The Manchester Terrier is an alert, intelligent, and athletic breed that excels in many canine sports. They are loyal to their humans and make excellent watchdogs due to their keenly observant temperament.

They come in two sizes, Standard and Toy, with no difference in temperament. The only differences are the overall size and ear shape. The Toy Manchester does not have cropped ears, which stand naturally upright and erect, whereas the Standard may have cropped or natural ears, according to the breed standard.

Let’s learn more about these magnificent canines.

Breed Overview

The Manchester Terrier is known as the oldest classifiable terrier breed. Named for the English city where the breed originated, these dogs were developed as premier rat hunters. In fact, they were once used for the barbaric act of killing rats in cages for sports betting among Manchester’s mill workers from the textile trade.

These dogs are extremely loyal to their humans and make excellent companions. They are bright, spirited dogs that excel in canine sports due to their athleticism and are alert and responsive dogs.

Manchester Terrier Characteristics

Manchester Terrier Puppies

Before searching for a Manchester Terrier puppy, know that these dogs have more energy compared to other dog breeds and require moderate exercise. You should prepare to take the Manchester Terrier on daily walks or other activities to tire them out; otherwise, you will have a destructive digger due to the lack of physical and mental stimulation. They are suitable for apartment living as long as you exercise your pup daily. These little dogs can be stubborn, and they are known barkers, which, on the one hand, makes them excellent watchdogs. However, you can prevent excessive, compulsive barking with proper training.

You can find breeders within the United States, but depending on where you live, you may need to travel. You can also check your local animal shelters and rescues for a Manchester Terrier, where the price will be much cheaper than buying from a breeder.

Manchester Terrier Origin & History

Their history traces back to Manchester, England, during the 1570s when they were known as the Black and Tan Terrier. In the early 1800s, the breed was crossed with the Whippet and possibly Italian Greyhounds to produce an efficient rodent killer and a capable rabbit courser. The breed’s name was eventually changed to the Manchester Terrier.

The Toy Manchester was developed because Victorian women desired a smaller dog. To keep up with the demand, selective breeding of the smallest Manchester Terriers resulted in the smaller Toy Manchester Terrier.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Manchester Terrier 🧠

The Manchester Terrier is a happy and alert breed. The breed is considered to be well-mannered but can be sensitive, as well as reserved with strangers. These dogs are bright, alert, and intelligent. The breed is known for having a spirited personality and is keenly observant. They are eager to please and can adapt to just about any environment. Unlike most terriers, they are not aggressive, but know that small rodents are unsafe around this breed.

These canines are independent but will play fetch with you. They have a good sense of humor and are charming. However, they are quite curious dogs and may engage in unwanted behaviors, such as digging and barking, if not exercised and appropriately trained.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

This breed can be an excellent and fun addition to any family with the time to devote to them. An important aspect of successful ownership is ensuring the Manchester Terrier is well-exercised and provided with adequate enrichment. They are extremely loyal to their humans but can also be extremely reserved around strangers. However, with constant socialization, they can warm up to strangers with no problem.

“Spicy” is a good way to describe this breed’s temperament, but they are not high-strung dogs. They do well with children, especially if introduced during puppyhood, but they may do better with older children. They also have a knack for picking up on their owner’s mood and are always in tune with their human’s emotions. If you’re happy, the Manchester Terrier is happy; if you’re sad, the Manchester Terrier will pick up the vibe.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

The Manchester Terrier can get along well with other dogs with early socialization. However, they have an instinctively high prey drive and will give chase to small pets in the home, like rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, etc. They may also chase the family cat but can learn to accept a cat as part of the pack with proper socialization. If you’re considering this breed, know that owning a small rodent as a pet is out of the question.

Things to Know When Owning a Manchester Terrier:

Before considering any dog breed, it’s beneficial to know how to properly care for its needs, as particular breeds have particular requirements for overall health. Let’s examine the specifics of the Manchester Terrier.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

These dogs do well on a complete and balanced, high-quality dog food approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Given their high energy, the food should contain a high-quality protein, such as turkey, chicken, beef, or lamb, as the first ingredient. The food should be appropriate for your dog’s age (puppy, adult, senior), and the average amount ranges from ½ cup to 1 cup daily. Always follow the feeding guidelines on the food’s packaging, as well as confirm with your vet how much to feed the Manchester Terrier to ensure you don’t over/under-feed them.

