Manchester Terrier

Is The Manchester Right For My Family and ME?

The beauty, intelligence and vitality of the Manchester Terrier always attract attention and interest. People considering acquisition of a Manchester, or any other breed, should take the time to talk with breeders and owners about whether it would both complement their lifestyle and provide what they're looking for in a dog.

The distinctive looking Manchester Terrier has changed very little since the 1500's. It is an elegant black and tan dog with a medium length tapered tail. The Toy variety weighs up to 12 pounds and has only naturally erect ears. The Standard variety weighs over 12 pounds, up to 22 pounds, and may have naturally erect, cropped, or button ears. In England, where the breed was developed, its purpose was to kill rats and later, to flush game for hunters. Today it serves primarily as a companion - but to those who train them - can be a working dog.

Equally at home in the country or city, the Manchester is admired for its keen intelligence, cleanliness and versatility. It is an excellent watchdog - a little dog with a big bark - but it is not suitable as an outdoor-only watchdog left by itself regularly. The Manchester thrives on the companionship of adults and thoughtful children. It is a natural companion animal and demands attention from its family. In return, the Manchester will reward you with affection, loyalty, and protectiveness.

The Manchester's short, dense, glossy black and tan coat is easy to care for, but it does not offer the dog protection from the cold. The dogs do shed, but they rarely need to be bathed. Their nails grow quickly and should be kept short to avoid injury and maintain an attractive and healthy foot.

With persistence and firmness, Manchester Terriers housebreak readily and take well to crate training. They can excel in dog show conformation, obedience, tracking and agility trials. Manchester Terriers make excellent pets for active families and travel well. The athletic Manchester will chase anything, any size, that threatens its turf. A fenced yard is imperative.

Overall, the Manchester is a hardy breed. With proper food, shelter from the cold, exercise, training and love, your Manchester Terrier may live 15 years or more. Dog owners must realize that some dogs in every breed have health problems. People looking for a Manchester should talk with breeders about any unusually frequent problem their line has experienced. Some Manchester lines have had bleeding problems, low thyroid, or Legg-Perthes (a deterioration of the femur head). As with many breeds, urinary tract problems and diabetes may occur in elderly dogs. Some breeders feed adult Manchesters a relatively low protein diet. Water should be made available at all times. Manchesters may overeat if permitted to do so.