Yorkshire TerrierClose relative
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Biewer Terrier
Health grade C- Shoulder height21–26 cm
- Weight2–3 kg
- Life expectancy12–15 yrs
- Puppy price1,500–2,500 €
- Energy3/5
The essentials at a glance
The Biewer Terrier is a cheerful, extremely affectionate toy terrier—bred as a pure companion dog, yet beneath its silky coat, it still carries the brave, responsive heart of its ratter ancestors.
- Health grade C: The Biewer Terrier has several breed-typical problems: Although only a few diseases are documented, they include serious conditions such as subacute necrotizing encephalopathy / Leigh syndrome (SNE), primary lens luxation (PLL), progressive rod-cone degeneration (PRCD), and chondrodystrophy (CDDY).
- You are looking for a compact dog for apartment living that feels perfectly at home even in the hustle and bustle of city life.
- You want a constant companion who prefers to be everywhere with you and forms a very close bond with its owner.
- You live in an apartment with very thin walls and want absolute silence—it often announces visitors and unusual noises with the typical, vocal intensity of a terrier.
How the health grade is calculated
Sources for required breeding screenings. Verband Deutscher Kleinhundezüchter e.V. · Verband Deutscher Kleinhundezüchter e.V.
Self-check
Would the Biewer Terrier really fit your life?
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the Biewer Terrier fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
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Is the Biewer Terrier right for you?
At a glance
Biewer Terrier overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Shoulder height
21–26 cm
Weight
2–3 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Fine, smooth, silky, without undercoat
- Origin: Germany
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Biewer Terrier, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
What colors does the Biewer Terrier come in?
The coat colors that occur in the Biewer Terrier — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
- Tricolor
- Piebald
- Not standard
Chocolate
- Brown and white
Eye colors
Brown
Coat type
Illustrative imageLong
Silky
Smooth
Perfect for you if:
- You enjoy daily grooming as a shared ritual or are prepared to have its long hair professionally maintained on a regular basis.
- You treat it like a full-fledged dog despite its tiny size and provide it with real walks instead of just short potty breaks.
Less ideal if:
- You have very small, boisterous children in the household—its delicate bones will not forgive rough handling, and it will defend itself if cornered.
- You are out of the house for eight hours a day—as a human-focused companion dog, it suffers immensely from isolation and loneliness.
- You tend to skip training for tiny dogs out of pity—if you do, this clever little dog will quickly take command of your household.
The real vibes check
A Biewer Terrier is not a fashionable stuffed animal for a handbag, but a real character on short legs. If you take its terrier spirit seriously and set clear boundaries, you will get an intrepid, charming shadow. However, if you coddle it, it will mutate into a tiny, yapping household tyrant who tries to boss your visitors around.
Breed Profile
The Biewer Terrier is a small but elegant dog that takes hearts by storm with its fine, silky coat and lively nature. He is a variant of the Yorkshire Terrier; he is not recognized by the FCI, but the VDH recognizes him nationally as a breed in Group 3 (Terriers). The Biewer Terrier is not a working dog, but a pure companion dog. He has a well-proportioned body, with his legs being slightly longer compared to his body. His fur is long and hangs straight down both sides of his body, and he often wears it in a cute topknot on his head. It should be noted that the Biewer Terrier has no undercoat and is therefore less prone to shedding.
All measurements in detail
- Height
- 21 - 26 cm (Female), 21 - 26 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 2 - 3 kg (Female), 2 - 3 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 12 - 15 yrs
- Character
- Affectionate, playful, intelligent
- Coat
- Fine, smooth, silky, without undercoat
- Coat Color
- Blue-white-gold or black-white-gold
- Price
- 1500 - 2500 €
Character & Temperament
The Biewer Terrier is a true gem when it comes to his personality. His charming and affectionate nature makes him an ideal companion, especially if you are looking for someone who always wants to be by your side. He is also incredibly playful and will fill your days with joy and laughter. His intelligence means he learns quickly, but he also has an independent side and can be a little stubborn at times. Since the Biewer Terrier was originally bred as a companion dog, it is very people-oriented and loves to be the center of attention. He enjoys being part of the family and takes an active part in family life. This also means that he doesn't like to be left alone. It is important to teach him to stay alone, but you should be careful not to do this for long periods of time. His terrier heritage means he also has some degree of prey drive, but this is generally not as strong as other terrier breeds. He is curious and attentive, which also makes him a good watchdog. He will probably let you know when someone is at the door, but his small size means he is not suitable as a protection dog. In terms of temperament, the Biewer Terrier is generally happy and energetic, but not hyperactive. He enjoys playtime and walks, but he's also content to just sit on your lap and be petted. It should be noted that the Biewer Terrier can sometimes be reserved around strangers and it is important to socialize him well from puppyhood so that he grows into a balanced and confident dog.
