Common terrier health conditions

Conditions by category

Each condition below lists the terrier breeds most affected. Inclusion on a breed list means above-average prevalence according to breed-club data or AVMA-cited research — not that every dog of that breed will develop the condition.

The four conditions every terrier owner should understand

These four conditions show up across many terrier breeds and are frequent reasons owners learn about veterinary medicine the hard way. Understanding them in advance shortens the path to early detection.

1. Atopic dermatitis (chronic skin allergies)

Atopic dermatitis is an immune-system overreaction to environmental allergens — pollen, dust mites, mold, grass, certain proteins. The dog scratches, licks paws raw, develops ear infections, and may chew at the same spots until skin breaks. Westies have one of the highest atopy rates of any breed; Bostons, Cairns, and Bull Terriers are also above average.

Management is long-term. Effective approaches typically combine omega-3 supplements, medicated shampoos (chlorhexidine or oatmeal-based), antihistamines or prescription medication (Apoquel, Cytopoint, cyclosporine), and sometimes allergy testing followed by immunotherapy. There is no cure, but most dogs achieve good quality of life with the right management plan.

2. Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps)

The kneecap slides out of its groove, causing the dog to "skip" on a back leg before resetting and continuing as normal. Yorkies, Boston Terriers, and Cairns are particularly prone; Jack Russells less so but still elevated vs. the population. Grading runs I–IV — Grade I is occasional skipping with no lameness; Grade IV is a permanently dislocated kneecap.

Mild cases require no treatment and the dog adapts. Grade III–IV may require surgical correction, which has a high success rate. Maintain a lean body weight — extra pounds significantly worsen patellar issues — and avoid encouraging jumping from furniture in puppies.

3. Dental disease

Adult dogs of all breeds carry 42 teeth. Small terriers pack those 42 teeth into a much smaller jaw than larger dogs, which means crowding, plaque buildup, and accelerated periodontal disease. By middle age, many small terriers have multiple extractions. Untreated periodontal disease links to heart and kidney issues — dental care is whole-body care.

Daily tooth brushing makes a measurable difference. Annual professional cleanings under anesthesia become standard from middle age onward. Dental chews and water additives help but don't replace brushing.

4. Cancer — the breed-specific kinds

Cancer affects every breed, but several terrier breeds have specific elevated risks worth knowing about. Scottish Terriers have an estimated 18–20× higher rate of transitional cell carcinoma (bladder cancer) than the general dog population per Veterinary Cancer Society data; environmental factors including lawn chemicals are implicated. Airedales and Bull Terriers see elevated lymphoma rates. Annual senior bloodwork from age 7 catches many cancers early when treatment is most effective.

When to see a vet

Symptoms that warrant a same-week veterinary visit:

• • Persistent scratching, paw licking, or ear infections — likely atopic dermatitis; the longer it goes untreated, the worse the skin barrier breakdown.
• • Skipping or three-legged hopping in a young small terrier — possible patellar luxation; early grading guides treatment.
• • Increased thirst + urination, weight loss without diet change — possible kidney disease, especially in Wheaten Terriers; bloodwork establishes the picture.
• • Blood in urine, straining to urinate — possible bladder cancer in Scotties (and bladder infection in any breed); never wait this one out.
• • Difficulty breathing, blue-tinged gums — emergency in any brachycephalic breed (Boston Terrier) or any dog with potential heart disease (Bull Terrier).
• • Loss of vision, eye cloudiness, persistent eye redness — possible lens luxation, cataracts, or glaucoma; some are surgical emergencies.
• • Seizure-like episodes in a Border Terrier — possibly Spike's Disease (CECS); typically benign but worth confirming with your vet.

Sources

Breed-specific risk data in this guide draws from:

• • American Kennel Club breed standards — conformation, lifespan, breed history
• • American Veterinary Medical Association — diagnostic and management guidance
• • Orthopedic Foundation for Animals — public genetic-test and hip-evaluation databases
• • Individual breed parent clubs (see each breed guide for full source list)
• • Peer-reviewed veterinary research published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, the Journal of Small Animal Practice, and similar publications

Frequently asked questions