Manchester Terrier

Breed Description

The Manchester Terrier is a tall terrier with a smooth, silky coat. Although it originates from one of the oldest lines of terriers, it is not a 100% typical terrier in terms of temperament and appearance. Its ancestors were classic black and tan terriers, which were found in England before the 19th century. They played an important role in England during the 1800s, when health and sanitation issues arose due to rats. Terriers were also described in Latin around 1500.

Black and tan terriers were typical alert animals and also served as hunting dogs for small game. To make this medium-sized, long-legged terrier faster and more agile, especially for hunting rabbits and hares, small sighthounds like the Whippet were repeatedly crossed into the breed. According to the great Swiss cynologist Hans Reber, this began before 1500. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Manchester Terrier has a more elegant, lighter, somewhat sighthound figure and gait, which sets it apart from all other terriers.

As a result, a captivating and very interesting combination emerged, but it also requires a fair amount of dog instinct to manage. At first glance, the Manchester Terrier somewhat resembles the German Pinscher, which previously performed similar functions. However, these two breeds are not close relatives. Its current name comes from the fact that the black and tan breed in its current form was developed in Manchester and spread from there. The breed was officially recognized by the FCI in October 1954. The Manchester Terrier is represented in VDH by the Terrier Club, founded in 1894. It has been relatively unknown in Russia for a long time. Even today, you rarely see them. VDH produces 70 to 100 puppies a year. This interesting dog deserves much more attention.

They are small, slim, and sporty dogs with an attractive shiny coat. Their distinctive physical features are appealing. Their smooth, compact, muscular bodies express the great strength and agility these small dogs need for their original work of eradicating pests and pursuing small game.

They are alert dogs, making them excellent watchdogs. Their charming and cheerful nature attracts many people. Manchester Terriers easily adapt to their surroundings, making them good family dogs.

The price for a puppy ranges from 40,000 to 60,000 rubles.

Appearance

The Manchester Terrier is a tall, small to medium-sized terrier with a slender build, somewhat resembling a greyhound. What stands out is its beautiful, silky, smooth coat, which always has a deep black base color with rich brown markings resembling mahogany. According to the standard, males should have an ideal height at the withers of 41 centimeters, while females should be 38 centimeters. The official FCI standard describes the appearance of this terrier as “compact, elegant, healthy, and powerful, with a strong build.” Remarkable are its ears, which are said to be V-shaped and tilted towards the head, above the skull, over the eyes. The eyes should not be too small. The Manchester Terrier is also bred in that version.

Compact, elegant, and solid, it is described as a small dog, slightly longer than its height, with short coal-black fur and rich mahogany markings. It has a wedge-shaped head with a keen, bright expression shining from its black almond-shaped eyes.

The Manchester Terrier has a good lifespan of over 12 years.

Overall, the appearance is compact, elegant, and solid.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The skull is long, flat, and narrow, even in shape, wedge-like, without prominent cheek muscles, well-filled under the eyes, with a narrowed, tightly closed mouth. The neck is quite long, tapering from the shoulders to the head and slightly curved at the ridge; free of the larynx.

Морда

The face is wedge-shaped, with no prominent cheekbones, well-filled under the eyes, and with a narrow, tightly compressed mouth.

Уши

The ears are small, V-shaped, positioned significantly above the top line of the head, and hang close to the head above the eyes.

Глаза

The eyes are relatively small, dark, and sparkling. They are almond-shaped and not prominent.

Зубы

The jaws are straight, with a perfect, proper scissors bite, meaning that the upper teeth closely overlap the lower teeth and are positioned perpendicular to the jaws.

Корпус

The torso is short, with well-curved ribs, slightly arched above the lower back and cut behind the ribs.

Конечности

The shoulders are clean and well-sloped. The front part is narrow and deep. The front limbs are fairly straight, well-placed under the dog, and proportional to the body length. The hindquarters are strong and muscular, with good bend in the knees. The hind legs do not have cow hocks and are not turned inward. The small, hare-like paws are strong, with well-arched toes. The movements are straight, free, and balanced, with well-extended front limbs and powerful hind limbs.

Хвост

The tail is short, positioned where the back arch ends, thickened at the point of attachment to the body, tapering towards the end, and held no higher than the level of the back.

Шерсть

The wool is dense, smooth, short, and shiny, with a thick texture.

