Manchester Terrier (Standard)

ATTRIBUTES: bright, spirited, keenly observant

GROUP: Terrier Group

ACIVITY LEVEL: Regular Exercise

BARKING LEVEL: Likes To Be Vocal

COAT TYPE: Smooth

COAT LENGTH: Short

SHADDING: Occasional

SIZE: Small

TRAINABILITY: Easy Training

CHARACTERISTIC: Smallest Dog Breeds

Breed Overview

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Ancestry

Terrier

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Origin

England

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Registration

1887

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Size

15 - 16 Inches

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Weight

12 - 22 Pounds

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Expected Life

15 - 17 Years

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY +
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
LOVE WITH CHILDREN +
Unwise
Good With Children
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS +
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
+
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
+
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
+
COAT TYPE
+
COAT LENGTH
+
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
+
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
+
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
+
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
+
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
+
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
+
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
+
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Loaf
Needs an Activity
+
COLORS
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PATTERNS
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CARING WITH FAMILY
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
The degree of affection a dog breed displays towards family members and familiar faces varies widely. Certain breeds may exhibit a reserved demeanor showing affection primarily towards their owner and maintaining a distance from others. Conversely, other breeds exude warmth and friendliness, treating everyone they become acquainted with as if they are a close friend. It's important to remember that a dog's upbringing and individual personality can also significantly influence their level of affection regardless of breed tendencies.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
Unwise
Good With Children
The temperament of a dog breed towards children and its general disposition as a family pet can vary greatly. Some breeds are known for their gentle nature and higher tolerance for the energetic behavior of kids, which makes them excellent companions for families. It's essential however, to always supervise interactions between dogs and children particularly with youngsters who aren't familiar with dogs to ensure safety and that respectful boundaries are maintained for the benefit of both the child and the dog.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
Interactions between dogs of different breeds can be managed, but inherently, some breeds have a natural proclivity to be more sociable with their canine counterparts. This is why certain dog breeds are renowned for their ability to coexist and socialize peacefully both in a home environment and in social public spaces. Regardless vigilant supervision is essential during introductions and play to ensure a safe and positive experience for all dogs involved.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
The amount of shedding in dog breeds can significantly differ impacting grooming needs and household cleaning routines. High-shedding breeds often require regular brushing to manage loose fur which can also be a factor in exacerbating certain allergies. Consequently, homes with these breeds may necessitate more frequent vacuuming and the use of lint rollers to keep fur accumulation under control.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
The grooming demands of different dog breeds can vary widely ranging from those that need minimal maintenance to those requiring extensive grooming routines that may include regular bathing, brushing and trimming. When considering a breed, it's important to assess your available time, level of patience, and budget to accommodate their specific grooming needs.
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
The propensity for drooling can vary significantly between dog breeds. Some breeds are known to drool minimally, making them a suitable choice for individuals who prefer a tidier environment or have an aversion to slobber. On the other hand, there are breeds that are quite drool-prone, often leaving substantial amounts of slobber on their owners and surroundings.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Smooth
COAT SPECTRUM
Short
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
A dog breed's predisposition towards strangers can range from being very reserved and cautious, where they may exhibit wary behaviors in the presence of unfamiliar individuals to being exceptionally friendly and sociable where they appear to enjoy encounters with new people. It's important to consider these temperamental traits when selecting a breed, especially if frequent interaction with strangers is expected in the dog's daily life.
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
Different dog breeds have varying levels of playfulness throughout their life stages. While some maintain their playful puppy-like energy well into their senior years always ready for a game of tug-of-war or fetch other breeds become more sedentary and content to simply lounge on the couch. When considering a breed understanding their typical energy levels and play preferences is crucial for ensuring a good match for your lifestyle and activity level.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
Certain dog breeds have a strong instinct to alert their owners about the presence of strangers or unusual activities in their surrounding environment. These dogs are typically more vigilant and may respond to anything they perceive as a potential threat or an unfamiliar presence like a delivery person or wildlife outside the home.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
A dog breed's adaptability to change can significantly differ. Some breeds are highly adaptable and can easily manage alterations in their living environment fluctuations in noise levels, variations in weather and changes in their daily routines. These breeds tend to cope well with a wide array of day-to-day life variations.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
The trainability of dog breeds ranges widely with some being exceptionally eager to please and learn new commands with ease making them highly trainable. These breeds often have a strong desire to make their owners proud and respond well to positive reinforcement during training sessions. Conversely, there are breeds that possess a more independent nature preferring to act on their terms and may require more patience and consistent training. When selecting a breed it's important to consider your own experience with dog training and the amount of time you can devote to this important aspect of dog ownership.
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
Different breeds of dogs have varying requirements when it comes to physical workouts and cognitive engagement. Those breeds brimming with vigor are always on their toes itching to embark on new escapades. You'll find them bustling with activity be it frolicking, leaping or engaging in play from dawn till dusk. On the flip side, breeds with a more relaxed energy profile are akin to lounge enthusiasts. These laid-back pooches are content to while away the hours lounging and napping to their heart's content.
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
Likes To Be Vocal
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
The mental enrichment requirements for a dog breed play a crucial role in its overall joy and well-being. Dogs bred for specific roles often thrive on tasks that challenge their decision-making process problem-solving abilities, and focus. If these smart canines aren't provided with enough mental workouts, rest assured they'll take the initiative to invent their own forms of entertainment. These self-assigned 'projects' tend to be inventive although not necessarily in ways that would delight their human companions.
COLORS

