Independent dog care guides · Sourced from veterinary references · Written for owners everywhereHow we workPet insurance
Straight answers for dog people, everywhere.
Hound Handbook
Breed profile

Biewer Terrier

A long-coated toy terrier from Germany, related to the Yorkshire Terrier but with a white, black and gold coat. Playful and bright.

A long-coated Biewer Terrier in white, black and gold sits on a pale studio backdrop
The Biewer's tricolour coat is what sets it apart from the Yorkshire Terrier.Photo: Detlef Breiting / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Weight
1.8–3.6 kg4–8 lb
Height
18–28 cm7–11 in
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Group
Toy
Origin
Germany
Popularity
#74 USNot ranked in UK · 2025

Known for: Flat-friendlyLap dogsLow shedding

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Playful, Affectionate, Alert, Lively.

Health problems to know about

  • Dental disease (retained baby teeth, tartar)
  • Patellar luxation
  • Portosystemic shunt
  • Sensitive digestion
  • Tracheal collapse

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

Short walks and indoor play, on a harness rather than a collar. Daily brushing for a long coat, or a short trim. Brush teeth daily and have retained puppy teeth checked.

A good fit for

Flats, adult homes, people who want a small, sociable companion and enjoy grooming.

Probably not ideal for

Homes with toddlers (they are fragile), owners who want a hiking dog, people away all day.

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

Similar breeds

All breeds

Related guides