A cheerful, devoted little companion that keeps a puppyish sense of fun for life. It loves company, is usually outgoing with visitors and, once socialised, gets along with children and other pets, though it will speak up about anything new.142
how to spot oneBiewer Terrier coat and colours
long, silky single coat
A straight, fine, flowing coat with no undercoat that hangs close to the floor, usually parted down the back and often tied up on the head in a topknot. The tail is left natural and carried with a plume.13
Comes inwhite, black and tan/goldwhite, blue and tan/goldchocolate, tan and white132
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Biewer Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
how busy a day looksBiewer Terrier exercise needs
Moderate. Livelier than its size suggests, it is happy with daily walks plus play indoors.2
where they are happiestBiewer Terrier at home
Its small size and moderate exercise needs make it well suited to flats and smaller homes, as long as it gets daily walks and playtime.2
who they like aroundBiewer Terrier with people and other pets
A people-focused dog that forms strong bonds and does best when it spends plenty of time with its family.13
the hands-on bitsBiewer Terrier grooming and care
The long coat needs brushing several times a week with a pin brush or metal comb, and regular baths keep it silky. Many owners opt for professional grooming or a shorter trim to save time.2
what goes in the bowlBiewer Terrier food and feeding
A complete small-breed food; puppies are usually fed three to four times a day and adults twice a day, with portions set with a vet.2
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Biewer Terrier, and at what times?
Feed your Biewer Terrier puppy three to four small meals a day, and an adult twice a day, at consistent times. Portion sizes should be set with your vet.25
What should a Biewer Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a complete small-breed dog food. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always check with your vet for specific dietary advice.26
How often should I bathe a Biewer Terrier?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but general guidance recommends at least every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets dirty or has skin issues.27
How often does a Biewer Terrier need brushing?
Brush your Biewer Terrier several times a week, ideally daily for its long silky coat. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests weekly brushing, but daily is better to prevent tangles.27
How do I trim a Biewer Terrier's nails, and how often?
Trim your Biewer Terrier's nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every three weeks. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer.7
How much exercise does a Biewer Terrier need?
Your Biewer Terrier needs daily walks and indoor play. It's a lively little dog that enjoys moderate exercise.2
How do I look after a Biewer Terrier's teeth and ears?
Brush your Biewer Terrier's teeth daily with dog toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks. Never insert anything into the ear canal. Ask your vet for a dental care routine.7
Is a Biewer Terrier good with children and other pets?
Yes, with proper socialisation, the Biewer Terrier is good with children and other pets. It's a cheerful, devoted companion that will alert you to anything new.1423
Can a Biewer Terrier be left alone?
Biewer Terriers are people-focused and may struggle with long periods alone. It varies by individual; ask your breeder or a vet for advice on training and gradual alone time.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchBiewer Terrier health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Biewer Terrier. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Patellar luxation
The kneecap slips out of place and causes a skipping step; common in toy breeds. Patella exam is a core CHIC test for the Biewer Terrier Club of America; no published rate ↗
Progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA)
A gradual loss of sight; a DNA test tells breeders who carries it. DNA test is a core CHIC test for the Biewer Terrier Club of America; no published rate ↗
Primary lens luxation
The lens slips out of place and can cause painful glaucoma; a DNA test finds carriers. DNA test is a core CHIC test for the Biewer Terrier Club of America; no published rate ↗
Dental problems
Retained baby teeth and fast tartar build-up mean regular brushing and dental checks. Named by the Biewer Terrier Club of America; no published rate ↗
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
The top of the thigh bone crumbles in a young dog, causing limping; surgery usually fixes it. Optional CHIC X-ray for the breed; no published rate ↗
Liver shunt and sensitive digestion
Some dogs have a bypass blood vessel around the liver, found with a bile acid blood test; upset stomachs are also reported. Bile acid test is an optional CHIC test; sensitive GI system named by the club; no published rate ↗
Tests a good breeder can show you
Eye exam by an ACVO ophthalmologist CHIC / Biewer Terrier Club of America ↗
prcd-PRA DNA test CHIC / Biewer Terrier Club of America ↗
Primary lens luxation DNA test CHIC / Biewer Terrier Club of America ↗
Patella exam (OFA) CHIC / Biewer Terrier Club of America ↗
Cardiac exam, Legg-Calve-Perthes X-ray, bile acid test Biewer Terrier Club of America (optional) ↗
From the breed club or a health scheme. Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Biewer Terrier costs
Running costs for a Biewer Terrier, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Biewer Terrier legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Biewer Terrier in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Biewer Terrier tip
Biewer Terriers are tiny, so treats should be crumb-sized pieces that a very small mouth can chew easily. Puppies need frequent regular meals to keep their blood sugar steady, so treats should never replace a feed.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
'Biewer' is said roughly like 'beaver', after the German couple who created the breed.3
2
The German singer Margot Eskens suggested adding 'a la Pom Pon' to the breed's original name.3
3
Its distinctive white patches come from a recessive piebald gene that surfaced in Yorkshire Terriers.3
4
The AKC describes it as a toy terrier that loves to carry its toys around.4
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed takes its name from the late Werner and Gertrud Biewer, Yorkshire Terrier breeders in Germany, who in the 1980s began producing tricolor Yorkies. The couple referred to them as black and white Yorkshire Terriers and later as the Biewer Yorkshire.8
This morning I bounced out of my basket and did my happy tippy-tap dance for breakfast. After a quick snuffle in the garden, I helped my human fold laundry, mostly by sitting on every warm piece. Then I barked at the postman because it’s my job. Later, we played fetch with my squeaky hedgehog until I flopped onto the sofa, paws up, for a belly rub. Now I’m curled in a sunbeam, dreaming of tomorrow’s adventures.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganBiewer Terrier history
In 1984 two tricolour puppies appeared in Werner and Gertrude Biewer's Yorkshire Terrier kennel in Germany, and the couple built a new breed around the look. Americans began importing Biewers in the early 2000s, an US breed club formed in 2006, and after DNA work showed it was genetically distinct, the AKC granted full recognition in 2021.31
Yorkshire Terrier
Maltese
Australian Silky Terrier