Manchester Terrier Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Manchester Terrier was bred in the English industrial city of Manchester to kill rats in mills and factories. It is a slender, black-and-tan dog with the quickness of a greyhound and the tenacity of a terrier.

Origins and appearance

The breed arose in the nineteenth century when working-class breeders crossed Black and Tan Terriers with Whippets to produce a fast ratter that could also chase rabbits. Manchesters are lean and muscular, with a narrow head, a short smooth coat in black and mahogany tan, and V-shaped ears that are either erect or folded. The toy variety is smaller, with a slightly more refined build, and in some registries the two are classed as varieties of the same breed.

Temperament

Manchesters are alert, devoted and energetic. They bond closely and enjoy being near their owners. They can be reserved with strangers, and some are noisy watchdogs. They have a strong drive to chase small animals and may dig and escape. With socialization and training they make affectionate companions. They are less yappy than many terriers but still alert.

Exercise

They need an hour or so of daily activity. Walks, fetch and lure coursing suit them, as do agility and earthdog trials. A secure fence is essential. Bored Manchesters chew and dig, so provide mental work.

Training

They are quick learners and respond well to positive training. Use short sessions with rewards and variety. Teach recall and leave-it early, though off-leash reliability may be limited by prey drive. See recall training guide. They benefit from crate training and house training in the early months.

Coat and grooming

The smooth coat sheds lightly and requires a weekly wipe or brush. See short coat dog grooming guide. Trim nails, check ears and brush teeth. Provide coats in cold weather, since the breed has little insulation.

Health considerations

Topics worth discussing include:

• Von Willebrand's disease. See von Willebrand's disease in dogs
• Hypothyroidism. See hypothyroidism in dogs
• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and luxating patella. See luxating patella in dogs
• Eye conditions, including glaucoma
• Cardiomyopathy in some lines
• Dental disease. See dental disease in dogs

DNA tests exist for von Willebrand's disease.

Living with a Manchester Terrier

They adapt to apartments with enough activity. Keep fences secure and supervise around small pets. They love warm blankets and may burrow under covers.

A day with a Manchester

A good day includes a brisk walk, a play session, an afternoon nap and an evening game. Practice training and provide puzzle toys, and keep them warm and engaged indoors.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include underexercising, leaving gates open, skipping socialization and ignoring cold sensitivity. Some owners overlook DNA testing for bleeding disorders.

Questions to ask a breeder or rescue

Ask for von Willebrand's disease test results, thyroid and eye tests, and the temperament of the parents. Ask whether you are getting a toy or standard and how puppies are socialized.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Manchester Terrier suits active owners who want a sleek, trainable terrier with minimal grooming. It may not suit someone wanting a calm couch dog or with pet rodents. For a similar breed, see the Rat Terrier.

Puppies and the first year

Manchester puppies are speedy, curious and chew-prone. Use a crate and a safe play area, provide plenty of toys and start training right away. Socialize them with people, dogs and noises. Because these dogs are fast and clever, early recall and leave-it training pay off. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Budget for food, vet care, parasite prevention, training classes and a warm coat. The breed often lives into the mid-teens. See dog vet cost guide.

The takeaway

Manchester Terriers are sleek, fast and loyal, and they need exercise, training and secure fencing.