Manchester Terrier

The Manchester Terrier may look like a Rottweiler or another “ferocious” dog, but this breed is actually very friendly. History – The Manchester Terrier originated in England, thus the name “Manchester.” One of its known ancestors is the Black and Tan Terrier, though other Terriers were also used in this breed’s creation. It is also thought that the Whippet is one of this breed’s ancestors. When first bred, the Manchester Terrier was used as a ratter. However, they aren’t used in this capacity much anymore, so they’ve developed into excellent house pets. Since their emergence in England, these useful dogs have spread across the world. They first appeared in the Americas in the 1880’s. The American Kennel Club recognized the Manchester Terrier just three years after its creation, making it one of the oldest “official” breeds in the States. Appearance – Manchester Terriers come in one of two varieties. The Toy variety weighs less than twelve pounds; the Standard variety weighs between twelve and twenty-two pounds. Dogs over twenty-two pounds are considered obese. Other than the size difference, though, there are no other distinctions between the varieties. While the American Kennel Club doesn’t register a standard for height – just for weight – it is known that purebred Manchester Terriers should be slightly longer than they are tall, giving them a lean appearance. The body is typically well muscled, which gives the appearance of both endurance and agility, two traits these dogs definitely possess. The head is mounted on a long neck. The expression is usually alert, keen, and intelligent. Erect or cropped ears are normal, though the Toy variety only has erect ears. As for the eyes, they are almond-shaped and small, and they should be black. A Manchester Terrier’s coat should be short, smooth, and glossy. Since the Black and Tan Terrier is one of the principal ancestors for this breed, it should come as no surprise that black and tan are the only acceptable coat colors for purebreds. The American Kennel Club considers small white spots or any other color to be serious faults and signs of bad breeding. Temperament – Manchester Terriers are expected to be alert and intelligent, as their expression suggests. This breed is rarely shy or aggressive, but is normally levelheaded. Very affectionate with their masters, these dogs usually form attachments early on and can become extremely devoted to their families. In general, they can be good around children and other pets, though supervision should be used. Pet Care – Grooming needs aren’t as demanding with the Manchester Terrier as they are with other breeds. In fact, the Manchester Terrier tends to groom itself more than other dogs – an almost cat-like habit. This dog needs regular exercise, though its needs aren’t as demanding as larger breeds. Obedience training should be done from an early age. Since this is a terrier breed, trainers should use a firm hand to ensure that the dog learns proper behaviors. Terriers have a tendency to test their boundaries, but early training can prevent this. Health Issues – The average lifespan of a Manchester Terrier is between fifteen and eighteen years, which is slightly above average for a purebred dog of this size. While it is a healthy breed overall, especially when compared to other purebreds, there are some known hereditary health problems. The most common health afflictions are seizures and epilepsy, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), thyroid problems like hypothyroidism, and Legg Perthes. Because of their small size and short coats, they are sensitive to temperature extremes, so owners should not leave them out in overly hot or cold weather. The other thing to watch out for is obesity. This breed can easily gain weight, so proper diet and nutrition is a must. What Owners Have to Say – Most owners love this dog for its loyalty and affection. They also love the breed because usually the dogs are easy to care for. Is this the right dog for you? – If you’re looking for a small dog that can also serve as a watchdog, then the Manchester Terrier may be perfect for you. Since they look like Dobermans or Rottweilers in miniature form, these tiny dogs will scare of would-be intruders. However, their true nature is much more friendly and loving, so they make great family pets. They can be very playful and will love to go on walks or runs. Plus, they are better behaved than some other terriers. However, if you don’t love the terrier attitude, this dog may not be for you. Most terriers act like big dogs in small bodies and will test their limits. They bark a lot and can be very clever, a mix that makes them both endearing and annoying to some owners. So, though the Manchester Terrier is a toned-down personality, be prepared to handle some of this, along with stubbornness and persistence. This breed does need regular exercise, and without it, a Manchester Terrier will be destructive. Since they are clever, these dogs can find outlets for their energy, even if you don’t provide the activities. This may mean chewing on furniture or scratching at doors. They also like to dig holes a lot, whether these holes are outside or in your carpet. Be prepared to provide training and exercise to prevent these nasty habits. If you can’t deal with it, though, then this breed isn’t for you. Think about all of these options prior to buying a dog. A prepared owner will likely love the breed they get, but an unprepared one won’t. Be honest about what you can and cannot handle, and you’ll pick the right one for you.

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