Tis dog breed are generally hardy and long-lived dogs with few health problems. However, they have a very high resistance to pain and will very often appear healthy even when injured or sick. Consequently, any sign of illness should be taken seriously. Due to their low percentage of body fat, Border Terriers are very sensitive to anesthetics. Therefore, Border Terrier owners should select a veterinarian that is aware of this and is cautious in administering anesthesia.

Due to their instinct to kill and consume smaller animals, Border Terriers often destroy, and sometimes eat, toys that are insufficiently robust. Indigestion resulting from eating a toy can cause the appearance of illness. Typical symptoms include lethargy, unwillingness to play, a generally ‘unhappy’ appearance, lack of reaction to affection, and inability or unwillingness to sleep. These symptoms are generally very noticeable, however, they are also present just prior to Border Terrier bitches being on heat. Food-grade liquid paraffin is often an effective solution to digestive problems caused by the consumption of dog toys. This problem can be avoided by giving the Border Terrier only durable toys.

Border Terriers occasionally have genetic health problems. Some of these include:

* Hip dysplasia
* Perthes disease
* Luxating patella
* Various heart defects
* Juvenile cataracts
* Progressive retinal atrophy
* Seizures
* CECS (Canine Eptiloid Cramping Syndrom

Reliable breeders check all breeding stock for as many of these as possible before breeding.

source : wikipedia