Manchester Terrier

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Manchester Terrier originated in England and was bred to hunt small rodents and is best known as a ratter. Their breed was created by mixing the Whippet and the Black and Tan Terrier together with the outcome being a quick, agile hunting dog. The Manchester Terrier resembles a larger Miniature Pinscher as the colouring and coat texture are quite similar. During the late 1800's there were 2 versions of this dog being bred, the toy and the standard. English nobility often wanted small breeds and the Manchester Terrier was one that was created for companion purposes.

Today this breed is used primarily for companionship as they make excellent pets for people that want a bright and exuberant dog. The Manchester Terrier will be best in a home that has no other animals as they have a tendency to chase smaller family pets and to be snappy around other dogs. Older children would be better suited for this breed as they can become intolerant with younger children.

This breed has a very short, glossy coat that is smooth to the touch. They have 2 size varieties, the standard and toy, both have a long thin muzzle with pointed upward and erect ears. Their tail is skinny and long coming to a sharp point at the end. They have fine boned legs and small paws giving them a charming gait.

Color

The Manchester Terrier comes in only one type of coat coloring which is black and tan. The majority of their body is covered in black and they have tan accents on their face, paws, underbelly and ears.

Coat

This breed has a very short, silky coat that will be very low maintenance to upkeep. Brushing this dog with a hounds glove will keep the coat looking shiny and bathing about once every 2 months will be needed for this breed. During the colder seasons, the Manchester terrier will need to have extra layers or a doggie coat to keep them warm because their fur coat will not be warm enough.

Personality

The Manchester Terrier is a bright, loyal and loving dog that enjoys being around their owners at all times. This is not a breed of dog that should be left alone often as they will become depressed, so an owner who is at home during the day would be perfect for this breed. They are extremely intelligent dogs and can be skilled in basic obedience and agility trials because they have such high motivation to please their owners. As puppies, the Manchester Terrier will need a lot of socialization especially around other dogs and small animals (cats) because they have been known to become intolerant of both as adults. These dogs enjoy affection from their owners but also need their own space because they can be independent dogs.

Care

This breed will need very minimal grooming. Their short coat will need a brushing about once every 2 weeks and should be bathed approximately once every 2 months. The Manchester Terrier is prone to Von Willebrands disease, and can be easily burnt if they stay too long in the sun. They are a healthy breed with very few genetically inherited diseases.

Training

The Manchester Terrier has ample potential to become excellent in obedience and agility because they have a high intelligence level. They will need very firm training as most terriers do, and consistency to ensure the information given to them is completely memorized. Positive training methods are a must because if taught in a negative fashion, these dogs will not succeed in any type of training. They have a very eager attitude towards pleasing their master so in general, the Manchester Terrier will not be difficult to train.

Activity

This breed will need quite a bit of daily exercise as they can be energetic dogs. Daily long walks will be needed but also time spent off-leash to run around at their own pace is a necessity as well. They will do very well in an apartment because they are such small dogs and a backyard is not needed as long as they get daily exercise!