Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Chihuahua Versus Biewer Terrier: Introduction
- Chihuahua versus Biewer Terrier: Overview
- Chihuahua versus Biewer Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Chihuahua and the Biewer Terrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of Chihuahua versus Biewer Terrier
- Lifespan of Chihuahua versus Biewer Terrier
- Price of Chihuahua versus Price of Biewer Terrier
- Health Problems of Chihuahua versus Health Problems of Biewer Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Chihuahua versus Biewer Terrier
- Do Chihuahuas shed more than Biewer Terriers?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Chihuahua or the Biewer Terrier?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chihuahua or the Biewer Terrier?
- Are Chihuahuas good family dogs? What about Biewer Terriers?
- Is the Chihuahua Easier to Train than the Biewer Terrier?
- Which one drools more, the Chihuahua or the Biewer Terrier
- How Kid-friendly are Chihuahuas and Biewer Terriers?
- Does the Chihuahua Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Biewer Terrier?
- Do Chihuahuas Bark and Howl? What about Biewer Terriers?
- Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Biewer Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Chihuahua vs. Biewer Terrier
- Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Biewer Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Chihuahua Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Chihuahua versus Biewer Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Chihuahua Versus Biewer Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Chihuahua and the Biewer Terrier? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Chihuahua and the Biewer Terrier better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Chihuahua and the Biewer Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Chihuahua and the Biewer Terrier is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Chihuahua and for the Biewer Terrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Chihuahua and the Biewer Terrier.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Chihuahua or the Biewer Terrier.
Read on.
Chihuahua versus Biewer Terrier: Overview
Both the Chihuahua and the Biewer Terrier are similar in size. The Chihuahua and the Biewer Terrier are both tiny-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Chihuahua belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
On the other hand, the Biewer Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
Chihuahua versus Biewer Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Chihuahua to the Biewer Terrier based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Chihuahua and the Biewer Terrier
| Factor | Chihuahua | Biewer Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 18 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 3 to 6 pounds | 4 to 8 pounds |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder | 7 to 11 inches |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $1840 | $2700 |
| Price Range | $850 – $2500 | $2000 – $3000 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chihuahua in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Biewer Terrier. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the Chihuahua is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Biewer Terrier is 89 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Biewer Terrier, we still believe that the Chihuahua is a better pet than the Biewer Terrier.
This is because Chihuahuas are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Chihuahua will come out on top.
Also, we are biased in favor of the Chihuahua :-). We are for the Chihuahua. So get a Chihuahua!
The Similarities Between the Chihuahua and the Biewer Terrier
The Chihuahua and the Biewer Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Chihuahua and the Biewer Terrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Chihuahua versus Biewer Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Chihuahua and the Biewer Terrier.
Chihuahuas weigh 3 to 6 pounds when fully grown. Chihuahuas are 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Biewer Terriers weigh 4 to 8 pounds when fully grown. Biewer Terriers are 7 to 11 inches when fully grown.
Here is our article on Chihuahua size, Chihuahua growth, and Chihuahua weight.
Lifespan of Chihuahua versus Biewer Terrier
The lifespan of Chihuahuas is between 10 to 18 years. The average lifespan of Chihuahuas is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Biewer Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Biewer Terriers is 13.5 years.
Chihuahuas live longer than Biewer Terriers.
Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua lifespan and how long Chihuahua live.
Price of Chihuahua versus Price of Biewer Terrier
The average price of the Chihuahua puppy is $1840. The price of the Chihuahua typically ranges from $850 – $2500. However, the price of a Chihuahua can be as low as $100 and as high as $25000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1982 Chihuahua puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Biewer Terrier puppy is $2700. The price of the Biewer Terrier typically ranges from $2000 – $3000. However, the price of the Biewer Terrier can be as low as $650 and as high as $32500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 145 Biewer Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Biewer Terrier is more expensive than the Chihuahua.
| Chihuahua | Biewer Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1840 | $2700 |
| Price Range | $850 to $2500 | $2000 to $3000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Chihuahua and Biewer Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Chihuahua puppies or how many Biewer Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Chihuahuas. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Biewer Terriers?
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Chihuahua puppy or the Biewer Terrier puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua cost and price.
Check out our list of best Chihuahua breeders here
Health Problems of Chihuahua versus Health Problems of Biewer Terrier
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Chihuahua and the Biewer Terrier are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Biewer Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Chihuahua.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Biewer Terrier than for the Chihuahua.
