Biewer Terrier at a glance
- Height
- 20–25 cm
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog. Not assessed yet: Size, Typical adult weight, Exercise, Energy, Grooming, Shedding, Training, Barking, Home, Garden, Time alone, Owner experience, Children, Other dogs, Cats and small pets, Typical lifespan.
How would the Biewer Terrier fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Biewer Terrier
The Biewer Terrier is an elegant, long-haired toy terrier with a tricolour coat that parts down the middle and hangs straight on both sides of the body. A neat ponytail on top of the head is a breed signature, and the plumed tail is carried well arched over the back. It is an alert, eager little dog that is usually affectionate and playful with its family.
The breed began in Germany in 1984, when two tricolour puppies were born in the kennel of Werner and Gertrude Biewer, experienced Yorkshire Terrier breeders. They were first called Biewer Yorkshire Terriers, and the Biewers went on to build a consistent population through selective breeding.
American fanciers began importing the dogs from Germany in 2002, and the Biewer Terrier Club of America was formed in the following years. In 2007 the club worked with a genetics laboratory to test whether the Biewer was a strain of Yorkshire Terrier or a separate breed. The DNA results grouped the samples together as a pure breed, distinct from the Yorkshire Terrier. The club describes this as the first time a breed was confirmed as purebred through genetic testing rather than pedigree records. The breed was accepted into the American Kennel Club's Foundation Stock Service in 2014 and gained full recognition in its Toy Group in 2021.
Biewer Terrier temperament
According to the breed standard, Biewer Terriers are intelligent and loyal, as well as affectionate and playful, which makes them good companions and family dogs. The standard also describes the breed as alert and eager, with an engaging, bright and intelligent expression, and it moves confidently with its head held high.
Size and appearance
Biewer Terriers are very small. The breed standard gives a height at the shoulder of 8 to 10 inches, roughly 20–25 cm. The body is fine to medium boned and slightly longer than it is tall, although a square outline is also accepted.
The coat is long, silky and straight, with no undercoat, and hangs close to the ground. The colouring is the breed's defining feature. The head is black or blue, tan and white, while the body is black or blue and white. The chest, legs and tip of the tail should be white.
Biewer Terrier grooming
The long, flowing coat is part of the breed's identity, with a silky, smooth texture. It may be trimmed to floor length so the dog can move freely, and the feet are trimmed to keep them neat and clean.
The hair on the head is tied up in a single ponytail. The breed club discourages heavy styling of the head such as teasing or rolls, which it sees as typical of other breeds rather than the Biewer.
Living with a Biewer Terrier
The breed standard describes Biewer Terriers as excellent companions and family dogs. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Biewer Terrier health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
The Biewer Terrier is a young breed, and the sources used here do not list specific inherited conditions. Its US breed club encourages health testing and the use of scientific tools in breeding programmes, with the aim of removing health issues that could harm the breed, and it describes DNA testing as central to the breed's development in the United States.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Biewer Terrier home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Biewer Terrier cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Biewer Terrier home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, not just the first year.
Buying a Biewer Terrier
If you have decided the Biewer Terrier suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Biewer Terrier
Biewer Terriers do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Biewer Terriers looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
Find Biewer Terrier adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
Biewer Terrier FAQs
How big does the Biewer Terrier get?
Adults typically stand 20–25 cm at the shoulder.