Biewer Terrier

The Biewer Terrier is a tri-colored, toy-size terrier that is a relatively new breed. Athletic, sweet, and loving, they are the consummate companion dog. The breed is pronounced like “beaver,” and the name stems from the German Terrier breeders who created them. The breed was the first to be recognized as a purebred through genetics and is a combination of Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Havanese, and Bichon Frise.

Biewer Terrier Breed Overview

Plucky, funny, and charming, the Biewer Terrier pulls in the best traits from the breeds they were created from. They were created in Germany in 1984 when two tricolor puppies were born to Yorkshire Terrier breeders. They began their history in America in 2022 where they quickly became beloved toy breeds. 

Biewer Terrier Facts

• The first dog breed to be confirmed purebred through genetics.
• They were created in Germany in 1984 by the Biewers, hence their name.
• They are a combination of Yorkies, Maltese, Havanese, and Bichon Frise breeds.
• They are tri-colored.
• These dogs are happy-go-lucky and whimsical. 
• They are one of the newest breeds to be recognized by the American Kennel Club.

How to Care for Your Biewer Terrier

Here’s what you need to know about caring for your Biewer Terrier, including nutrition & feeding, health & wellness, grooming & hygiene, and living with the breed.

Nutrition & Feeding

What to Feed a Biewer Terrier

The best food for a Biewer Terrier will cater to their petite size. Look for food formulas specifically made for toy breeds, such as Purina Pro Plan Small and Toy Breed foods. Their diet should consist of high-quality protein, moderate carbohydrates, and good, healthy fats. The kibble size is appropriate for their small mouths, as well.

How Much to Feed a Biewer Terrier

The Biewer Terrier only weighs between 4 and 7 pounds and can become obese quickly if their weight is not managed. Consult your dog’s food bag or your vet to get recommended amounts, or use the Purina Feeding Calculator. There, you can enter their age, stage of life, weight, activity level, and more to get an accurate amount. Try to feed your Biewer Terrier on a feeding schedule, rather than free feeding them, to help with weight management and ensure they have enough calories to get through the day. Consult your vet to see if feeding them less food more often, such as over 3 or 4 meals, is appropriate.

Treats & Supplements

The Biewer Terrier likes to train, and low-calorie, high-protein treats that are appropriate for their small mouths can be used alongside positive reinforcement training. Larger treats could be choking hazards. A toy dog’s weight needs to be carefully managed, and treats should not exceed 10% of your dog’s overall daily calories. Before giving your dog any supplements, talk with your vet. They might recommend supplements like probiotics for gut health or omega-3 fatty acids for coat health.

Health & Wellness

Veterinary Care

It’s important to get your dog seen regularly by their vet. At checkups, they can help you with things like vaccine schedules, parasite prevention, dental hygiene, and spaying or neutering your dog. The Biewer Terrier has a few known potential health conditions, such as luxating patellas (a kneecap issue), bladder stones, and hypoglycemia. Your vet can monitor your dog and advise on treatment plans.

Biewer Terrier Enrichment & Exercise Needs

Despite being pint-size, the Biewer Terrier enjoys exercising and being physically active. Mental stimulation through games, puzzles, training, and toys is essential to keeping them happy and healthy. Be careful not to overexercise them, as their bodies are fragile. You’ll also want to avoid putting them in any situations where they might have to jump high, as that can strain their bodies.

Understanding Your Biewer Terrier’s Behavior

These affectionate and playful dogs generally have an easygoing temperament, but they can have a few behavioral challenges, such as excessive barking. To curb this, socialization and training are important and should be done frequently and early. They were bred to be companions, so they can suffer from separation anxiety as well. Making sure they are mentally and physically stimulated before leaving them, and not leaving them for long periods will help.

What to Expect as Your Biewer Terrier Ages

Biewer Terriers can live to be 16 years old if well-cared for. Your vet can advise on when to switch them to a senior dog food specifically for toy breeds. Some senior dog food formulas have nutrients that help with mental sharpness, joint health, and more.

Grooming & Hygiene

Skin & Coat Health

The long, silky coat of the Biewer Terrier does require frequent grooming and maintenance. You’ll need to brush it frequently to prevent mats and tangles if you keep it long. Some owners choose to go with a puppy cut, which is a short haircut. This can require more frequent trips to the groomer for trims. You can bathe them as needed, or every month or so.

Ear, Paw & Dental Care

All dogs should have their ears inspected frequently for signs of infection, and they should be cleaned with a vet-approved cleaning regimen. Trim their nails frequently to prevent painful splitting and cracking, and check their paw pads for scrapes, cuts, and debris. Check their eyes regularly for signs of infection and tear staining. Dental care is extremely important for smaller dog breeds, which are more prone to getting dental disease. Brush their teeth regularly and offer size-appropriate dental chews. Good dental care can help extend the life of your dog.

Anal Gland Care

Small breeds like the Biewer Terrier might have challenges expressing their anal glands naturally. If so, a blockage can form, causing an impaction. If not addressed, this can lead to an abscess, which requires a vet’s care. You’ll know it’s time to seek professional help from your vet if they are scooting, licking excessively, emitting a foul-smelling odor, or straining to go to the bathroom.

Living With a Biewer Terrier

Living Space

Many Biewer Terrier owners choose these dogs for their adaptability – they are great in any living arrangement, including small spaces. So long as these dogs have access to the outdoors for play and potty time, they are happy. You might want to dog-proof your home, as these dogs are very small and can be escape artists if given the chance. If you have a fenced-in area outdoors for them, never leave them unsupervised.

Socialization

Biewer Terriers need early and frequent socialization to build up confidence around unfamiliar people and places. Be sure to encourage independent play and allow them to interact with other dogs, people, and animals, rather than just holding them all the time. They are excellent family dogs, but their tiny size makes them a better fit for families with no children or older children who can be mindful of the dogs.

Climate Considerations

These dogs are sensitive to extremes in temperature. In colder weather, they might require a coat or sweater to stay warm. In hotter temperatures, exercise them during the coolest parts of the day, and make sure to offer plenty of shade and water. Watch them carefully for signs of heat exhaustion. In wet weather, it’s important to make sure their coats are fully dry to prevent trapped moisture that can lead to infections.

Potential Challenges

The Biewer Terrier is beloved for their spunky, charming ways. They are small and often fragile dogs, so they need owners who are mindful of this and can cater to their needs without babying them. Dental disease is common among such small breeds, so owners will need to be proactive with dental care to prolong their dog’s life. Their grooming needs can be a commitment.

Explore All Dog Breeds or find a Biewer Terrier to adopt with our partner Petfinder!