Overview
The Manchester Terrier is a smooth-coated English terrier developed in the nineteenth century to control rats. It is quick, neat and athletic, with a refined look.
Today it is a devoted family dog, though it is rare in Britain and listed by the Kennel Club as a vulnerable native breed.
History
The breed grew from the Black and Tan Terrier crossed with the Whippet, a mix that aimed to produce a dog excelling at both rat-baiting and rabbit coursing. By about 1860 Manchester was the centre of the breed and gave it its name.
Victorians called it the Gentleman's Terrier for its dignified bearing. Numbers collapsed after World War II, when only eleven were registered in 1945, but dedicated breeders saved it.
Appearance
A sleek, muscular dog with a long, tapering head, small bright eyes and a deep chest. The coat is short, smooth and glossy, in jet black with rich tan markings.
Ears may be erect, button or cropped depending on the country. A smaller Toy variety exists and is seen as a separate breed in Britain, the English Toy Terrier.
Temperament
Manchester Terriers are intelligent, inquisitive and affectionate, with the courage of a true terrier. They are loyal and eager to please, so they usually take well to training.
They keep a strong prey drive and may chase small animals, and they like to be close to their people rather than left alone for long.
Care and exercise
Daily walks and play sessions satisfy this energetic dog, and it enjoys mental games and fetch. Keep it on lead or in a fenced area because of its chase instinct.
The smooth coat needs only a quick brush and a wipe. It feels the cold, so a coat in winter is helpful, and early socialisation and consistent training pay off.
Health
The breed is generally healthy, with a median lifespan of around 12 years 10 months in a UK survey. Inherited conditions include lens luxation (secondary glaucoma) and von Willebrand's disease, a bleeding disorder for which DNA tests are available.
