The Manchester Terrier Breed Brochure
The Manchester Terrier Breed Brochure
The Manchester Terrier is one Breed with two Varieties: Standard and Toy. The Toy variety can weigh up to 12 pounds and has only naturally erect ears. The Standard Variety weighs over 12 pounds and is not to exceed 22 pounds. The Standard may have three ear types, naturally erect, cropped or button. In both varieties, the only allowable color is Black and Tan. The Manchester's short, dense, glossy, black coat with rich mahogany tan markings accounts for the breed's original name -- the Black and Tan Terrier. Ý
Overall, the Manchester is a hardy breed. They are very adaptable and make an excellent companion for most people. This adaptability has prompted breed fanciers to conclude that "As a sagacious, intelligent house pet and companion, no breed is superior to the well-bred Manchester Terrier." (AKC's Complete Dog Book)
HISTORY
Manchester Terriers are considered by most to be the oldest of all identifiable terrier breeds, finding mention in works dating from as early as the 16th century. In 1570 Dr. Caius (Encyclopedia of Dogs) gives mention to the 'Black and Tan Terrier', though he referred to a rougher coated, shorter legged dog than we are now accustomed to.
By the early 1800s a closer facsimile to the current Manchester Terrier had evolved. In "The Dog in Health and Disease" by J. A. Walsh, a full chapter was devoted to the Black and Tan, for the first time recognizing it as an established breed. The description Walsh set forth might, in fact, serve well today: Smooth haired, long tapering nose, narrow flat skull, eyes small and bright, chest rather deep than wide, only true color Black and Tan.
ENGLISH HISTORY
The early 1800's saw times of poor sanitation
in England, rats soon became a health menace and rat killing became a popular
sport. John Hulme, enthusiastic devotee to the sport of rat killing
and rabbit coursing, crossed a Whippet to a cross bred terrier to produce
a tenacious, streamlined animal infinitely suited to the sport. (Perhaps
the Whippet influence explains the unusual topline of the Manchester still
required today.) This cross proved so successful that it was repeated,
resulting in the establishment of a definite type -- thus the
Manchester Terrier was born.
By 1827 the breed's fighting spirit had made it equally handy along a hedge row as in a rat-pit. The Manchester could tackle, with silent determination, an opponent twice its size. Ears were cropped to save the risk of being torn in frequent scraps. (This also enhanced the sharp appearance of the expression.) When rat-killing became illegal in England, rat-pits were supplanted by dining halls or public Inns, all of which were infested by rats. To combat the rodent problem each Inn kept kennels. When the taprooms closed, who do you think took command? The little Black and Tan rat killers who proved their worth 100 fold to the Inn keeper.
1860 saw the Manchester district of England as the breed center for these "Rat Terriers" and the name Manchester Terrier surfaced. Smaller specimens began to gain appeal, unethical persons were known to introduce Chihuahuas in order to reduce size to as small as 2 1/2 pounds! This resulted in numerous problems, including apple heads, thinning coats, and poppy eyes. Inbreeding further diminished size, yet the smaller versions, though delicate and sickly, remained popular for some time.
Character and Temperament
Manchester's are active, energetic dogs, with above average intelligence and true terrier spirit. The breed is affectionate and makes an exceptionally loyal companion, best suited when an integral part of the family. They love to snuggle and make an excellent lap dog for the elderly! Most Manchesters love being with children. They share a similar outlook on life and capacity for play. It is so very important to teach children how to treat dogs and how to behave when with them.
A well bred and properly socialized Manchester will be affectionate to its family, but wary of strangers. Being exceptionally loyal and responsive companions to those they consider as friends. Manchesters have a desire for living life to the fullest, always ready to go for a walk or play a game with their owner. A properly socialized and trained Manchester should be no trouble with other dogs or humans, but will not tolerate harsh treatment.
Manchesters are usually not noisy dogs and are not yappy. However, their bark is difficult to ignore. They usually always bark for a reason. It may be excitement, warning or to gain the attention they desire.
Feeding, Exercise and Health
The Manchester will over eat if permitted to do so. Feeding does require some care. Manchesters are greedy, and will eat almost anything. They put on weight very quickly, so their food intake must be carefully controlled to avoid obesity. They need a fairly low protein, high fiber, high fat diet. Fresh water should be made available to them at all times.
Manchester's are an active breed of dog. They need daily exercise to stay fit and healthy. Exercise requirements will vary according to the dog's lifestyle.
Manchesters living and playing with children enjoy a stimulating, challenging lifestyle, as do those living with other dogs. Manchester's are very adaptable. Those living in a seemingly less stimulating environment can enjoy an equally good quality of life provided by the constant companionship of their human family. The breed can excel in dog show conformation, obedience, tracking, agility and flyball trials.
Equally at home in the country or city, the Manchesters keen intelligence is admired along with the breed's cleanliness and versatility. These dogs do shed, but they rarely need to be bathed. Their nails grow quickly, and should be kept short. This can be accomplished with weekly trimmings.
Overall, the Manchester is a hardy breed. With proper food, shelter from the cold, exercise, training and love, your Manchester may live 15 years or more. As with other breeds, there are a few ailments to be alerted to which include possible Thyroid problems, a genetic bleeding disorder (vWD) and Leggs-Perthes, a deterioration of the femur head. All which can and should be tested for and documented prior to breeding.
