Manchester Terrier: temperament, size, care and health

About the Manchester Terrier

The Manchester Terrier is a sleek, wiry-muscled dog with a black body, tan markings on the cheeks and legs, and a wedge-shaped head. It comes in two sizes. The Standard, which this profile gives figures for, stands about 15 to 16 inches tall; the Toy is under 12 inches. The weights in the table span both varieties.

The breed was designed to dispatch rats in Victorian cities and to course rabbits. It still has that speed and quickness, and a thin, smooth coat that shows its lean outline. Owners often describe a clean, athletic terrier with a thoughtful face.

Temperament and family life

Manchester Terriers are loyal and attentive, forming a close bond with a small circle of people. They are generally good with children who are old enough to handle them with care, though the Toy variety is delicate. They are more reserved than the Norwich or Cairn and may be wary of strangers.

They are alert watchdogs, and though not constant barkers, they do sound off. The prey drive is strong, so small animals in the yard are likely to be chased. They often like other dogs, but a few are possessive of food or toys. Separation anxiety is a risk, and a bored Manchester can become destructive.

Exercise and training

Manchesters need a daily run or brisk walk and enjoy lure coursing, agility, and flyball. The Toy needs less distance but still wants play. Both varieties are happy to cuddle after exercise.

They are among the more trainable terriers, being sharp, quick, and eager when treated kindly. Sensitivity is part of their nature, so harsh correction backfires. Reward-based training and early socialization are suggested. Housebreaking is usually straightforward, but cold or wet weather may make them reluctant to go out.

Grooming and shedding

The coat could not be easier: a quick wipe with a damp cloth or a soft brush once a week removes loose hairs. They shed lightly year-round, and the short black hairs stick to fabric. Bathing is occasional.

The thin coat leaves a Manchester vulnerable to cold, and it often needs a sweater or coat. Trim nails, check the ears, and brush teeth, particularly in the Toy, where dental crowding is common.

Health

The breed is typically long-lived. The bleeding disorder von Willebrand disease turns up in the breed, and breeders can test for it. Hypothyroidism, kneecap luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, glaucoma, and a heart condition called cardiomyopathy have been reported. Toys may have more dental and fragility concerns. Breeders typically test for von Willebrand disease and screen thyroid, hips, knees, and eyes.

This summary is general information only; a veterinarian is the right source for advice about one Manchester Terrier.

History

The Manchester Terrier is generally traced to the industrial city of Manchester in the nineteenth century, where the old Black and Tan Terrier was bred with sighthounds such as the Whippet to produce a fast ratter. Rat-killing contests and rabbit coursing were popular. As these sports faded, the breed became a companion, and the smaller Toy is a miniaturized variant of the same type. The American Kennel Club has treated the two varieties as one breed since 1958.

Is the Manchester Terrier right for you?

A Manchester suits people who want a sleek, low-maintenance terrier that is intelligent and loyal. It does well in apartments with exercise and is easy to groom. It is less suited to families with small, rough children, to those who live in cold climates without a coat for the dog, or to people who are away all day.

The Toy Fox Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher are similar in size and energy, while the Whippet offers a calmer, sleeker dog. The Doberman Pinscher shares the color pattern in a much larger working dog.