3 health tests are recommended for Chihuahua while 8 tests are recommended for the Biewer Terrier.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Chihuahuas and in Biewer Terriers.
Chihuahua Health Problems
Chihuahuas are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Chihuahua puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Chihuahua puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Chihuahua breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Chihuahuas for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Chihuahuas here.
Biewer Terrier Health Problems
Biewer Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Biewer Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Biewer Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Biewer Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Biewer Terriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Biewer Terriers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Chihuahuas and Biewer Terriers
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Chihuahua Breed is Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
This is because the Chihuahua ranks 2 out of 40 dog breeds for Legg-Calve-Perthes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 129 Chihuahuas, 2 of them had Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Chihuahuas, and how common these diseases are in Chihuahuas relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Biewer Terrier Breed is Patella problems.
This is because the Biewer Terrier ranks 10 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 298 Biewer Terriers, 25 of them had Patella problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Biewer Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Biewer Terriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Chihuahua and in Biewer Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Chihuahua and the Biewer Terrier:
| Disease | Chihuahua Rank | Biewer Terrier Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | 2 out of 40 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 24 out of 145 dog breeds | 10 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 50 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 64 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 92 out of 182 dog breeds | 41 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 157 out of 198 dog breeds | Not Common |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Chihuahua versus Biewer Terrier
Chihuahuas do not like to be left alone.
Biewer Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Chihuahuas shed more than Biewer Terriers?
Chihuahuas do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Check out our articles to learn more on how to minimize shedding in Chihuahuas, and on how to groom a Chihuahua
Biewer Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Chihuahua or the Biewer Terrier?
Chihuahuas are very easy to groom.
To learn more about how to properly groom a Chihuahua, check out our article on how to groom a Chihuahua.
Learn more on how to take care of a Chihuahua here.
Biewer Terriers are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chihuahua or the Biewer Terrier?
Chihuahuas do not get along well with other dogs.
Biewer Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Chihuahuas good family dogs? What about Biewer Terriers?
Chihuahuas are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Chihuahua make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.
Learn about Chihuahua temperament here.
Biewer Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Chihuahua Easier to Train than the Biewer Terrier?
Chihuahuas are very easy to train.
To learn more on Chihuahua training, check out our article on how to train a Chihuahua.
Biewer Terriers are fairly easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Chihuahua or the Biewer Terrier
Chihuahuas do have a very low tendency to drool.
Biewer Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Chihuahuas and Biewer Terriers?
Chihuahuas get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Biewer Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Chihuahua Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Biewer Terrier?
Chihuahuas have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Biewer Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.
Do Chihuahuas Bark and Howl? What about Biewer Terriers?
Chihuahuas bark and howl, but not very much.
Biewer Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Biewer Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Chihuahuas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Biewer Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Chihuahua vs. Biewer Terrier
Chihuahuas do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Biewer Terriers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Biewer Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Chihuahuas cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Biewer Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Is the Chihuahua Better for Apartment Owners than the Biewer Terrier?
Chihuahuas adapt very well to apartment living.
Biewer Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Chihuahua or the Biewer Terrier?
Chihuahuas are very good for new dog owners.
Biewer Terriers are OK for new dog owners.
Chihuahua Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Chihuahua compares to other breeds aside from the Biewer Terrier. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Chihuahua to other breeds:
Chihuahua versus Belgian Malinois Chihuahua versus Irish Wolfhound Chihuahua versus Pomchi Chihuahua versus Irish Wolfhound Chihuahua versus Siberian Husky Chihuahua versus American Water Spaniel Chihuahua versus Australian Terrier Chihuahua versus Neapolitan Mastiff Chihuahua versus Portuguese Water Dog Chihuahua versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Chihuahua versus English Toy Spaniel Chihuahua versus Rottweiler Chihuahua versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Chihuahua versus Korean Jindo Dog Chihuahua versus Cockapoo Chihuahua versus Affenpinscher Chihuahua versus Beagle Chihuahua versus Shiranian Chihuahua versus Peek A Poo Chihuahua versus Boykin Spaniel Chihuahua versus Shichon Chihuahua versus Clumber Spaniel Chihuahua versus Field Spaniel Chihuahua versus Australian Kelpie Chihuahua versus Spanish Mastiff
Conclusion: Chihuahua versus Biewer Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Chihuahua and the Biewer Terrier better suits you and your family.