Sealyham Terrier health: what owners should know

The breed is generally hardy and often lives 12 to 14 years, but a few inherited conditions are known. Primary lens luxation, where the lens of the eye shifts out of place, can be screened for with a DNA test. Retinal dysplasia, glaucoma, deafness, skin allergies and back problems associated with the long body are also seen.

Choose a breeder who DNA tests for lens luxation and has the parents' eyes examined regularly. Keep weight down, use ramps and discourage jumping from heights. Contact a vet the same day if your dog has a painful, red or cloudy eye, squints or holds an eye shut, or shows sudden back pain, a hunched posture or wobbly hind legs.