Dog Training and Dog Care advice from UK Professionals

Manchester Terrier Dog Breed Profile

There are two types of Manchester Terrier, the toy type and the standard.

Other Names: Black and Tan Terrier, English Toy Terrier, Manchester Toy Terrier

K9Obedience Breed Profile

Origin: England

Breed Purpose: Killing rats for sport and pest control.

Kennel Club Dog Group: Toy

Height: Toy 25-30cm., Standard 39-40cm.

Weight: Toy 2.5-3kg., Standard 7.5-8kg.

Lifespan: 15-17 years

Exercise Needs: The Manchester Terrier needs plenty of exercise. They can run and maintain speed with great stamina. The Manchester Terrier loves to run beside their owners when jogging or cycling. They love dog agility and dog obedience trials.

Feeding Needs: Care needs to be taken not to overfeed this dog as they are prone to becoming greedy and gain weight easily. They need a diet lower in protein but higher in fibre. This dog thrives on a natural, home prepared diet.

Common Ailments: Skin problems and Osteosarcoma.

Physical Description: The Manchester Terrier is a small, compact dog with a finely chiselled head and a long muzzle. The ears are V-shaped and can be folded over or erect, though the toy type always have erect ears. The body is strong and the topline is level. The tail is long and tapers to a point. The coat is short and dense and the colours are black and tan.

Manchester Terrier K9 Obedience Dog Breed Summary:

This little dog is intelligent and lively. They are devoted to their owners and can be quickly trained to dog obedience trials level.

This is a dog that needs to be with its owner and does not like to be left alone for long periods as it becomes bored and destructive.

They have been bred to work and still retain all their instincts. They will certainly keep the home vermin-free but they do not like other small pets whom they can confuse as vermin.

This dog must be socialised as a puppy to prevent behavioural problems later on. They do accept children but do not make very good playmates usually. They do not like visitors or strangers.

In summary, this dog is easy to care for but does need firm handling from an early age to prevent them from becoming headstrong. They suit an owner that is interested in canine sports and has a good knowledge of the dog's mind.

Not really suited to the average family or the elderly, the Manchester Terrier is a hearty dog with a lot more to his character than you would think to look at him!