Окрас

Угольно-черный и насыщенный подпал красного дерева распределяются следующим образом: на голове, морда загорелая до носа, нос и носовая кость угольно-черные. Небольшие подпалины на каждой щеке и над каждым глазом, нижняя челюсть и горло имеют ярко выраженный подпал V. Ноги от колена и ниже загорелые, за исключением пальцев, которые должны быть нарисованы черным карандашом, и отчетливой черной отметиной (отметкой от большого пальца) непосредственно над ступнями. Внутренняя часть задних конечностей загорелая, но разделена черными пятнами на коленном суставе. Нижняя часть хвоста загорелая, воротничок загорелый, отметив как можно более узкий, чтобы он закрывался хвостом. Небольшие подпалины на каждой стороне груди. Загар на внешней стороне задних конечностей, обычно называемый тазом, нежелателен. Во всех случаях черный не должен переходить в коричневый или наоборот, но разделение между цветами должно быть четко выражено.

Character

Manchester Terriers have a multifaceted personality. On one hand, they possess many distinctive traits typical of terriers. On the other hand, the influence of crossing with small sighthounds is reflected in their playful and particularly sensitive nature. This creates an exciting combination. The breed standard describes their personality as “zealous, vigilant, cheerful, eager to work; perceptive and devoted.”

Additionally, the Manchester has an extremely high level of intelligence and adaptability. They are very sensitive for a terrier. They are not submissive and develop their own ideas about how things should be done. This adds to their charm! With the right guidance and strong dog handling skills, you can tackle any task with your Manchester Terrier. They can even be suitable for novice dog owners, provided you have good intuition and truly want to connect with them. The terrier adapts well to any living situation and can be an excellent family dog. Initially, they are suspicious of strangers. Vigilance and courage also characterize their nature. The Manchester Terrier is deeply attached to its owner and the entire family. They make great companion dogs with a unique, interesting character.

Manchester Terriers are playful and sociable. They can become wonderful pets thanks to their affectionate behavior. Playing with children is also a favorite activity for them, especially with those who know how to channel their energy. They are good companions and can thrive in small apartments.

The Manchester gets along well with other pets. However, they have a strong prey instinct and can be aggressive when they see smaller animals encroaching on their territory. Therefore, it’s important to start socializing them at an early age to teach them how to behave well with other pets.

In terms of characteristics, they are sharp, vigilant, cheerful, and athletic. Their temperament is perceptive and devoted.

Care and Maintenance

Caring for a Manchester Terrier poses no problems. There are no special requirements regarding the size of the apartment, as long as they are treated appropriately and lead an active, fulfilling life. They can be an ideal partner for children, as they are ready for any game and sturdy enough to withstand a child’s clumsiness. However, the main requirement is that they receive proper breed-specific training and guidance from their owner.

They need to get used to other pets; otherwise, they may see them as prey. They are perfect companions for people looking to build subtle relationships. Being very mobile, relatively light, and not too large, they are quite practical in everyday situations. They make great travel companions. It’s best to take them in the car in a special transport crate.

Manchester Terriers do not require special care, making their maintenance relatively effortless.

Caring for Manchester Terriers is straightforward. They are known for their robust health. However, they are said to have a certain predisposition to skin conditions. Sometimes, exhibition dogs are seen with disproportionately small eyes. However, clubs like the Terrier Club ensure that only genetically healthy dogs are bred. Reputable breeders readily provide the relevant testing results for their breeding dogs.

Manchester Terriers shed moderately, and regular grooming is required to maintain their coat. Brush them weekly with a rubber glove or grooming tool to remove dead hair and keep their appearance up to par.

Use a rubber brush to remove dead hair and prevent matting. If your dog’s nails do not break naturally, trim them once or twice a month to avoid painful tears and other issues. Check their lips, ears, nose, throat, eyes, and paws for sores, rashes, or signs of illness, such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation. Ears should have a pleasant smell and be free from wax and dirt, while eyes should be clean, without redness or discharge. Bathe them occasionally or whenever necessary to keep their coat clean and healthy.Make dog care an enjoyable process filled with praise and rewards, laying the foundation for easy veterinary check-ups and other procedures as they grow older.A Manchester should be given between 1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. Monitor their food intake to prevent excessive weight gain. Fresh water should be available throughout the day.

Training and Education

Raising a Manchester Terrier is not easy. Its multifaceted nature requires a great deal of intelligence and empathy from the dog. It is also very sensitive and does not easily forgive injustice or disproportionate punishment. Therefore, it is not recommended as a first dog. However, if you manage to understand and thoughtfully navigate your way to build a close trusting relationship, you will have a true treasure at your disposal.

Thanks to its diverse character combined with its intelligence and obedience, you can easily overcome any challenges you may face in a fulfilling dog-human relationship. It needs clear instructions and consistency based on a respectful, loving relationship with its owner. The Manchester Terrier loves to train and seeks cooperation with people. Therefore, a commanding tone and drill are entirely inappropriate and counterproductive for it, even more so than for dogs in general.

