Pronounced “Beaver,” the Biewer Terrier is an outgoing dog that does well with strangers and other animals despite being very dedicated to its owner(s). The breed’s frame and facial structure is very similar to that of other terriers, just on a miniaturized scale. The Biewer Terrier’s down-to-earth attitude stands in contrast to its long, majestic, multi-colored coat.
Along with the breed’s toy size, learn what else makes this terrier one of the best dogs for traveling on planes.
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Size and Travel Options
Standing at 7-11 inches tall, all but the tallest dogs of this breed should be able to comfortably fit in an airline-approved carrier. It helps that this toy-sized breed has a very slight stature, typically weighing 4-8 pounds. Another great quality is that while these dogs are loyal and quick to alert their owners, they rarely have trouble with non-stop barking. And since they’re hypoallergenic, they’re less likely to cause fellow passengers to start sneezing or worse. Finally, if you start with a young puppy, you might wait a little while before taking them on their first trip. As with many toy-sized breeds, these dogs can take a little longer with their potty training. All in all, the Biewer Terrier is a great choice for people who are looking for a travel companion that can fly with you in the cabin of the plane.
Personality as a Travel Companion
If there is a downside to this terrier breed, it’s probably that they have moderate-to-high brushing and grooming requirements. Biewer Terriers with silkier fur coats may only need brushing every other day, but softer, fluffier coats will likely need daily brushing. Their stature and coat of fur makes them mostly indoors dogs, but they are eager to learn and perform tricks, both for owners and in groups. Again, these are friendly, outgoing dogs. This breed should travel well whether visiting family for the holidays or as a frequent business traveler.
As loyal and lively as they are with their owners, this is still a pretty laid-back breed. These dogs are also skilled hunters, making them great for frequent travelers who are scared of hotel critters as well as household vermin. Just know that they may carry their prey around in their mouths or even present their kill as a gift to their owners.
Health and Longevity
The Biewer Terrier is one of the healthiest of all the dog breeds with an average life expectancy of 14-16 years. Like any breed, there are some specific health challenges including patellar luxation. Oddly, this breed also tends to have digestive issues, especially stool that is occasionally soft or discolored. It’s important to have cleaning supplies and/or a plan to clean the travel carrier if your Biewer Terrier has a GI flare-up. Persistent problems with diarrhea will require veterinary attention. Still, most of these dogs provide many years of reliable companionship, whether at home or on your travels.
Biewer Terrier Breeders and Adoption Centers
With such a small, healthy, even-tempered breed, it’s no surprise that healthy Biewer Terriers puppies cost more on average than many dog breeds. With some luck, you can find a healthy Biewer Terrier from an adoption center for several hundred dollars. High-pedigree, purebred puppies from a reputable breeder may cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $3,000-$6,000. We’ve also seen an overall average price of $1,500.