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Breed Characteristics
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Manchester Terrier (Standard)
| Other Names | Black and Tan Terrier, Black and Tan Manchester |
| Country of Origin | Great Britain |
| Weight | Males: 18 lbs. (8 kg) Females: 17 lbs. (7.7 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 15 - 16 in. (39 - 40 cm) |
| Coat | The Manchester Terrier has a short coat that is short, smooth, and shiny when healthy. It is black and tan, with the tan focused on the legs, stomach, and muzzle area. The coat should be short and dense, glossy, but never soft in feel. |
| Colour | Black and tan. |
| Litter Size | 2 - 4 puppies |
| Life Span | 12 – 15 years. Although many have been known to live much longer. |
| Origin & History | In England; The early 19th century saw times of poor sanitation in England. Rats soon became a health menace and rat killing became a popular sport. John Hulme, enthusiastic devotee of the sport of rat-baiting and rabbit coursing, crossed a whippet to a cross-bred terrier to produce a tenacious, streamlined animal better suited to the sport. This cross proved so successful that it was repeated, resulting in the establishment of a definite type. By 1827 the breed's fighting spirit had made it equally handy along a hedge row as in a rat-pit. The Manchester could tackle an opponent twice its size. Ears were cropped to save risk of being torn in frequent scraps. (This also enhanced the sharp appearance of the expression). When rat-killing became illegal in England, rat-pits were supplanted by dining halls or public inns, all of which were infested by rats. To combat the rodent problem, each inn kept kennels. By 1860 Manchester was the breed centre for these "Rat Terriers", and so the name Manchester terrier became established. Smaller specimens began to gain appeal. Some breeders were known to introduce Chihuahuas in order to reduce size to as small as 2½ pounds. This resulted in numerous problems, including apple heads [clarification needed], thinning coats and poppy eyes. Inbreeding further diminished size, yet the smaller versions, though delicate and sickly, remained popular for some time. Smaller Manchesters were carried in specially designed leather pouches suspended from the rider's belt, earning the title of "Groom's Pocket Piece". With their smaller stature, these dogs obviously could not keep up with the hounds, but when the hounds ran the fox into dense thickets they were not able to penetrate, the little Manchester terrier was released. The breed was nicknamed the "gentleman's terrier". In the United States; As in its native country, the Manchester gained quick acceptance as a recognised breed. In 1886, just two years after the American Kennel Club was organized, the first black and tan terrier was registered in the stud book. The following year "Lever" (AKC #7585) became the first AKC recognised Manchester terrier. The 20th century is dotted by the recognition of breed clubs devoted to preserving and promoting this breed: In 1923 the Manchester Terrier Club of America was recognised and 1934 saw the toy black and tan terrier changed to toy Manchester terrier, and in 1938 the American Toy Manchester Terrier Club was recognised. By 1952, however, the Manchester Terrier Club of America (Standards) was without organised breed representation. To the credit of the American Toy Manchester Terrier Club, the two breeds were combined as one (with two varieties - standard and toy) with the 1958 formation of the American Manchester Terrier Club, which survives today. |
| Personality | The Manchester Terrier is a high-spirited, powerful, agile, very intelligent, cunning dog which is eager to learn. It displays the true terrier nature, is independent and faithful. Extremely lively, sporty, alert, keen and vigilant. Discerning and devoted, it is loyal and a good friend to its master. The Manchester Terrier likes to please its handler and learns quite quickly. These dogs can be outstanding in activities like agility skills and catch and also do well in obedience trials. They thrive on attention from their owners, and need leadership from their humans. Without enough exercise, mental stimulation, and/or if the dog is allowed to be pack leader to the humans, they can get upset when left alone. becoming bored, hyper, destructive, and barking excessively. Pack leaders are allowed to leave the followers, however, followers are not allowed to leave the pack leaders. They very much do enjoy being with their people, and should be taken for a pack walk before they are left for long periods of time to put them in an instinctual rest mode. The Manchester Terrier should be thoroughly socialized when it is young, and be around humans who display leadership towards the dog, along with rules, boundaries and limitations for the dog to follow, to prevent potential aggression. This breed needs thorough, firm training. A lack of human leadership can result in them becoming demanding, headstrong, protective, snappish and/or aggressive. Manchester Terriers should not be trusted with other small non-canine animals, as the hunting instinct in them is strong. They should be introduced to children as young pups and children should be taught how to display leadership toward dogs. Well-balanced Manchester Terriers that have owners who do not let them develop small dog syndrome, human induced behaviors where the dog believes he is pack leader to humans, will not display these negative behaviors. If given what they need as a canine animal, they are wonderful family companions. |
Care Requirements
| Health | Because of its tendency to be active, the Manchester Terrier doesn't usually develop a lot of Health Problems. But here are some that have been seen in this particular breed: •von Willebrands Disease - This is a disease that is transmitted via heredity lines and causes abnormal bleeding in the dog, but is also seen in humans. Some dogs will experience severe internal bleeding as well as prolonged bleeding after cuts and scrapes. Generally, this disease is not necessarily treated, but constant monitoring for excessive and possibly fatal bleeding is advised. •Glaucoma - While most people think of Glaucoma as a problem with the eyes, it's actually a disorder in which the blood pressure is elevated and thus causes pressure on the eye's retina, distorting sight. This can lead to problems with vision loss and optic nerve damage. Treating this condition is possible, and sometimes surgery is indicated as well. Talking with your veterinarian will be the best place to start. •Heat sensitivity - Because of their thinner skin and shorter coat, the Manchester Terrier may develop a sort of heat reaction when out in the sun too long. Small bumps can appear on the back of the dog, indicating that they have had a bit too much sunshine for the day. Treatment is to bring the dog indoors or at least in the shade until the bumps subside. Have the dog drink plenty of water too to cool down the inflammation. |
| Grooming | The short, shiny black and tan coat is easy to care for, requiring almost no grooming. This is an easy-care breed. The Manchester Terrier is an average shedder. Keep the ear passages clean and the claws short. |
| Exercise | The Manchester Terrier demands plenty of exercise. In addition to the normal daily walks, let it run and play off the leash regularly. These dogs can run very fast and keep the speed up for a long time. This dog greatly enjoys exercising by running alongside a bicycle, provided the amount of exercise is built up gradually. Do not allow this breed off the leash except in a secure area unless it has been trained, as he likes to chase. |
| Other Considerations | The Manchester Terrier is a good dog for apartment living. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. Manchester Terriers prefer warm climates. |