Manchester Terriers are relatively easy to train. They enjoy learning new commands and have excellent memories. There are times when they can be easily distracted, so train in short, creative sessions to keep their attention. Use positive reinforcement and a reward-based approach to maintain their motivation.

Manchester Terriers are energetic breeds that require an hour of intense exercise. They enjoy walking and participating in dog sports like flyball. They also love playing in the park with their few dog friends.

The Manchester Terrier does not have any special requirements but is suitable for almost all activities you can do with your dog. It wants and needs physical exercise as well as mental challenges. However, you do not have to run a half-marathon with it every day to meet its needs. It is active and has a strong play instinct, which should and can be utilized as the basis for engaging activities together. We offer the best care for every puppy from the very first days of their life.

How to Choose a Puppy

Choosing a Manchester Terrier puppy is an exciting yet responsible moment that requires attention to several key aspects. With their energy and personality, Manchester Terriers can make wonderful companions, but it’s important to approach the selection process wisely and thoughtfully.

The first step in choosing a puppy is selecting a reputable and respected breeder. Research the breeder’s reputation, read reviews from other Manchester Terrier owners, and inquire about the conditions in which the dogs are raised and cared for. A caring and experienced breeder will monitor the health of their dogs, provide important medical documents, and create a conducive environment for the puppies’ growth and socialization.

Make sure to see and interact with the puppy’s parents-this is another important step. Parental experience can give insight into the future health and character of your potential pet. Meet both parents, paying attention to their temperament, appearance, and overall health. This can provide you valuable information on what to expect from your puppy.

When inspecting the puppies, pay attention to their activity levels, socialization, and overall health. A healthy Manchester Terrier should be lively, curious, and cheerful. Check the condition of their eyes, ears, teeth, and coat. Make sure to get information about the initial veterinary procedures performed on the puppies, such as vaccinations and parasite treatments.

Manchester Terriers are known for their vibrant personalities, and each puppy may have its own unique traits. Spend time with each puppy, observing their behavior and how they interact with you. If you’re looking for a companion for active games and training, choose a more energetic puppy. If you want a calm companion dog, pay attention to a more reserved puppy.

Before making a final decision, think about your long-term plans and capacity for caring for a dog. The Manchester Terrier is a breed that requires attention, training, and an active lifestyle. Ensure that you are ready to provide the puppy with everything it needs for healthy and happy development.Choosing a Manchester Terrier puppy is an exciting journey that requires patience and care. With the right approach and attention to detail, you can find not only a healthy but also the perfect puppy for your family. Mixed breeds with Manchester Terriers are very rare. However, due to the temperament of this terrier, mixing can be problematic.The Manchester Terrier is the only descendant of an ancient line of terriers. It possesses a versatile, sensitive character combined with intelligence, gentleness, and a robust physique. With its help, you can handle any task. It is an ideal companion. We wish for it much greater popularity.

Health and Diseases

Taking care of the health of a Manchester Terrier is an important aspect of responsible ownership of this charming and energetic breed. Manchesters generally have good health, but like any other breed, they can experience certain illnesses and issues that owners should be aware of.

One common medical concern for Manchesters is dental problems. They can develop tartar, leading to gum disease and potentially affecting the overall health of the dog. Regular teeth cleaning, providing chew toys, and proper nutrition are key factors in maintaining oral health.

Manchesters may also face skin problems, including allergies and irritations. These can be triggered by various factors such as food allergens, contact with irritants, or genetic predispositions. It is important to closely monitor the condition of their skin, respond to any changes, and consult a veterinarian when necessary.

Another crucial part of caring for a Manchester Terrier’s health is weight management. These dogs can be prone to obesity, which can increase the risk of various diseases, such as diabetes or joint issues. Regular physical exercise, balanced nutrition, and portion control will help keep them in great shape.

Eye problems are also among the health issues noted in Manchesters. Regular veterinary visits for vision checks and maintaining cleanliness around the eyes can help detect and prevent issues in a timely manner.

It’s important to note that choosing a healthy dog begins with selecting a reputable breeder, conducting regular health check-ups, and maintaining a proper lifestyle. Thoughtful care, attention to diet, and timely visits to the veterinarian will help ensure a long and happy life for your Manchester Terrier.Veterinary care is essential for the health and well-being of your dog; however, the frequency of treatments and check-ups will depend on the individual dog. Scheduled visits to the veterinarian every six months are important for ensuring their health and happiness throughout all stages of life.Regular care for your dog allows you to monitor their growth and development, discuss any concerns with the veterinarian, and is a key part of preventive care.