Manchester Terrier

Known as "The Gentleman’s Terrier" during the Victorian era due to its elegant look, the Manchester Terrier is a small, strong dog that was first developed to catch rats. This breed features a gently curved back and a shiny coat, moving with grace and displaying a keen expression. There are two varieties: the Standard Manchester Terrier and the Toy Manchester Terrier.

Quick Info

Size

Small

Colours

Black with tan markings

Lifespan

14 to 16 years

Height

Less than 12 inches (Toy) and up to 16 inches (Standard)

Type

Terrier

Hypoallergenic

Weight

Up to 12 pounds (Toy) and up to 22 pounds (Standard)

Family

Personality

The Manchester Terrier is a neat, small dog with good manners. They are loyal and caring family pets who enjoy relaxing after playing outside. Always ready for fun, they especially love to dig. These dogs are active and full of curiosity.

History

The Manchester Terrier comes from mixing a Black and Tan Terrier with a Whippet. This breed became well-known in Manchester, England, and nearby areas, which is how it got its name. In the Victorian era, these stylish and smooth dogs were called “The Gentleman’s Terrier” because of their looks. In the late 1800s, the breed was divided into two categories: Standard and Toy, and it probably made its way to the United States around that same period.

Ideal Owner

If you have a lively personality and appreciate a dog with some independence, the Manchester Terrier could be the right choice for you. It’s important to be patient and gentle when the dog shows its feisty side, and you’ll need to be creative in how you encourage them during training. These dogs are energetic and thrive best with active families or owners, especially those without young kids.

Exercise Needs

Even though the Manchester Terrier is a small dog, it is very energetic. These dogs love to stay busy both physically and mentally, and they have a lot of energy. Since they can become bored quickly, it’s important to provide them with interactive toys to keep their minds engaged when they are indoors.

Space Requirements

The Standard Manchester Terrier and Toy Manchester Terrier are small and neat dogs. They don’t need a lot of room indoors, but they enjoy being outside, so having a safe, fenced yard is perfect for them.

Training

Smart and sharp, the Manchester Terrier loves challenges, playtime, and spending time with their owners. They tend to be quite self-reliant, which means you might need to think of fun ways to encourage them during training. It's important to teach them to come back when called, as their natural instincts might cause them to wander when off-leash. Early and frequent socialization is important for both Manchester Terrier puppies and adult dogs.

Grooming

The Manchester Terrier is an easy-to-care-for breed. Its short, sleek fur only requires a little brushing and polishing now and then. You should only give baths when the dog is really dirty, as they don’t need them often.

Suitability for Family Life

The Manchester Terrier, even when it's the Standard size, is quite small. This makes them less suitable for families with young kids who might think of them as playthings. Like many terriers, they have a spirited nature. They thrive better with older kids or in homes without children, particularly in lively households.