Manchester Terrier

In my own words

 

I’ve bought you another rat I caught, I hope you don’t mind! My kind are rat-catchers after all. Oh it won’t hurt you, that’s exactly why I caught it. Didn’t I do a good job? I don’t just catch rats though, I’ve got my eye on next door’s rabbit so keep an eye on me, otherwise you might be eating rabbit stew! Don’t you like rabbit stew? Perhaps we better steer clear of rabbits then...

How about we go for a walk instead? I love walkies! I just love to run and run, I’ve got so much energy. You better make sure you eat your Weetabix to keep up with me! And then when we get home maybe we can all play together? I love it when everyone’s together. It’s so nice to be part of the family, don’t you think? I just don’t like it so much when those crazy toddlers come round, the older children are much better to play with!

Information essential about the Manchester Terrier

 

Kennel Club Group:

Terrier

Size:

Small: Weight 12 – 22 lb (5.4 – 10 kg)

Height 15 – 16” (38 – 41 cm)

Popularity:

 

The Toy variety became popular during the reign of Queen Victoria but the popularity of the Manchester Terrier has since diminished.

Breed History:

 

The Manchester Terrier originated in Manchester during the 19th Century. They were bred from a Whippet and a dark rat-catching terrier as vermin-hunters, used to keep rats away from stables, barns and warehouses. The Manchester Terrier comes in two varieties; standard and toy. The toy variety became popular during the reign of Queen Victoria. Although their popularity has diminished since then, this breed has retained its working capabilities and makes a lovely companion.

 

Character:

 

This breed is independent and protective but not aggressive. The Manchester Terrier has a steady temperament, gets along with other dogs and is patient with children. They are compact and agile as well as being very intelligent and lively. They are more responsive than other terrier breeds and respond well to positive training, affection and attention. The Manchester Terrier is very devoted and loyal to its family and thrive on human companionship, sometimes being quite demanding of people’s attention. However, they display the true nature of a Terrier in that they are independent yet faithful. They are best suited to a home with older, considerate children and are not recommended for homes with other household pets. This breed has a tendency to be snappish, combative and headstrong.

 

Temperament:

 

The Manchester Terrier is alert, energetic and feisty. They quickly form a strong bond with their owners and are very affectionate with their family but can be reserved with strangers. This breed is brave and willing to protect themselves, their home and their family and their keen eye makes them good watchdogs. They are keen to employ their barking skills to ward off any threats. The Manchester Terrier is lively and athletic and is well suited to active, energetic people. They are adaptable and love to be involved in family activity. They do well with gentle, well-behaved children and other dogs, however, if challenged the Manchester Terrier will not back down no matter the size of the other dog. If introduced at a young age they can coexist peacefully with cats but are not suited to households with small pets such as rodents and rabbits due to their hunting nature. They are intelligent dogs who are eager to learn but they can be stubborn and headstrong.

Conformation:

 

Manchester Terriers have small, athletic bodies with a smooth black and tan coat. They have narrow, wedge-shaped heads with erect ears, dark eyes and strong jaws. They have a lean neck, narrow chest and tapered tail that either hangs low or curls into a hook shape. Overall the Manchester Terrier has a sleek and agile look to its frame.

 

Colour:

 

The coat is black with mahogany tan markings.

Training:

It is vital that the Manchester Terrier has early and intense socialisation and obedience training. They are eager and willing to please and quick to learn but does not respond to harsh or heavy-handed training methods. This breed requires firm and consistent training with an owner that is fair, persistent and patient. The Manchester Terrier excels in agility and obedience trials

Care:

 

The Manchester Terrier requires little grooming and sheds very little. Occasional brushing with minimise loose hair. It is important to check and clean the ears on a consistent basis. This breed prefers a warm climate but should not be left in the sun for any length of time. The standard Manchester Terrier sheds a fair amount of hair. The standard Manchester Terrier benefits from being brushed once or twice a week to remove loose hair.

Health:

 

The lifespan of a healthy individual is up to 14 years. If you buy from a reputable, responsible breeder, health problems should not occur. This breed is prone to cataracts, epilepsy, glaucoma, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, patella luxation and a blood disorder called Von Willbrands disease. Ensure that the ears are checked regularly for signs of infection.

This breed is highly energetic and requires lots of vigorous exercise. They enjoy frequent walks on the lead as well as play sessions off the lead in a safely fenced off area. They will do okay in an apartment dwelling provided that they are given sufficient exercise, stimulation and attention and that their excessive barking is kept under control.

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