Manchester Terrier
The Manchester Terrier has a striking appearance and is one of the more sensitive members of the Terrier Group. Enthusiasts of the breed often describe them as “cat-like” because of its overly-cautious demeanor and independent personality. And these dogs also take great pride in keeping themselves clean, much like a cat does.
When it comes to temperament, the Manchester Terrier is friendly towards other dogs and highly-affectionate with it owners. However, when strange people approach this dog becomes alert and reserved. For this reason they make excellent watchdogs in any household. Manchesters are also very playful and need to expend lots of energy each day.
A Brief History Of The Manchester Terrier
The creation of the Manchester Terrier is the result of a cross of two amazing breeds - the Black and Tan Terrier and the Whippet. It all started around the early 16th century, in England, as the people there enjoyed the hunting abilities of the Black and Tan when it came to getting rid of rats and other small rodents.
At the turn of industrialization the working class of England also enjoyed dog racing with the Whippet being the main contender. With the Black and Tan Terriers the most popular rodent-killing dogs, and the Whippet the favorite among racing dogs, it was only a matter of time before both breeds would be crossed.
A man named John Hulme, who lived in Manchester, was the first breeder to do so. His goal was to create a dog that could be refined in both areas; rat killing and racing. The resulting breed was a beautiful canine that looked like a Black and Tan Terrier but with a refined back. It was officially known as the Manchester Terrier in 1860, then renamed the Black and Tan Terrier, but changed back to the Manchester in 1923.
Upkeep Requirements For The Manchester Terrier
This breed needs daily action but can get its exercise requirements from a few brisk walks on the leash or a romp around the yard. Natural explorers, the Manchester Terrier is most happy when able to roam outside off-leash in a safe area. Ideally, the dog should have access to a fenced-in yard while sleeping indoors with the family at night.
The Manchester has very little tolerance for cold temperatures but can handle hot climates. Their coat is smooth which means minimal grooming needs. A light brushing every couple of weeks just to remove dead hairs is plenty. These dogs also need soft bedding to sleep on.
Health Concerns
The average lifespan of the Manchester Terrier is between fifteen and sixteen years. There are no major health concerns in the breed. Minor health issues that are common include vWD, cardiomyopathy, and hypothyroidism. Rarely seen is PRA, deafness, patellar luxation, and Legg-Perthes. Veterinarians suggest that Manchester Terrier dogs get specifically tested for DNA for vWD, eye, hip, and thyroid problems.
It is said that John Hulme mated the Whippet with the Black and Tan Terrier during the 19th century to get today's Manchester Terrier. Some think that Dachshunds and Italian Greyhounds played a role in its development. They were developed for killing rats on ships and in homes.
The sport of rat killing in the pit survived for a time and a Toy Manchester Terrier is said to have nailed three-hundred rats in fifty-four minutes. In the Victorina era, the Standard Manchester Terrier was dubbed the gentleman's terrier.
There were several acceptable colors in the middle of the 1800's like red, blue, and white. The contemporary acceptable color is black and tan. In 1895, England outlawed ear cropping. The Manchester Terrier lost popularity. This prompted the breeders to develop the button ears, which required a good bit of time.
The Hours of the Virgin contains the earliest recognized depiction of a Manchester Terrier; it is in an
illustrated manuscript of about 1500 A.D. The AKC registered the Manchester Terrier in 1886. The British Manchester Terrier Club was established in 1937.
General Looks
This breed has a distinctive mark at about the ankle; it is a black thumb-print on the front side of the leg. The dog looks like he is wearing a black mask that also runs down to nose. The sides of the muzzle are tan; the checks and over the eyes have tan spots. The tan coloring upon the the neck forms a v-shape. Tan markings set on each side of the chest.
Is This Your Breed
The Manchester Terrier acclimates to the city and the countryside. It is a good size for apartment living. It makes a good watchdog. Its short fur needs little maintainence. It is important to be consistent when training because this breed will test boundaries.
Coat
The coat is short, close to the body, dense, and shiny.
Color
The color is black and tan. The colors should not blend.
Locomotion
The movement is free and looks effortless. The forequarters have good reach and the rear produces strong drive.
Personality
It is agile, faithful, alert, enthusiastic, curious, and observant. It has agood memory. The Manchester Terriers gets on well with other pets including cats, if it grows up with them. It may chase cats that aren't of its household. This independent and determined aspects calls for a seasoned owner.
Some of them are extremely possessive about food and toys. This breed requires an active owner, lots of attention, and daily exercise. Since this is a curious breed a fenced yard and being leashed when walking is advised. To produce a stable personality this breed should have early socialization.
It is good with children it has known since a pup and gentle children. It is leery of strangers and protective.
Manchester Terrier video:
Tags: group enthusiasts, Tan, getting rid of rats, john hulme, time, Black
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