Manchester Terriers: A guide to dogs and puppies of the Manchester Terrier breed

The Manchester Terrier!

Two strains of the Manchester terrier are currently recognized: the Standard and Toy varieties. The main differences between the two are their size, and that cropping of the ears is allowed only in the standard variety. The breed is also generally known as the black and tan terrier, while the toy variety is also referred to as the English Toy terrier. The breed is known for its agility and compact build. It has a stretched narrowing head, with little dark eyes, a black nose, and a scissors bite. It has a somewhat curved back and a tail that narrows toward the tip. It has an easy, natural gait that contributes to its speed.

Some Quick Facts:

Life Expectancy:
14 -16 years

Energy Level:
Higher than average

Living Conditions:
In cool climates, indoor only.

Barking:
Average

Exercise Needs:
Daily walk and yard play.

Breed Group:
Terrier (standard), Toy

Size:
Standard: Medium-Small
Toy: Small

Height:
Standard: 15-16 inches
Toy: 10-12 inches

Weight:
Standard: 17-20 lbs
Toy: 6-8 lbs

Standard Hair Colors:
Tan and black combination

National breed club:
American Manchester Terrier Club

Manchester Terrier Skills

The Manchester terrier was developed to chase rats during the 19th century. John Hulme of Manchester, England was behind this occurrence, pushing the breed to become the best in vermin hunting at that time. The toy Manchester terrier gained popularity in the Victorian era. These days, the standard Manchester still has the ability to hunt vermin, though it is more popular as a companion and as competitor in earth dog trials.

Manchester Terrier Personality

The Manchester terrier is very intelligent, energetic, and highly trainable. It also very attentive, watchful, and quite devoted to its owner. It can even be eager to please and very obedient. Its characteristics are sometimes compared to that of a cat, particularly its aloof manner toward strangers, tidiness, and independence. The Manchester terrier is described as being quick to respond and quite well mannered in the home. Because of its curious nature, this breed likes to go off on adventures, while the toy variety is notorious for running after small animals.

Exercise Needs

This extremely energetic breed requires daily walks, off-leash romps in a safe area, as well as a regular, progressive challenge.

Living Conditions

This breed enjoys the outdoors in warm weather, but it should live indoors and be provided some comfortable, warm beddings. It is most unsuitable to cool climates.

Grooming Requirements

This breed’s coat needs almost no grooming, while the ears need to be kept clean and the nails trimmed.

Health Issues

The breed is known to be susceptible to blood-related problems, such as glaucoma and the unusual Von Willebrand's disease, a bleeding disorder. The Manchester terrier is also known to have sensitive skin and tendency to develop lens luxation.

If you liked this dog…

...the Border terrier is about the same size as the toy Manchester terrier, also obedient and a bit friendlier.