Manchester Terrier

The Manchester terrier originated in Manchester, England. Considered the oldest terrier breed, the Manchester terrier was developed by John Hulme when he crossed an English black and tan terrier with a whippet in his goal to create a formidable vermin hunter and competitor in rabbit coursing and rat killing competitions. The toy Manchester terrier became particularly popular under the reign of Queen Victoria. The American Kennel Club recognized the toy Manchester terrier in 1886 as a member of the toy group. The standard Manchester terrier gained recognition in 1887 as a member of the terrier group.

The Manchester Terrier is an athletic, muscular dog breed with long, slim legs that enable it to move fast with great agility. It has a sleek, short coat that requires minimal care.

Personality

The Manchester Terrier is a dog that appears elegant, mainly because of its smooth, glossy coat. It's good-natured and affectionate towards its family. It often seeks physical contact and is gentle and sensitive. They have moderate exercise needs that can be met in the form of moderate walks or short romps. It can be independent and inquisitive, but is less stubborn than most terriers. It's friendly towards other dogs and shy with strangers.

Breed Characteristics

Manchester Terrier Build Information

The Manchester terrier comes in two sizes, which are the toy and the standard. Both variations stand at an average height of 15 to 16 inches at the shoulders. The toy Manchester terrier weighs up to 12 pounds, and the standard Manchester terrier can weigh between 12 and 22 pounds. The Manchester terrier's sleek and agile body is covered in a smooth coat that is black and tan in color. On the standard Manchester terrier, the pointed ears may stand naturally erect or flip downward and forward in the form of button ears. Some owners choose to crop their standard Manchester terrier's ears. The ears of a toy Manchester terrier must never be cropped to enter the show ring. The toy Manchester terrier's ears stand naturally erect. The slightly tapered tail is long, hanging downward when the dog is relaxed and curving upward when the dog is excited.

Behaviour and Personality

The Manchester terrier is a lively and playful dog. It is intelligent. The dog has a strong prey drive that throws back to its origins as a vermin hunter. It loves to dig and pursue small animals. The Manchester terrier does not refrain from barking and it is wary of strangers, which make the breed an excellent watchdog. Manchester terriers are devoted family companions. They possess some catlike qualities that include exceptional cleanliness and self-grooming. Manchester terriers are adaptable to inhabiting either city apartments or sprawling country homes.

Appearance

The sleek and smooth coat of a Manchester terrier requires minimal grooming. Wiping the coat once a week with a grooming mitt will remove dead hairs and minimize the accumulation of shed hair in the home. Brush a Manchester terrier's teeth at least three times a week to minimize tartar accumulation and reduce the risk for developing periodontal disease.

Manchester Terrier Common Health Conditions

Manchester terriers are generally hardy, living average lifespans of 14 to 16 years. Some health problems of note in the Manchester terrier include von Willebrand's disease, hypothyroidism, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and cardiomyopathy.

Manchester Terrier Pet Insurance

When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.

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Breed Talents and Facts

For an intelligent and loving terrier, consider the Manchester terrier. Whether you prefer small dogs or even smaller toy breeds, the Manchester terrier comes in both sizes to offer companionship and entertainment. The Manchester terrier originated in England. The Manchester terrier is also called an English toy terrier, a black and tan terrier and a black and tan Manchester. The Manchester terrier is a devoted companion with catlike qualities that include independence, cleanliness and a reservation toward strangers. The Manchester terrier stands 15 to 16 inches tall. The toy Manchester terrier weighs 12 pounds or less, and the standard variation weighs 12 to 22 pounds. Manchester terriers have moderate energy levels. Manchester terriers require minimal grooming. The average lifespan for a Manchester terrier is 14 to 16 years.