History
One of the oldest breeds of terrier, developed as a rat hunter in nineteenth century in Manchester, England. Believed that the Manchester Terrier was developed by crossing Black & Tan Terrier and the Whippet, however others believe the Manchester Terrier was developed from several breeds, among them the Doberman Pinscher, and the Airedale Terrier.
Description
Body is smooth, compact, and muscular with a long narrow tapering head, v-shaped ears & smooth short coat of dense hair.
Grooming and Physical Needs
- Grooming Needs: Short coat is easy to care for, requiring minimal grooming, a brush on a regular basis with a firm bristle brush, and bathe once every two weeks in the warmer months and bathe once a month in the colder months.
- Coat Type: Close, smooth, short and glossy, of firm texture.
- Moulting: Moderate shedding.
- Exercise Needs: A walk daily for about 30 minutes is all they need & as they get older requires less exercise. They love routine& need to have access to inside when their family is home & be part of the family activities.
- Average Life Span: 14 – 15 years.
Behaviour
- Family: Not suited to an inactive owner, they need a firm, confident, owner and consistence with training. Make great family pets but with older children over about 5.
- Temperament: High-spirited, powerful and agile dog, they display the true terrier nature. They are extremely lively and sporty.
- Trainability: High intelligent and is a quick learner, require regular and consistent training.
- Sociability (Other Pets): They get on well with other breeds of dogs and cats. Do not get on well with rodents & birds etc. as they are terriers and their true terrier hunting instinct comes out.
- Barking: Will warn their owners of anything that is going on around them, being good watch dogs. They don’t usually bark for no reason.
Talents
Outstanding in activities like agility, fly-ball and obedience trials.
Notes
Can prone to glaucoma, they can also be prone to Von Willebrand’s disease.