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Barely any prey drive — small animals trigger nothing. | Very low |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Biewer Terrier was named after its breeders? Mr. and Mrs. Biewer from Germany began developing this adorable breed in the 1980s!
What Awaits You
Biewer Terriers are active and intelligent dogs. They like to be with their people, but also want to be kept busy and well exercised.
Housing & Care
Biewer Terriers are ideal as city dogs because they do not require a lot of space and also feel comfortable in an apartment. They are very social and love being in company. It is important to note that they may not be the best choice for families with very young children as their small size makes them prone to injury. However, they can get along well with other pets, including cats, if properly socialized.
- Family Friendly
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Family-oriented - Child Friendly
Gets on well with children — with adult supervision.
With supervision - Dog Friendly
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Generally tolerant - City Friendly
Small space, noise, lots of people — no problem at all.
Ideal city dog
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
Training & Education
The Biewer Terrier is intelligent and learns quickly, but he can also be a little stubborn. It is important to start training early and be consistent but gentle. Positive reinforcement works best with this breed. Biewer Terriers have a lot of energy and love to play. They are well suited to dog sports such as agility or obedience. It is important to be careful not to overwhelm them, especially when they are young. Ball games are great, but you have to be careful that the Biewer Terrier doesn't become a "ball junkie." It's also important to teach them frustration tolerance and impulse control so they can better deal with situations where they don't get what they want. Since the Biewer Terrier is originally a companion dog, its focus is on social interaction. He would like to be part of the family and take part in everyday life. Training that challenges him mentally and physically without overwhelming him is ideal.
Nutrition & Care
Your Biewer Terrier's diet should be balanced and high quality. Small breeds like these often have faster metabolisms, so it is important that they are fed food that is rich in nutrients. Fresh water should always be available. When it comes to grooming, the Biewer Terrier needs a little more attention. His long, silky coat is prone to tangling and should be brushed daily. He has no underfur, which means he sheds less but is also more sensitive to cold. In Germany he might need a dog coat in winter.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding No or minimal hair loss — suitable for allergy sufferers. | No shedding |
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Health & hereditary diseases
Health
C
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
The Biewer Terrier has several breed-typical problems: Although only a few diseases are documented, they include serious conditions such as subacute necrotizing encephalopathy / Leigh syndrome (SNE), primary lens luxation (PLL), progressive rod-cone degeneration (PRCD), and chondrodystrophy (CDDY). Genetic tests are available for all four, and the Verband Deutscher Kleinhundezüchter e.V. mandates them for breeding approval, alongside an examination for patellar luxation (PL 0). A health-conscious breeder will additionally test for portosystemic shunt and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD). Before buying a puppy, ask to see the PL findings and genetic test results of both parents; a PLL carrier may only be bred to a clear partner.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
In daily life this can mean
You should ensure consistent dental care, keep their weight low to protect their knees, and visit the vet early if any eye abnormalities appear.
The breeder's role
Responsible breeders perform the mandatory genetic tests for SNE, PLL, PRCD, and CDDY as well as the patella examination, and additionally screen for portosystemic shunt and LCPD.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Health risks for this breed
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
9
Risks tracked
5
Club standard
7
High severity
General / metabolic
Most affected area
Where this breed is vulnerable
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
severemoderatemild
How thoroughly does the breeder test?
Tier 1 reflects the tests Verband Deutscher Kleinhundezüchter e.V. actually mandates. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Club standard. Verband Deutscher Kleinhundezüchter e.V. requires these tests for breeding approval. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
No entries in this tier.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Costs & where to find one
How much does a Biewer Terrier cost?
