With their flowing silky coats, bright button eyes, and unmistakable tri-color markings, Biewer Terriers look like they wandered straight out of a fairytale. Charming, lively, and endlessly affectionate, these tiny companions have a special talent for stealing hearts wherever they go.

If you’ve ever wondered what makes this rare toy breed so irresistible, Nexus Pets is here to take you inside the world of the Biewer Terrier—its personality, care needs, training tips, and how to bring one into your home.

Introduction to the Biewer Terrier

The Biewer Terrier is a charming, tri-colored toy breed that hails from Germany and has captured the hearts of dog lovers worldwide with its elegant appearance and affectionate personality. This breed traces its origins back to 1984, when Yorkshire Terrier breeders Werner and Gertrude Biewer welcomed two unusually marked tricolor puppies into their kennel. The puppies’ unique coloration—white combined with blue-black and gold/tan—was the result of a rare recessive piebald gene, which set the stage for a completely new and distinct breed. Initially named the “Biewer Yorkshire Terrier à la Pom Pon,” the breed quickly gained popularity in Germany and later internationally. By 2002, American enthusiasts began importing Biewers, and the Biewer Terrier Club of America was founded in 2006 to promote responsible breeding and preservation of the breed. DNA testing later confirmed that the Biewer Terrier is genetically distinct from the traditional Yorkshire Terrier. This recognition culminated in its admission to the American Kennel Club’s Foundation Stock Service in 2014 and full AKC recognition in 2021.

Physically, the Biewer Terrier is a small, elegant dog with a long, silky coat that is one of its most recognizable traits. Adults typically weigh 4–8 pounds and stand 7–11 inches tall, making them perfectly suited for apartment living or as a travel companion. The coat is usually parted down the middle and flows evenly on both sides of the body, highlighting the breed’s signature tri-color pattern: combinations of white, blue-black, and gold/tan. Unlike many toy breeds, the Biewer’s tail is left full and plumed, carried gracefully over the back. Its head features a bright, intelligent expression, medium-sized eyes, small upright ears, and a slightly rounded skull. The muzzle is proportionate to the head, and the overall body is slightly longer than tall, giving the dog a balanced, elegant silhouette. These physical attributes, combined with its playful yet refined demeanor, make the Biewer Terrier a standout among toy breeds and a favorite in show rings as well as family homes.

Personality & Temperament

The Biewer Terrier is a toy breed that radiates charm and affection, making it a delightful companion for dog lovers of all ages. These small dogs are known for their playful, loving, and intelligent nature, traits that define the breed and make them stand out in the toy group. Biewers are highly social and thrive on human interaction, often forming deep bonds with their owners and eagerly seeking attention and affection throughout the day. Their playful demeanor means they enjoy interactive games, fetch, and gentle agility activities, while their intelligence allows them to quickly learn tricks and commands when trained with patience and positive reinforcement.

Signature Traits

• Affectionate: Biewer Terriers are devoted to their human families, often showing loyalty through cuddling, following their owners around the house, and seeking companionship in all daily activities.
• Playful: Despite their small size, they possess an energetic and curious spirit. Playtime is essential to keep them mentally and physically stimulated, preventing boredom and associated mischief.
• Intelligent: Their problem-solving abilities and alertness make them quick learners in training and enjoyable participants in interactive games and activities that challenge their minds.

Suitability for Families, Children, and Other Pets

Biewer Terriers adapt well to family life and are generally good with children, especially when socialized from an early age. Their small stature means supervision is necessary with very young children to prevent accidental injury, but their gentle and friendly nature allows them to form lasting bonds with kids. They also tend to coexist peacefully with other pets, including cats and other small dogs, making them a versatile choice for multi-pet households. The key to harmony is early socialization and exposure, which helps Biewers understand boundaries, develop confidence, and respond appropriately to new situations.

Breed Tendencies vs. Individual Personality

While the Biewer Terrier breed exhibits characteristic traits such as loyalty, playfulness, and intelligence, individual dogs can vary in personality. Some may be more reserved or shy, while others are bold and outgoing. Certain Biewers might display stronger prey instincts inherited from their terrier ancestry, while others may be calmer or less active. Understanding that each dog is unique is essential for providing the right environment, training approach, and socialization to nurture a well-rounded companion.

Health & Grooming Needs

The Biewer Terrier is a small, elegant breed with a long, silky coat and a lively, affectionate personality. While their charming appearance and playful demeanor make them ideal companions, they do require attentive health monitoring and regular grooming to stay happy and well.

1. Common Health Concerns

Biewer Terriers are generally healthy dogs, but like many small breeds, they can be predisposed to certain conditions. Awareness and proactive veterinary care are key to preventing serious problems.

