Manchester Terrier health: what owners should know

Manchesters are a long-lived breed, often reaching 15 or more. Known predispositions include von Willebrand's disease (a blood clotting disorder), Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, hypothyroidism, eye conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts, and juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy in some lines. Responsible breeders DNA test for von Willebrand's disease and juvenile cardiomyopathy, check eyes, and will discuss heart health in their lines.

Protect the thin skin from cold and scrapes, keep teeth clean and weight steady. See your vet for unusual bleeding after minor cuts or nail trims, a hind-leg limp in a young dog, cloudy or painful eyes, or tiredness and weight gain with coat changes. Sudden weakness or collapse in a young dog needs urgent care.