Dandie Dinmont Terrier health: what owners should know

The Dandie's long back makes it prone to intervertebral disc disease. The breed is also known for primary glaucoma, which can cause sudden eye pain and vision loss, and for hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease. Some lines show epilepsy. The breed's small population makes careful breeding especially important.

Responsible breeders have eyes examined, and many use gonioscopy, an eye test for glaucoma risk, before breeding. At home, keep your Dandie lean, use ramps and avoid jumping. See a vet urgently if your dog has a red, painful or cloudy eye, squints, suddenly cries out, walks unsteadily or cannot use its back legs.