Health Information

The Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are a long-lived breed with very few health issues. It is not uncommon for these loving dogs to enjoy a long and happy life to the age of 15 years or older. 

Maintaining the high quality health profile that the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier breed is known for is one of our club's highest priorities.  The club strongly recommends that TRT breeders conduct OFA tests for chondrodystrophy, intervertebral disc herniation and patella luxation.  OFA cardiac exams are also recommended.  Although structural issues in these joints are rare in Teddy Roosevelt Terriers, test results can be registered and made publicly available with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).  Genetic testing is crucial for the ongoing health and wellbeing of the Teddy Roosevelt Breed.  Breeders that use these genetic tests insures the likelihood of a healthy TRT from puppy to senior.

CDDY/CDPA/IVDD-- Chondrodystrophy/Chondrodysplasia/Intervertebral Disc Herniation

Chondrodystrophy and Chondrodysplasia (CDPA/CDDY, IVDD) Chondrodystrophy in dogs is a common trait identified in many dogs' breeds, characterized by shortened length of the limbs, which is a result of early changes in the structure of growth plates.  Chondrodysplasia is also known as canine dwarfism.   Chondrodystrophy (CDDY), caused by a separate gene mutation, also includes a short-legged phenotype as well as abnormal premature degeneration of intervertebral discs leading to susceptibility to intervertebral disc herniation.  

Symptoms can appear at any age of CDDTY/IVDD in dogs may include: 

• Paralysis
• Abnormal walking
• Unwillingness to jump
• Pain and weakness in rear legs (lameness)
• Crying out in pain
• Anxious behavior
• Hunched back or neck with tense muscles
• Reduced appetite and activity level
• Loss of bladder and/or bowel control (urinary and fecal incontinence) or unwillingness to posture to eliminate

Primary Lens Luxation (PLL)

Most importantly, we recommend that all Teddy Roosevelt Terriers be tested for Primary Lens Luxation (PLL).  Dogs affected by this genetic eye defect can go painfully blind in their adult years.  Puppies from litters where both parents have been tested "clear" of PLL can be considered "Clear by Parentage" and do not normally require additional testing.  PLL cannot be detected by veterinary exam, but it is easily tested by a genetic swab-test which can be ordered directly from the OFA.  

Cardiac

A cardiac exam by a veterinarian.  

Patella Luxation

The term luxating means 'out of place' or 'dislocated'. Therefore, a luxating patella is a kneecap that moves out of its normal location. Pet owners may notice a skip in their dog’s step or see their dog run on three legs. Then suddenly they will be back on all four legs as if nothing happened. 

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

Regarding Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), UTRTCA is not aware of any TRTs that have been clinically affected or diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy. However, since it is a serious disease that has a genetic test available, we believe that all breeders should be aware of the DM status of their breeding dogs and make that information available to the public.

Buyers--ASK FOR PROOF OF TEST RESULTS and Breeders--PLEASE TEST in order to help keep our breed from being impacted by these devastating above mentioned but avoidable conditions.

Find Teddy Roosevelt Terrier recommended testing by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.  You can further search test results for individual TRTs or ALL TRTs at this link:  

All TRT OFA results 

GenSol Diagnostics provides UTRTCA members a discount for their genetic testing services.  This is another great reason to have a UTRTCA membership.