A Biewer Terrier costs around ~€160 per month (€90 – €290, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€4,760 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (13.5 years) it comes to about ~€28,950.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€150 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€160
In the first year
~€4,760
Across the dog's life
~€28,950
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,500 – €2,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
Calculate your personal costs1-minute self-check with your own answers
Looking for a Biewer Terrier?
Appearance, variants & origin
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative imageIllustrative imageHistory
The full history
The Biewer Terrier originally comes from Germany and was bred from the Yorkshire Terrier through a chance mutation in the 1980s. Breeders Werner and Gertrud Biewer had a Yorkshire Terrier puppy with a striking white and blue coloring that differed from the traditional colors of the Yorkshire Terrier. They began breeding with this dog, creating the Biewer Terrier. Originally the breed was called "Biewer Yorkshire à la Pom Pon", but later the name was shortened to Biewer Terrier. The breed quickly became popular, particularly in Europe and the United States. The Biewer Terrier was recognized as a separate breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in January 2021.
Original Use
The Biewer Terrier originated as a variation of the Yorkshire Terrier and was bred as a companion dog.
Origin
Germany
Date
1980
Owner experiences
At home and in family life, owners consistently describe the Biewer Terrier as a very affectionate, cheerful little shadow.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
At home and in family life, owners consistently describe the Biewer Terrier as a very affectionate, cheerful little shadow. Many stress that it is happiest when it gets to go everywhere and can stay in close physical contact. Despite its tiny size, it often surprises owners with real stamina: it tackles longer walks with enthusiasm, yet adapts remarkably well to its owners' need for quiet at home.
Being left alone is named almost unanimously as the biggest everyday challenge. Because they are so focused on their people, Biewer Terriers quickly get frustrated when separated and tend to whine or bark loudly if they are isolated without step-by-step training. Many of these dogs are also quite watchful: the doorbell, noises in the hallway or strangers passing the garden fence are dutifully, and sometimes shrilly, announced.
In training, owners describe the Biewer Terrier as lightning-quick to learn, playful and motivated by tricks and brain games.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
In training, owners describe the Biewer Terrier as lightning-quick to learn, playful and motivated by tricks and brain games. At the same time, experienced owners warn against treating the dog as a mere "lapdog" because of its cute looks. It has noticeable terrier genes, which show in plenty of self-confidence, occasional stubbornness and a tendency to overestimate itself, especially around much bigger dogs.
Reports repeatedly stress that consistency from puppyhood is essential. Anyone who lets things slide soon finds themselves dealing with a small dog that takes charge of the household, guards resources or goes forward when meeting other dogs. Some of these dogs also have a noticeable hunting instinct, for example toward mice, birds or anything that moves, which calls for early recall training.
When it comes to grooming and health, owners mainly highlight how much time the coat takes.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
When it comes to grooming and health, owners mainly highlight how much time the coat takes. Because it has no undercoat, the Biewer Terrier barely sheds, but its fine, long hair mats very quickly. Daily brushing, regularly removing dirt and burrs after walks, and keeping the eye and private areas clean are all part of the routine. Many families therefore opt for a practical short cut in everyday life to keep grooming manageable.
On health, owners report the typical weak spots of toy breeds. The most frequently discussed are an early tendency toward tartar buildup and sensitive stomachs that call for careful food choices. Owners also point out the need to watch for hereditary conditions such as luxating patella and to get puppies only from reputable breeders, to minimize breed-specific joint and dental problems.
Sources:biewer-yorkshire-terrier.eufrom-beautifull-snowflower.dereddit.comdogforum.depetsdeli.de
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
Community posts
FAQ & more
Is a Biewer Terrier the right dog for me?
The Biewer Terrier is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Biewer Terrier live?
The average life expectancy of a Biewer Terrier is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Biewer Terrier need?
Biewer Terrier grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Biewer Terrier good for families with children?
The Biewer Terrier can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
What colors does the Biewer Terrier come in?
The Biewer Terrier comes in these colors: Tricolor, Piebald, Chocolate, Brown and white. Colors that fall outside the breed standard are marked as such on the breed page.
Are you a Biewer Terrier breeder?
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Biewer Terrier.