The Pet Atlas

Breed Dogs Toy

Biewer Terrier

A sparkling, playful friend bringing endless, devoted love

At a glance

Basic requirements and commitment level

Daily requirements

Activity
Low
Exercise
Low
Mental stimulation
Medium
Trainability
Medium
Vocality
Medium
Health sensitivity
Medium
Grooming
High
Shedding
Low
Temperature sensitivity
Medium

Context & compatibility

Size
Toy
Lifespan
12–15 years
Body weight
4–8 lb
Height
7–11 in
Apartment suitability
Well Suited

Is this right for you?

Common scenarios where this breed tends to fit well or less well

A good match

  • Prefer a companion-first toy breed, more "follow you around" than "full terrier mode"
  • Want a tiny companion and don't mind frequent brushing to keep the long coat from tangling

Not ideal

  • Want coat care to be occasional instead of part of the weekly rhythm
  • Have a rough-and-tumble home where very small dogs get bumped often

Social & behavior

Temperament and interaction style

Personality & activity

Bright and playful with a strong “stick close” instinct—often happiest near their person. Enjoys short training games and frequent mini play sessions.

Handling & social style

Affectionate and social, often happiest being carried, cuddled, and included. Best with gentle handling and calm introductions to new situations.

Care & health

Setup, routines, and health considerations

Care overview

The Biewer Terrier is small, affectionate, and people-focused, often thriving as a close companion with a lively streak. Many enjoy routine and gentle training, doing best with consistent handling and calm boundaries.

Environment & space

Very apartment-friendly. They typically do best where companionship is steady and daily routines are predictable.

Daily routine

Short walks, indoor play, and brief training moments usually fit well. Many thrive with frequent small engagement sessions and gentle manners practice.

Health sensitivities

Dental care and maintaining healthy body condition are common priorities. Small-dog comfort themes like patella/joint stability can be practical watch areas, along with coat/skin comfort.

Grooming / coat

Higher grooming commitment. Regular brushing prevents tangles; routine trims keep the coat comfortable and clean.

Background

Origins and how that history shapes what you see today

Origin region

Germany

Background

Developed from Yorkshire Terrier lines, the Biewer Terrier is known for its silky coat, compact build, and affectionate “shadow dog” tendencies. The look is distinctive, but the personality is the real draw—lively, people-attached, and quick to learn household routines. In practice, coat care and gentle handling are the ongoing commitments.