dog owners.

Training Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Specialized Care Guides

Puppy Care

Early socialization, consistent training, and proper nutrition are key for a well-adjusted Biewer Terrier puppy.

Senior Care

Adjusted exercise routines, regular health monitoring, and a diet tailored to senior needs are important.

First-Time Owner Tips

A good choice for first-time owners due to their manageable size and trainable nature, provided they can commit to the grooming needs.