Manchester Terrier
An Intelligent Breed with a Lot of Energy, the Manchester Terrier can be Standard or Toy Size
There are two types of the Manchester Terrier, the Standard and Toy. Both types of the Manchester Terriers have compact, muscular bodies, and are very athletic and agile. These dogs perform very well in obedience trials and are devoted to their owners as long as they get obedience training early on.
History
Both the Standard and Toy versions of the Manchester Terrier were originally used to hunt and kill rats. Although still used as a game Terrier, the Manchester Terrier today is both a show dog and family companion dog. Although seldom used formally for vermin hunting anymore, the Manchester Terrier is still a vermin hunter by nature with a strong prey instinct.
The Manchester Terrier has been available in England and the United States for several centuries. In the 1800s, the Manchester Terrier was used to hunt and kill rats that filled the streets during that time. One John Hulme bred such a dog by crossbreeding a Terrier with a Whippet to encourage the "sport" of rat killing. The resulting dog was perfectly suited for killing rats, and thus became very popular.
The Manchester Terrier was also called the "rat Terrier" at that point, and as a small dog was specifically conceived to encourage the sport of rat killing. Manchester Terriers were also used in traditional hunting because they could get through thickets of grass that larger dogs couldn't navigate successfully. These "gentlemen's Terriers" were thus the perfect hunting companion.
In the United States, the Manchester Terrier quickly became part of the American Kennel Club, inducted into the AKC shortly after the club itself came to be.
Appearance
Manchester Terriers of both sizes (Toy and Standard) have sleek bodies, compact and smooth, muscular and with an arched top line. The dog's expression is keenly alert, with an effortless, flowing gait. The coat itself is glossy and smooth, dense, and tight. The colors are black and tan with distinct borders, not blended. In adulthood, the Toy Manchester Terrier stands 10 to 12 inches at the shoulder and weighs 6 to 8 pounds, with a maximum weight of 12 pounds allowed for show; the Standard-size height in adulthood is 15 to 16 inches at the shoulder and 17 to 18 pounds.
Standard dogs have semi-erect ears with flaps that fold over, while Toy varieties have naturally erect ears; both sizes have long, pointed ears when cropped. (Cropping is illegal in most of Europe.) The eyes are dark, small, and almond-shaped, the nose is black, and the teeth form a scissors or level bite. The tail tapers to a point, thicker at the base.
Personality
This agile, powerful, high-spirited, intelligent – and even cunning – dog is eager to learn. While independent, you can teach this breed to be devoted and faithful. No dummy, this dog wants to be kept both physically and mentally active. Eager to please as long as you manifest firm yet gentle leadership, you will need to use consistent discipline and set clear boundaries. Above all, this dog wants attention from you, and will strive to please you. These very intelligent dogs excel with formalized training classes, so if possible, enroll your puppy in puppy kindergarten almost as soon as you bring it home, within the ages of 10 to 12 weeks. Socialize as often as you can to make sure that your new dog is comfortable around people and less prone to misbehave. That said, you should take your very active pet for a walk before you leave it for a long period of time so that you don't come home to a bored animal that has been destructive. Terriers can be prone to depression or anxiety when they're left alone, so make sure you provide plenty of reassurance and a brisk walk before you leave so that the Manchester Terrier's natural inclination to rest after vigorous exercise will provide relief in your absence.
Proper Environment
Both sizes of the Manchester Terrier are suitable for apartment living. Although quite active indoors, you can still keep your pet happy in a relatively small indoor space as long as you give your pet plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Utilize a dog park for exercise and socialization with new doggie friends, or go running or biking with your beloved pet as your companion. The Manchester Terrier is a very fast runner – even the Toy Variety – and enjoys vigorous exercise. Because it is a true Terrier, don't allow your pet off leash anywhere unless it is absolutely safe. Although your pet wants to be devoted and obedient, the headstrong Terrier in your pet will still think chasing cars is a dandy idea. It's up to you to keep your pet safe.
Health
Some lines of Manchester Terriers are prone to glaucoma, cataracts, and a bleeding disorder called von Willebrand's disease. They can also be prone to hypothyroidism, and Toy Manchester Terriers can be prone to Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Other than that, these are generally very healthy dogs and you can expect your companion's lifespan to be about 15 years as long as you maintain a healthy diet, plenty of exercise and regular vet visits.
Grooming
The Manchester Terrier's coat for both the Toy and Standard varieties is sleek and easy to groom. Simply brush with a natural bristle brush or use a mitt to remove hair and minimize shedding difficulties. Although Manchester Terriers have little doggy odor, bathing every 2 to 3 months is a good idea, or whenever your pet gets dirty. Brush teeth frequently with a doggie toothpaste; check ears for dirt and infection, wiping with a cotton ball dampened with mild pH balanced cleanser as recommended by your vet; and trim nails regularly.
References
Manchester Terrier.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manchester_Terrier.
Retrieved September 20, 2015.
Manchester Terrier.
http://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_manchester_terrier.
Retrieved September 20, 2015.
Manchester Terrier.
http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/manchester-terrier.
Retrieved September 20, 2015.
Manchester Terrier and Toy Manchester Terrier (English Toy Terrier) (Black and Tan Terrier) (Blackand Tan Manchester).
www.dogbreedinfo.com/manchesterterrier.htm.
Retrieved September 20, 2015.
