Biewer Terrier vs Papillon
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.

Biewer Terrier
Miscellaneous Class

Papillon
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Biewer Terrier Overview
Biewer Terriers captivate with their elegant tri-colored coats featuring black, white, and gold markings. These diminutive companions stand 7-11 inches tall, displaying a graceful silhouette and flowing hair that reaches the ground. Their bright, inquisitive eyes and dainty frame reflect their Yorkshire Terrier heritage, while their distinctive coloring sets them apart as a unique breed.
Papillon Overview
Graceful and elegant, Papillons are distinguished by their butterfly-like ears adorned with flowing fringed hair. Their refined build combines delicate features with a hardy constitution, sporting a silky coat in white with patches of various colors. Alert and lively, these intelligent companions carry themselves with remarkable poise while maintaining a spirited, friendly demeanor.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Biewer Terriers are less energetic than Papillons, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Biewer Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Papillons.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Biewer Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Papillons.
- Trainability: Papillons may be slightly easier to train due to their Papillon's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Biewer Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Papillons typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Biewer Terrier and Papillon, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
Feature | Biewer Terrier | Papillon |
---|---|---|
Size | Toy | Toy |
Life Expectancy | 16-16 years | 14-16 years |
Country of Origin | Unknown | France |
Breed Group | Miscellaneous Class | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
Feature | Biewer Terrier | Papillon |
---|---|---|
Height | 7-11 inches 18-28 cm | 8-11 inches 20-28 cm |
Weight | 4-8 lbs 2-4 kg | 5-10 lbs 2-5 kg |
Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
Coat Length | Short | Short |
Shedding | Unknown | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
Feature | Biewer Terrier | Papillon |
---|---|---|
Temperament | Intelligent, Devoted, Amusing | Friendly, Alert, Happy |
Energy Level | | |
Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
Feature | Biewer Terrier | Papillon |
---|---|---|
Good with Children | | |
Good with Other Dogs | | |
Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Biewer Terrier Temperament
The Biewer Terrier is known for being intelligent, devoted, amusing, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Papillon Temperament
The Papillon is characterized by being friendly, alert, happy, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Biewer Terrier and Papillon, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Biewer Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Papillon
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Biewer Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Papillon
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Biewer Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Papillon
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Biewer Terrier
Rating: 1/5
Papillon
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Biewer Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Papillon
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Biewer Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Biewer Terriers require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Biewer Terriers require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Papillon Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Papillons need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Papillons require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Biewer Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Liver Shunts
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Bladder Stones
- Heart Defects
Papillon Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Dental Issues
- Heart Murmurs
- Von Willebrand's Disease
Pros & Cons
Biewer Terrier
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Minimal exercise needs
- Good for apartment living
- Hypoallergenic coat
Cons
- Regular grooming required
- Can be stubborn
- Delicate build
- Potential dental issues
Papillon
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Easy to train
- Good with families
- Adaptable
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Can be yappy
- Delicate build
- May be stubborn
- Separation anxiety prone
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Biewer Terrier and Papillon, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.