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PATTERNS

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About The Breed

Originating from the bustling city of Manchester in England the Manchester Terrier embodies a sleek, athletic build, inheriting the keen rat-chasing prowess of terriers along with the elegant lines akin to that of a sighthound. Imbued with vivacity, intelligence and agility these dogs showcase the exquisite agility characteristic of sighthounds fused with the tenacity of a dauntless rat catcher. Available in two size options the Standard variety tips the scales at no more than 22 pounds, while the Toy variety remains under 12 pounds. Regardless of their stature all Manchester Terriers share a similar disposition, structural makeup, and athletic nature. Their striking appearance is marked by a smooth coat of rich mahogany tan and jet black, while their elongated, wedge-shaped heads are highlighted by expressive tan spots above the eyes. Remarkable in their movement Manchester’s display impressive front extension and a powerful rear thrust, all stemming from a robust hindquarters, ensuring they move with purpose and poise.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A MANCHESTER-TERRIER

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Manchester Terrier (Standard): Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

Health

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Enthusiasts and breeders of the Manchester terrier are uniting worldwide to pioneer a genetic test for juvenile cardiomyopathy a life-threatening condition that this breed, among others can be susceptible to. Should your Manchester ever need to undergo surgical procedures it's important to inform your veterinarian to administer anesthesia with the caution reflective of their Greyhound lineage, which they closely resemble in terms of physiology. Additionally, akin to other small dog breeds, the Manchester terrier may experience 'loose knees,' medically known as patellar luxation an issue that requires attention and care.

Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association:

  • Ophthalmologist Evaluation

  • Thyroid Evaluation

  • Von Willebrand Disease I (VWDI) - DNA Test

  • Cardiac Exam

Health

Grooming

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The Manchester terrier is delightfully straightforward when it comes to grooming boasting a 'wash and wear' sort of appeal. A sporadic bath using a formula specifically made for canines is sufficient to maintain their debonair appearance. A simple wipe-down on a weekly basis with a moist cloth or a hound glove will add a lovely sheen to their coat. To ensure their joints remain in tip-top condition it's wise to trim their nails bi-weekly. Regular ear cleaning is also a must to prevent the buildup of wax and debris, which could lead to uncomfortable ear infections. For a Manchester, these grooming sessions are more than just routine maintenance—they're cherished moments of closeness with their favorite human companion.
Health

Exercise

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The Manchester terrier is an energetic, nimble creature that revels in brisk daily walks alongside its human to keep both mind and body in prime condition. While this spirited breed is certainly capable of enjoying some downtime on the couch with its owner it's just as enthusiastic about outdoor pursuits—be it chasing after tennis balls or engaging in lively play. They strike a perfect balance between cuddly companion and vivacious playmate always ready to match the activity level of the day.
Health

Training

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Brimming with intelligence the Manchester terrier approaches every scenario with a contemplative demeanor, often seeking to navigate situations with a thoughtful air. This breed thrives on the satisfaction of its human companions and is quite amenable to training when positive reinforcement and reward-centric techniques are employed. Harsh methods do not bode well with this sensitive pooch so it's best to keep training light-hearted, engaging and replete with abundant praise for a job well executed. Manchesters are ideal participants in a plethora of canine sports, ranging from obedience to rally, and agility to lure coursing. They're also adept at barn hunts, earth dog trials, tracking, flyball and even intricate activities like scent work and canine freestyle dancing. They truly relish a good challenge and exhibit enthusiasm for such engaging activities. Early and frequent socialization is key in molding a well-adjusted Manchester terrier providing them the experiences needed to become well-rounded adults.
Health

Nutrition

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A Manchester terrier will thrive on a diet of high-quality dog food that can either be sourced from trusted commercial brands or prepared at home under the guidance and approval of your veterinarian. It's essential to tailor the food to the life stage of the dog, be it a puppy, adult or senior to meet its changing nutritional needs. These active dogs can sometimes have a tendency to gain excess weight, so it's important to monitor their calorie intake and maintain an optimal weight. While treats are an excellent tool for training moderation is key to prevent the risk of obesity. It's also valuable to educate yourself on which human foods are safe and which could be harmful to your canine companion. If you have queries or concerns about your Manchester's weight or diet seeking advice from your vet is always recommended.

Historiography

Manchester well before it became synonymous with its iconic football team was a bustling hub of the 19th-century textile industry in England. The local mill workers of that era had a penchant for two distinct pursuits they delighted in hunting rabbits with diminutive hounds, and they indulged in the more gruesome sport of rat-killing, which involved placing a terrier into a pit of rats and wagering on the grisly outcome. Keen to breed an adept multi-purpose canine they combined the well-regarded Black and Tan Terrier, known for its ratting prowess, with the swift Whippets culminating in the creation of the distinctive Manchester terrier.

For a significant period, up until 1959, the Standard Manchester and the Toy Manchester were acknowledged as individual breeds despite the fact that crossbreeding between the two was permitted. Following that year the two were amalgamated into a single breed known as the Manchester terrier, while still categorizing them into two variants Toy and Standard. Presently, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has opted to classify the two varieties distinctly – the Standard Manchester takes its place in the Terrier Group, while the Toy is listed under the Toy Group.

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