Dog Breeds

Manchester Terrier

The Manchester Terrier is a unique-looking terrier, which exhibits a slew of characteristics representing his hound lineage. Indeed, these vivacious little dogs are a mix of hound and terrier, meant to perform the hunting duties of both. Today, they are more toned-down than some of their close cousins, but retain all the fun. Read on to learn more about the Manchester Terrier.

Description of the Manchester Terrier

These dogs almost look like pinschers with tall pointy ears. Their short, sleek hair does nothing to hide their lean muscle. However, they are surprisingly powerful. Sturdy rumps can propel them across a room as fast as you can blink an eye.

The Manchester comes in both toy and terrier versions. Both types have short, smooth coats that come in their characteristic black and tan coloration.

This breed performs the duties of both the hound and the terrier. Manchester residents wished to take them rabbit hunting, but also wanted them to be able to fight rats. This, unfortunately, was a popular betting pastime.

Life Expectancy and Size

This breed lives a remarkably long time. Most Manchester Terriers live between 15 and 17 years, a huge advantage for a family pet.

The two sizes aren’t so different, but the toy version is relatively more fragile. Standard dogs weigh between 12 and 22 pounds, and stand 15 to 16 inches tall. Toy versions weigh less than 12 pounds, and generally stand between 10 and 12 inches tall.

Protective Ability

The Manchester Terrier takes his duties as watch dog seriously. He will likely alert you to anything new or different. This breed is naturally suspicious of strangers, and overtly loving toward their families. In fact, it is important to initiate early training in socialization to ensure they don’t become skittish.

Training

These dogs are highly intelligent and thoughtful. Most individuals are excited by challenges, so do not be afraid to take on new feats. As long as you maintain a sense of positivity, these dogs will gladly give it their all.

Manchesters do not take harshness well, however. They are particularly skittish with physical corrections. So you should definitely avoid this type of correction. Rather, focus on solid foundations in reward- and relationship-based training. Keep sessions fun and make sure the praise never stops flowing.

Energy Level

These dogs are, for the most part, classic terriers. They are perpetually active and curious, never able to turn down a chance to explore. However, they are less intense than some breeds. With at least some daily activity, most Manchesters are able to remain calm during the rest of the day. That’s probably the hound coming out in them!

What Living with a Manchester Terrier is Like

This breed packs a lot of dog into a tiny package. They are not lap dogs by any means, though they do love their fair share of family time. Usually, they prefer to be playing with their family instead of lazing around.

The Manchester Terrier is an easy-care breed when it comes to grooming. They also have very long life expectancies, many living as long as 17 years.

Care of the Manchester Terrier

These spirited little dogs are hardy for their size, but they require specific care to stay healthy and happy.

Environmental Needs

The Manchester Terrier has a smooth, short coat that does not offer much protection for the cold. Still, this is a hardy breed, bred for the slushy rain of the United Kingdom. The toy version is likely to have much more difficulty. Make sure to monitor the Manchester in frigid temperatures, limiting his time outside if necessary.

Exercise Needs

A couple brisk walks a day will keep the Manchester Terrier occupied. Make sure to supplement these with games, preferably outdoors, to keep this breed entertained. Although they don’t have the same intensity as many terriers, they will still drive themselves crazy without enough entertainment and social time.

Shedding and Grooming

It is very easy to groom these dogs. Simply run over their short coats with a grooming mitt or hound glove once a week to keep them shiny. These dogs only need baths when they start to smell. In fact, it is often better to use a damp towel.

The Manchester Terrier does shed, but not excessively.

Ideal Home Environment

This breed is ideal for an owner that wants a bright, vivacious little dog. They do best with plenty of exercise, especially in the form of playtime.

These dogs generally get along just fine with other dogs, especially if they’re socialized early. They do not tend to be as scrappy as other terriers. However, they are always alert. The Manchester Terrier may bark a lot, so he should live in an area where he won’t bother the neighbors too much.

Health Concerns

These dogs usually live long, healthy lives.

Cardiomyopathy can cause issues with the heart. These may have trouble with anesthesia, so extra care needs to be taken if surgery is needed. Besides these issues, slipping kneecaps are the most common problem for the Manchester.