Is the Biewer Terrier or the Lakeland Terrier better for families with children?

The Lakeland Terrier tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Biewer Terrier or the Lakeland Terrier?

The Biewer Terrier and Lakeland Terrier shed a similar amount (low).

Which is easier to train, the Biewer Terrier or the Lakeland Terrier?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Biewer Terrier or Lakeland Terrier bigger?

Biewer Terrier and Lakeland Terrier are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Biewer Terrier or Lakeland Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Biewer Terrier or Lakeland Terrier?

For apartment or apartment living, Biewer Terrier and Lakeland Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Biewer Terrier vs Lakeland Terrier: Which Is Better With Kids?

Biewer Terrier vs Lakeland Terrier: full comparison

Trait	Biewer Terrier	Lakeland Terrier
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	Medium	High
Grooming needs	High	High
Shedding	Low	Low
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	High	Medium
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	15 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	No

Size and living space

The Biewer Terrier is a small dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Lakeland Terrier is a small dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Biewer Terrier needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. The Lakeland Terrier needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Biewer Terrier requires frequent brushing and regular professional trims and sheds only lightly. The Lakeland Terrier requires frequent brushing and regular professional trims and sheds only lightly. The Biewer Terrier is also considered hypoallergenic, an advantage for allergy sufferers. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Biewer Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. The Lakeland Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Biewer Terrier is naturally alert and defends its people, whereas Lakeland Terrier announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Biewer Terrier and Lakeland Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Lakeland Terrier has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Lakeland Terrier has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Biewer Terrier and Lakeland Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Biewer Terrier has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Biewer Terrier if you need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat, you want a more protective, watchful guardian, or you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the Lakeland Terrier if you want the more child-friendly companion.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Biewer Terrier or the Lakeland Terrier better for families with children?: The Lakeland Terrier tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Biewer Terrier or the Lakeland Terrier?: The Biewer Terrier and Lakeland Terrier shed a similar amount (low).
Which is easier to train, the Biewer Terrier or the Lakeland Terrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Biewer Terrier or Lakeland Terrier bigger?: Biewer Terrier and Lakeland Terrier are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Biewer Terrier or Lakeland Terrier?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Biewer Terrier or Lakeland Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Biewer Terrier and Lakeland Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Biewer Terrier vs Lakeland Terrier