The Manchester Terrier originated in England and was known as the "Black and Tan Terrier" and the "Gentlemen's Terrier". It wasn't until the 1860's that the breed was known as the Manchester. Those early dogs were more course in coat and not as sleek and graceful looking as our dogs of present day. The breed was, and is to this day, an excellent 'vermin' dog, killing and eradicating mice and rats among other small pests. The Manchester is a true terrier in every sense of the word although their 'look' is not what we generally picture when we think of a typical terrier with them being a 'coated' breed. The Manchester is of sleek short jet black coat with a slightly arched back - thus going back to the origins of crossing a Whippet with a "black and tan" terrier bringing us the wonderful sleek 'clownish' breed as we know it today. |
There are two varieties of the Manchester Terrier; the only difference being the ears and weight. The Standard variety weighs from 12 up to and not exceeding 22 lbs. and the Toy variety up to, but not exceeding, 12 lbs. The AKC breed standard describes the The Manchester Terrier as a small, black, short-coated dog with distinctive rich mahogany markings and a taper style tail with a sleek, sturdy, yet elegant look. It has a wedge-shaped, long and clean head with a keen, bright, alert expression. The smooth, compact, muscular body expresses great power and agility, enabling the Manchester to kill vermin and course small game. Except for size and ear options (the Standard variety may have naturally erect, button or cropped ears, whereas, the Toy variety allows only naturally erect ears), there are no differences between the two varieties. |
The Manchester Terrier is an excellent house dog for it's coat requires minimum maintenance since it is a short coated breed. They have a wonderful temperament and become a devoted member of most households...(as with any breed, you must do your research to make sure this breed is suitable for your lifestyle). They are not to be agressive but, yet, are alert and very observant of what goes on around them and they will definitely let you know when something is 'different' around their home. They adapt easily to living in an aparment, as long as they have the chance to be exercised, or the wide open spaces of country living. |