The Manchester Terrier does well with two feedings daily, split between morning and evening. It’s best to avoid free feeding to keep obesity at bay.

Exercise 🐕

We know that the Manchester Terrier needs moderate exercise, and you should strive to exercise your pup for at least 30 to 60 minutes daily with daily walks, runs, or some other activity. These dogs are exceptionally athletic, and you can have fun enrolling your pup in agility or obedience courses to keep them mentally and physically sharp. However, they can still receive acceptable exercise in an apartment as long as they have a ball or some other toy that you can throw for your pup to fetch. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll still need to walk your pet daily, if possible, to keep them satisfied.

This breed should always walk on a leash due to their high prey drive—if they see a squirrel or something similar, they will take off after it. For this reason, we recommend a leash that fits around your wrist rather than a retractable one for added safety. They are as fast as lightning and can quickly and easily get away from you.

Training 🎾

This breed is intelligent and fully capable of being trained through positive reinforcement. They are considered easy to train and are quick learners but require someone with a firm yet delicate approach to training. It’s best to keep training sessions short to hold the Manchester Terrier’s attention, and they do well with food rewards and praise.

Grooming ✂️

The black and tan coat requires little maintenance and is glossy and smooth. This breed requires only the occasional bath and does just fine with a weekly wipe-down with a damp cloth. Brush the smooth coat once weekly with a bristle brush to remove dead hair and trim the nails as needed. Note that they are not moderate shedders but do shed minimally, with heavier shedding in the spring and fall.

Acclimating your pup to a dental hygiene regime is beneficial. Keeping the teeth in good condition will help prevent frequent dental cleanings and is best for their overall health. Ensure you use dog-safe toothpaste when brushing their teeth. You can also provide dental treats to help, but dental treats should not replace a dental hygiene regime. Don’t forget to check the ears often and clean them as necessary with a dog-safe ear cleaner.

Health and Conditions 🏥

As with any breed, some are more prone to specific medical conditions than others, and it’s an excellent idea to familiarize yourself with the possibilities so that you know what to watch for.

It’s important to note that this breed has a history of inheriting a gene called ABCC9 linked to sudden cardiac death in the young (SCDY). This condition plagued Manchester Terrier breeders for years despite their efforts to breed two healthy dogs with clean medical exams. However, since the issue has been brought to light, researchers can test for this gene to prevent future cases of the condition.

Male vs. Female

The only real difference between the two sexes is the size, as males are slightly bigger. The temperaments are relatively the same, and deciding on a male or female is typically a personal preference.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Manchester Terrier

1. The Toy and Standard Manchester Terrier Are One Breed

While both the Toy and Standard Manchester Terriers are considered one breed, they are separated into groups under the American Kennel Club (AKC). The Standard Manchester Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1887 under the Terrier Group, while the Toy Manchester Terrier was recognized by the AKC in 1886 under the Toy Group.

2. They Thrive on Mental Stimulation

Manchester Terriers are highly intelligent and love to figure out puzzles, play with interactive toys, and excel in obedience training, all of which are needed to have a well-rounded, happy Manchester Terrier.

3. They Are Considered a Rare Breed

If owning a Manchester Terrier sounds tempting to you, know that the breed is considered rare in the U.S. However, you can find a few reputable breeders, but travel may be required depending on where you live. You also may be on a waiting list due to their rarity.

Final Thoughts

The Manchester Terrier is bright, high-spirited, alert, and athletic. The breed is highly adaptable but needs daily exercise to be well-mannered. They are easy to train with consistency and make excellent family companions. Due to their high prey drive, they are not recommended for living with small animals. Full of spunk and spice, they are fun dogs and excel in agility and other canine sports.

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Featured Image Credit: Ricantimages, Shutterstock