Tracheal Collapse
This condition occurs when the cartilage in the windpipe weakens, making it difficult for the dog to breathe properly. It may cause a persistent, honking cough, especially during excitement, exercise, or stress. To reduce the risk, always use a harness instead of a collar, avoid excessive pressure on the neck, and maintain a healthy weight. Severe cases may require medical treatment or surgical correction.

Patellar Luxation
A small dog issue where the kneecap occasionally slips out of place, causing discomfort, limping, or a “bunny-hopping” gait. Mild cases may be managed with joint supplements and anti-inflammatory medications, but surgery can be necessary for severe luxation to prevent long-term joint problems.

Bladder Stones
Some Biewers may develop urinary stones, which can cause pain, blood in the urine, or difficulty urinating. Regular veterinary checkups and a diet tailored to urinary health can help prevent and manage this condition.

Liver Shunts (Portosystemic Shunts)
Abnormal blood vessels can bypass the liver, reducing its ability to filter toxins. Symptoms may include poor growth, lethargy, or disorientation. Depending on severity, treatment may involve diet modification, medication, or surgery.

Hypoglycemia
Young Biewer Terrier puppies are prone to low blood sugar, which can cause weakness, disorientation, and vomiting. Frequent, high-quality meals and high-calorie supplements when needed help prevent hypoglycemia.

Regular vet visits, preventive vaccinations, and routine wellness checks are essential to detect any health issues early and ensure your Biewer Terrier enjoys a long, active life. With proper care, they can live up to 16 years or more.

2. Essential Grooming Routines

Biewer Terriers are known for their long, silky, tricolor coat, which requires consistent attention. Grooming not only keeps them looking their best but also prevents skin problems and enhances overall well-being.

Coat Maintenance

• Brush at least three times a week, or daily if the coat is kept long, to prevent tangles and mats.
• Use a soft pin brush or slicker, and a fine-toothed comb for delicate areas like the face, ears, and paws.
• Regular professional grooming every 3–4 weeks is recommended for bathing, trimming, and hygienic maintenance.

Haircuts & Styling

• Long coat: luxurious but demands daily brushing.
• Puppy cut or short trim: practical, easier to maintain, and reduces tangling.
• Hygiene trims: trim around eyes, ears, paws, and anal area to maintain cleanliness and comfort.

Dental Care

• Brush teeth several times per week using dog-safe toothpaste.
• Provide dental chews or toys to reduce plaque and maintain fresh breath.

Nail & Paw Care

• Trim nails regularly to prevent overgrowth and discomfort.
• Moisturize paw pads and nose when walking on rough terrain or in extreme weather.

Ear & Eye Care

• Clean ears weekly with vet-approved solutions to prevent wax buildup and infections.
• Clean eyes daily to remove tear stains, and trim surrounding hair if necessary to prevent irritation.

3. Hypoallergenic Qualities & Shedding

Biewer Terriers are often considered hypoallergenic because they shed very little, making them suitable for families with mild allergies. Their silky coat traps loose hair rather than shedding it into the environment. While they do not have seasonal shedding like many breeds, regular grooming is essential to prevent matting and maintain coat health.

Training the Biewer Terrier

Best Approaches: Positive Reinforcement and Consistency

Training a Biewer Terrier is most effective when using positive reinforcement techniques combined with consistent routines. These intelligent, playful, and sometimes stubborn little dogs respond best to rewards such as treats, praise, gentle affection, or interactive play. Harsh corrections or punishment are not only unnecessary but can be counterproductive, as Biewers thrive in a supportive and encouraging environment. Consistency is equally crucial: using the same commands, routines, and expectations helps your Biewer Terrier understand what is expected and accelerates learning.

Early Obedience, Housebreaking, and Crate Training

Training should begin immediately upon bringing a Biewer Terrier puppy home, though outdoor activities should wait until vaccinations are complete. Early obedience work should focus on basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and leave it, all taught with patience and reward-based methods. Housebreaking is equally important and benefits from a structured schedule for bathroom breaks, combined with praise when your puppy eliminates in the correct place.

Crate training is another foundational skill for Biewers. A properly introduced crate provides a safe and comfortable space for rest, helps with housebreaking, and gives your dog a sense of security. Crates should never be used as punishment but rather as a positive environment where the dog feels comfortable retreating. Short, positive sessions gradually build comfort and acceptance of the crate.

Socialization Techniques for Puppies and Adults

Biewer Terriers are naturally sociable but benefit greatly from early and ongoing socialization. Introducing your puppy to a variety of people, other dogs, pets, and safe new environments helps them grow into confident, well-adjusted adults. Puppy classes, supervised playdates, and controlled exposure to different sounds and situations are excellent ways to reduce fearfulness or overreactive behavior later in life.

