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The Manchester Terrier is a neat, elegant, yet workmanlike dog in a smooth glossy coat. The coat is black with distinct tan markings as set out by the official breed standard. Ears are small, V-shaped and neat, sitting high on the head. While this is a small dog, the Manchester Terrier is not delicate or frail, but compact and with substance.
The Manchester Terrier breed can suffer from:
- Patellar luxation
- Von Willebrand's disease¹ which is where a dog produces insufficient or faulty clotting factors which can result in uncontrolled bleeding.
- Legg-Perthes disease
- Juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy¹ which is a condition that develops in young dogs where the heart muscle becomes progressively weak and cannot beat properly.
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
- DNA test for von Willebrand's disease type 1 which tests whether or not a dog has the potential to be affected by this condition.
¹H. L. Legge, 'Histological characterization of dilated cardiomyopathy in the juvenile toy Manchester terrier', 2013, Veterinary Pathology
Whilst elegant and refined, the Manchester Terrier was, and remains, a tenacious, larger than life character, all that a terrier should be.
The Manchester Terrier is bright, intelligent, alert, loyal and affectionate to their family and keen to be involved in whatever activity is going on, yet small enough to be economical to keep and naturally neat and clean. They are typical terriers in that they are active and on the go all the time, often enjoy digging and may not be safe with unknown cats or small furry animals.
| Family-friendly: | 4/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 4/5 |
| Easy to train: | 2/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 3/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 3/5 |
| Energy level: | 4/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 3/5 |
| Shedding: | 3/5 |
Black and tan terrier types were used for pest control and sport in Elizabethan times and this remained the case for centuries. In the mid 19th Century, longer legged dogs similar to Whippets were introduced, producing a taller and more refined terrier. Then known as ‘The Gentleman’s Terrier’ this smart, useful dog became known as the Manchester Terrier toward the end of the 19th century, thanks to the popularity of the breed in the city and particularly in the cotton mills of Manchester.
Ideal Manchester Terrier owners have the spirit and energy to match this intelligent, sparky breed, but the patience and calmness to temper their hint of spice when necessary. This is a clever breed, and they need occupying with daily walks, training and games at home. Suited to active families with older children or child free homes and can live anywhere as long as there is a secure garden for games and training.
This is an active terrier who needs at least an hour’s physical dog exercise daily, with training, games and mental stimulation as well. The Manchester Terrier has the stamina to go all day and a low tolerance for boredom so interactive toys will help keep their mind and bodies busy. They will enjoy activities that fulfil their need to hunt, find and ‘kill’ and this need can be met via a variety of dog sports and with suitable toys.
The Manchester Terrier is a neat, compact little dog who is easily kept clean and tidy and requires a warm bed or lap, but not much more. Suitable for any sized home as long as a secure yard or garden is provided, and safe places for off lead exercise can be found.
Small dogs, such as the Manchester Terrier, have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate. But their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion. Discover more about how to offer your dog a balanced diet with our easy-to-follow guide.
A low-maintenance breed, the Manchester Terrier's short, smooth coat needs little more than a once-a-week brush to remove dead hair and a polish with a cloth. Dog baths should be infrequent, but easily done at home if necessary.
This is a sharp, clever breed who will enjoy puzzle solving and working with their person, but they have an independent nature, so learning how to motivate a Manchester Terrier and get the best out of them is key. Once motivated, they can be surprisingly trainable.
Teaching a recall is vital as their desire to hunt can lead them astray. Good dog socialisation from an early age particularly with other dogs is key to ensuring these ‘Gentlemen’ do not get off on the wrong foot with others. You can find out more about dog training and a few good tricks for Manchester Terriers with our article.
The Manchester Terriers small size can be too appealing to very young children, and they are still a feisty, opinionated Terrier not inclined to tolerate being manhandled.
With older children however, the Manchester Terrier can make a fun companion, up for all manner of games and activities, from a game of football in the park to a hike through the hills, this is a ‘do it all’ type of dog.
While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with each other and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.
