The Manchester Terrier was bred in England to kill rats and to course rabbits.
Alternate Names
none
Appearance:
Body: Short, slightly curved back, well sprung ribs, narrow chest, and well laid back shoulders.
Coat: Short, smooth, dense, and glossy.
Color: Jet black with distinct rich mahogany tan markings on the eyes and cheeks, muzzle, lower jaw, throat, inside the ears, below the knees, and inside the hindquarters.
Ears: Small, thin, high set, and v-shaped. Ears are carried naturally erect on the Toy variety and naturally erect, cropped, or button on the Standard variety.
Eyes: Small, almond-shaped, not too wide apart, oblique (outer corners are higher than inner corners), and dark.
Feet: Small, compact, and strong with well arched toes, thick pads, and black nails; the two center toes are longer than the outer toes. Hind feet are cat-like with thick pads and black nails.
Head: Wedge-shaped, long, and narrow with a flat skull and slight stop. Muzzle and skull equal in length, nose is black, and lips are tight and black.
Legs: Forelegs are straight, and proportionately long. Hindquarters are solid and well-muscled, hind legs carried well back, with well-bent stifles.
Neck: Moderately long, thin, and arched; gradually taper out to sloping shoulders.
Size:
Standard:
Height is 15 – 16 inches
Weight is 12 – 22 pounds
Toy:
Height is 10 – 12 inches
Weight is 7 – 12 pounds
Tail: Short, thick at the base, and tapering to the tip.
Behavior
Recommended for novice dog handlers
Good with children
Can be barkers
Get along well with other dogs but will chase other small animals
The Manchester Terrier is intelligent, curious, shrewd, high spirited, and athletic. He’s a very active dog who needs lots of room to run. He is best suited for an active owner who has the time to take him for long walks and provide him with lots of play time.
AKC Standard says, “The Manchester Terrier is neither aggressive nor shy. He is keenly observant, devoted, but discerning. Not being a sparring breed, the Manchester is generally friendly with other dogs.”
In the ratting pits the Manchester Terrier was judged on how many rats he could kill; not for fighting other dogs. Though he can be ill-tempered most are quiet and non-aggressive. He gets along well with other dogs and relishes any opportunity to play with dogs and people.
He’s quick and agile with strong hunting instincts. Keep him on a lead or in a securely enclosed area or he will be off chasing prey with little regard for traffic or other dangers.
The Manchester is good with children but can easily be injured. Supervision is recommended with toddlers or young children until they have learned to be respectful. Broken legs and dislocated knee caps can occur from being unintentionally dropped, and from jumping off of high furniture or other high places.
Training should be positive with lots of patience, praise, and treat-type rewards. Treats can be gradually removed as he progresses.
He loves the comforts of home and will seek out soft, warm places to relax, such as the bed and sofa.
Breed Type
AKC Group: Terrier Group
Originally bred to kill rats and course rabbits. He was also used in rat killing pit contests.
Care and Grooming
Exercise: He is an active dog who needs an active owner. Daily walks and lots of time to play will keep him happy and fit.
Grooming: Brush one to two times weekly.
Health
Life Expectancy: 12 – 14 Years
Possible Problems:
Legg-Perthes – deterioration of the femur (thigh bone)
Low Thyroid
vWD – a bleeding disorder
Recommended Certificates: CERF –
Canine Eye Registration Foundation.
The Manchester Terrier gets cold easily. Provide him with a warm sweater or jacket if you live in a cold climate area and to protect him from the rain. You may want to train him to use a litter box during the extreme temperatures of winter.
Country of Origin
England