Even adult Biewers can benefit from socialization, though it may require a more gradual approach if they have had limited exposure to new experiences. Positive reinforcement, patience, and controlled exposure ensure your Biewer becomes comfortable around strangers, other pets, and unfamiliar situations, reducing anxiety and excessive barking.

Training for Specialized Roles: Working, Therapy, or Assistance Dogs

While most Biewer Terriers are primarily companion animals, their intelligence, attentiveness, and affectionate nature can make them suitable for specialized roles in some contexts. They can excel as therapy dogs, providing comfort and emotional support in hospitals, schools, or care facilities. With proper training, they can learn basic tasks for assistance roles, such as fetching small items, providing companionship, or performing simple alert behaviors for individuals with specific needs.

Specialized training requires a structured program, patient guidance, and careful evaluation of the dog’s temperament, energy, and health. Not every Biewer will be suited for these roles, but their natural intelligence, eagerness to please, and loving personality can make them capable and effective in the right environment.

Adoption & Buying Guide

Bringing a Biewer Terrier into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also requires careful planning and research. Whether you decide to adopt from a rescue or buy from a breeder, making informed choices ensures your new companion will be healthy, well-adjusted, and a great fit for your family.

Choosing a Reputable Breeder

If you decide to buy a Biewer Terrier puppy, selecting a responsible, ethical breeder is crucial. Not all breeders operate with the puppy’s best interest in mind, so thorough vetting is essential. A reputable breeder should focus on the health, temperament, and socialization of their puppies, rather than solely on profit.

Key factors to consider:

• Health Checks & Genetic Screening: Puppies should come from parents who have been screened for hereditary conditions common in small breeds, such as patellar luxation or dental issues. Ask for health records and vaccination history.
• Breed Standards: A good breeder adheres to the Biewer Terrier breed standards as recognized by the AKC, ensuring the puppies reflect the breed’s physical characteristics and temperament.
• Ethical Practices: Responsible breeders should allow you to visit their facility, meet the puppies and parents, and observe the environment in which the dogs are raised. The breeder should prioritize the dogs’ welfare, socialization, and proper care.
• Transparency & Support: Expect clear communication about the puppy’s lineage, health, and care requirements. Ethical breeders often provide a health guarantee and are available for guidance even after the puppy goes home.

Visiting the breeder in person and asking detailed questions helps ensure you’re bringing home a healthy, happy, and well-socialized Biewer Terrier.

Adoption from Rescues and Shelters

Adoption is a wonderful alternative to buying from a breeder. Many Biewer Terriers or similar toy breeds end up in rescue organizations and shelters due to changes in their owners’ circumstances. Adopting not only gives a dog a second chance at a loving home, but also supports rescue networks that care for the breed.

Steps for adopting:

1. Research reputable rescues: Start with organizations like the Biewer Terrier Rescue Association or local AKC-affiliated breed clubs.
2. Submit an adoption application: Most rescues require a detailed form to ensure the dog is placed in a safe and suitable home.
3. Home visit or interview: Rescues may want to assess your home environment to ensure it is puppy-safe and appropriate for the breed.
4. Meet and bond: Spend time interacting with the dog to see if their personality and energy level match your family’s lifestyle.
5. Finalize adoption: Complete agreements and adopt the dog, often with guidance on care, diet, and behavior training.

Benefits of adoption:

• You’re giving a dog a second chance at a happy life.
• Many rescues provide basic health care, spaying/neutering, and vaccinations.
• You often receive ongoing support from the rescue regarding behavior and care.

Questions to Ask Before Bringing a Biewer Terrier Home

Whether adopting or buying, asking the right questions helps ensure your decision is informed and your new companion is healthy and well-adjusted. Consider asking:

For Breeders:

• Can I meet the puppy’s parents and see their living conditions?
• Have the parents undergone health screenings? Can I see documentation?
• What vaccinations and preventive care have the puppies received?
• How are puppies socialized before going to their new homes?
• Do you provide a health guarantee or support after adoption?

For Rescues/Shelters:

• What is the dog’s medical history, including vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and any past health issues?
• How has the dog been socialized with children, other pets, or strangers?
• Are there any behavioral concerns or training needs?
• What kind of diet has the dog been on, and are there any specific care instructions?
• How does the adoption process work, and is ongoing support provided?

Asking these questions helps you understand the health, temperament, and care requirements of your new Biewer Terrier, ensuring a smooth transition into your home.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose to adopt or buy from a breeder, the key is to prioritize the dog’s well-being. Responsible breeders and reputable rescues ensure that Biewer Terriers go to loving, prepared families. By doing your research, asking the right questions, and preparing your home, you can provide a safe, happy, and fulfilling life for your new furry family member.

A well-chosen Biewer Terrier will reward your effort with loyalty, affection, and playful companionship for years to come.