Manchester Terrier

The Manchester Terrier is exceedingly loyal and a devoted friend to master and family. They display the true Terrier nature, are independent, and faithful. They do best in a home with older considerate children, and are not recommended in homes with other household pets. This breed has a tendency to be combative, headstrong, protective, and snappish. Manchester Terriers thrive on human companionship and are very demanding of attention from their family. They do not do well if left alone for extended periods of time or they will become bored, hyper, destructive, and bark excessively.

His name denotes his origin, and it is likely that there is some Whippet in his ancestry. Elegant and graceful, he was bred as a ratter and can still be relied upon to despatch vermin quickly and efficiently.

Rat killing reached its peak in the mid-1800s and what dog shows there were, at that time, were usually held in public houses. In Manchester, especially, these became a weekly feature and soon this terrier had classes of his own, eventually taking the name Manchester Terrier.

Jet black and rich mahogany tan distributed as follows:

On head, muzzle tanned to nose, nose and nasal bone jet black. Small tan spot on each cheek and above each eye, under-jaw and throat tanned with distinct tan V. Legs from knee downward tanned with exception of toes which shall be pencilled with black, a distinct black mark (thumbmark) immediately above feet. Inside hindlegs tanned but divided with black at stifle joint. Under tail tanned, vent tanned by marking as narrow as possible so that it is covered by tail. A slight tan mark on each side of chest. Tan outside hindlegs, commonly called breeching, is undesirable.

In all cases black should not run into tan or vice versa, but division between colours clearly defined.

This alert and active breed can have her exercise needs met with a moderate walk on leash, good romp in the yard or an off-lead foray in a safe area. This is not a breed that should live outdoors, although she appreciates access to a yard during the day. She likes a warm, soft bed. Coat care is minimal.

This highly energetic breed needs an inordinate amount of vigorous exercise. They enjoy frequent securely leashed walks as well as safely fenced off lead play sessions where they are able to romp and run freely. It is imperative that this breed be supervised at all times as they are expert escape artists. The Manchester Terrier will do okay in an apartment dwelling provided that their excessive barking is controlled and they are given sufficient exercise, stimulation, and attention.

Socialization and training.

This breed requires minimal grooming. Occasional brushing will minimize loose hair. It is important to check and clean the ears and teeth on a consistent basis. The Manchester Terrier is prone to cataracts, epilepsy, glaucoma, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, patella luxation, and Von Willebrands disease. This breed prefers warm climates but should not be left in the sun for any length of time.

It is a dog easy to train that learns easily and wants to make pleasure to its master. The training must be consistent, gentle, varied. They are handle very well in canine sports such as: flyball, agility racing even in training exercises.

The fur does not require too much care. During the moulting period man may remove dead hair with a rubber brush.

Must be introduced to children as a young puppy. A good, easy care breed, but very active. Don't let this breed off leash except in a secure area, as he likes to chase. Not good with other animals. Some lines are prone to blood problems and glaucoma.