Manchester Terrier
This feisty Mancunian gentleman is a very special terrier: eager, sociable, and fearless. A smartly designed little character, his glory days were those of the industrial revolution when working people and dogs alike enjoyed the dubious sport of rat-baiting in England’s engine room, the city of Manchester. This fellow stood up against the rats, putting his rabbit-hunting instincts into an urban context. Numbers dropped following the exodus of the rats and a ban on rat-baiting, and although he has enjoyed a renaissance of late, he remains a vulnerable breed.
Key facts about the Manchester Terrier
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Origins and history
The Manchester Terrier came here to do two things: chase rabbits and fight rats. As such, it is believed he was developed from a meeting of a fast breed (the whippet) and a rat-killing one (the black-and-tan terrier). While these pastimes have dwindled over the years since the Manchester Terrier’s 19th century heyday, the dog himself was too charming to forget. Although his numbers dipped significantly following WW2, breeders and enthusiasts have battled to keep the breed afloat.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 3 - Terriers
Section
Section 1 : Large and medium sized Terriers
Physical characteristics of the Manchester Terrier
Adult size
Female : Between 14 and 16 in
Male : Between 15 and 17 in
Weight
Female : Between 15 and 18 lb
Male : Between 15 and 18 lb
Coat colour
Type of coat
Eye colour
Description
This neat little package is all wrapped up in what the FCI lovingly calls “jet black and rich mahogany tan” fur. Indeed, there’s something at once luxurious and deeply down to earth about this scampish, tight-limbed fellow, and perhaps it is in the juxtaposition of the gem-likeness of his eyes and their mischievous edge; the Egyptian glamour of his prominent, pointy ears and their eminent practicability; the languor of his long beak versus the workmanlike musculature of his cheeks. Modestly-sized yet coiled up with energy, the Manchester Terrier can’t help but recall some short-lived experimental car design, or that unassumingly eye-grabbing person you saw everywhere at university and never quite said more than ‘Hi’ to.
Good to know
The Victorians knew him as ‘the Gentleman’s Terrier’ because he’s such a smart looker.
Varieties
Temperament
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Playful
He never refuses a game, especially if it involves fetching a ball or finding treasure.
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Calm
He is a quick and lively dog but also knows how to be very quiet at home.
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Intelligent
What is acquired once is forever. This is a dog who understands quickly and well.
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Fearful / wary of strangers
He will be stand-offish or even defensive with strangers.
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66%
Independent
His Terrier origins push him to a certain independence, but he is very loyal to his social group.
Behaviour of the Manchester Terrier
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Tolerates solitude
If as a puppy he has got used to short bouts of alone time, as an adult he can stay alone for longer periods.
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Easy to train / obedience
Despite his strong Terrier character, he is clever and eager to please. Training should start early, be firm, gentle, and kind.
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Tendency to run away
As soon as he is outside, he lets his hunting instinct speak by launching himself in pursuit of all the small prey he encounters: lizards, sparrows, crickets, etc.
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66%
Destructive
He is an active dog who can get destructive during periods of loneliness and boredom.
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66%
Greedy / Gluttony
Treats are useful to overcome his stubborn nature and reward good behaviour.
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Guard dog
The Manchester Terrier can make an excellent watchdog by combining his powers of protectiveness and barkiness.
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First dog
This little dog is a very good choice for a first adoption by an active family.
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Is the Manchester Terrier right for you?
take the testLifestyle
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Manchester Terrier in a flat
He should do just fine in a flat if he gets plenty of exercise.
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Need for exercise / Sporty
This dog requires a decent hour of exercise and exploration each day in addition to regular walks and play.
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Travelling / easy to transport
This dog does just fine in a car, and can follow his masters everywhere quite easily.
Compatibility
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Manchester Terrier and cats
His hunting instinct makes it difficult to live with other pets (especially small ones).
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Manchester Terrier and children
He can be a great companion for children who have learned to communicate respectfully with him.
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Manchester Terrier and the elderly
The Manchester Terrier can be a good pal for an elderly person who can deliver that serious hour of daily exercise he requires.
Price
Between £700 for Non KC Registered dogs, and £850 for KC Registered dogs.
Looking after a dog of this size typically costs between £50 to £80 a month, including food, medical/insurance, and incidental expenses.
Grooming
He doesn’t require much grooming, and due to the glossy nature of his fur can look just grand after simply being wiped down with a damp cloth.
Shedding
Nutrition of the Manchester Terrier
Ordinary high-quality dog food is just fine. He should eat at a more or less fixed hour once a day, preferably in the evening.
Health of the Manchester Terrier
Life expectancy
The lifespan of a Manchester Terrier is approximately 15 years.
Strong / robust
This is quite a sturdy little dog who lives a long time, but still has some health problems.
Withstand heat
This dog is quite comfortable in moderately warm circumstances but should be protected from extremes.
Withstand cold
Although he is quite resistant, he prefers the cozy comfort of home when it is cold.
Tendency to put on weight
He is a small dog who can fill out around the middle if he is overfed or his exercise needs are not met.
Common illnesses
- Cardiomyopathy
- Glaucoma
- Ectopia lentis
- Epilepsy
- Hip necrosis
- Hip/elbow dysplasia
- Von Willebrand disease
- Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease