When it comes to certain types of dog breeds that are healthy and hearty, a Norwich Terrier is very close to the top of the list. Most websites will claim the breed is not even prone to health issues whatsoever; while this is not entirely accurate, but for the breed to have serious health issues is actually rare. One of the most common health concerns of the breed which has only recently come to light are respiratory issues, which has appeared in a few lines.

More and more Norwich Terriers are displaying respiratory issues, which includes a number of upper airway problems which are now grouped under the classification of Upper Airway Syndrome. Norwich Terriers with UAS suffer from an abnormality of the soft palate in which it is either to short or too long. Other causes can be a narrowed or improperly formed trachea, tracheal collapse, small nasal passage, swollen tonsils or everted laryngeal savvules. The dog can suffer from one or more of these issues at any given time.

One of hallmarks of having everted saccules is the tendency for the dog to breathe in a raspy or moist manner, particularly after exerting themselves; however, many Norwich Terriers do not make this noise. The best thing to do is to have the dog checked by a vet on a regular basis to discuss what type of examinations need to be done and what type of treatment would resolve the problem. Depending upon which type of respiratory issue is diagnosed and are due to everted saccules, a vet may first want to try drug therapy to avoid any of the risks associated with surgery. Sometimes an elongated soft palate tracheal collapse, if not life-threatening, can be treated with corticosteroids, cough suppressants or bronchodilator medications.

Breeders are most worried about laryngeal saccules, once thought to be present in only dog breeds having a smashed face, like the Bulldog or Shih Tzu. In these types of dog breeds, saccules are normally positioned in the folds of the larynx or voice box, which aid in the resonance of sounds, protrude into the airway and block air passage. There are two types of dangerous saccules, both are thought to be caused by chronic inflammation and every time they become irritated, scar tissue results. Treatment for saccules includes removing the saccules and the surgery usually presents limited risk to the Norwich Terrier. In some instances, there is so much scar tissue built up that the dog's airway will be continually compromised, even without saccules being present. In cases such as these, the dog must be monitored and avoid extreme heat. Limiting the excitement level and keeping the dog at a proper body weight are also highly recommended to help alleviate the condition.

Unfortunately, a large number of Norwich Terriers seem to be affected by some kind of respiratory problem. Breeders claim it is impossible to exclude all compromised dogs from breeding, or the Norwich Terrier could become extinct. It has become so common and such a concern that both the Norwich and Norfolk Terrier Clubs have assembled a committee to find out more about the condition and its causes and hopefully find a cure.