Manchester Terriers BREED INFORMATION
In the 1500's, black and tan descendants
of the rough-coated English Terrier were used to assist
hounds in going to ground and digging out the quarry.
During the sixteenth century the Manchester district
of England was noted for two “poor man’s sports”,
rat killing and rabbit coursing. On into the 1800's,
during the industrialization of England, small terriers
such as the Black and Tan were helping to control rats,
mice, weasels and foxes. In order to produce a dog that
would succeed at both, an Englishman named John Hulme
mated a female Whipped with a crossbred dark brown male
dog known for its rat-killing ability. This produced the
Manchester Terrier. For a time, he was referred to as the
Black-and-Tan Terrier but the name of Manchester Terrier
was reestablished for the breed in 1923. It was appreciated
for its keen sense of smell and hearing, its loyalty and
protectiveness, and its stable temperament. The Standard
Manchester is one of the forefathers of the Doberman, and
many people believe that they are diminutive versions, but
this is not the case. These remarkable qualities made the
Manchester a popular pet and watch dog as well.
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In Victorian times, The Manchester Terrier was referred
to as “the Gentleman’s Terrier”. He was
known to be very devoted as well as lively, good natured,
with minimal amount of grooming and care. They are not
picky eaters and will accept most any diet.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
There are two varieties recognized by the American Kennel
Club. The Toy variety can weigh up to 12 lbs. The Standard
weighs over 12 lbs. but not to exceed 22 lbs. The only
coloration permitted is black and tan. Many people mistake
the Manchester for a Miniature Pinscher or a Doberman puppy.
In fact, the Standard Manchester and the Rottweiler were
the foundation breeds used by Louis Dobermann in Germany
to create the Doberman Pinscher.
BOTH VARIETIES
The Manchester Terrier’s
head is long and narrow with the skull and muzzle being
of equal length. The eyes are nearly black and almond shaped
with black eye rims. The expression is keen and alert.
The jaws are powerful with a full and well defined under
jaw. The bite is either scissors or level. The neck is
slightly arched and graceful. The top line has a slight
arch over the loin that falls slightly to the tail set.
The tail is moderately short and reaches no further than
the hock joint. It is thick at the body, tapers to a point
at the end, and is carried in a slight upward curve. The
legs are straight with compact, well arched feet. The toes
are cat-like. The bone and muscle should have sufficient
mass to ensure agility and endurance. The coat is smooth,
short, dense, tight and glossy. Manchester terriers should
be jet black with rich mahogany tan markings.
TOY
Has a naturally erect
ear. Height at the shoulder is fifteen to sixteen inches.
STANDARD
Can have ears
that are carried naturally erect, cropped or button shaped.
The weight of the Standard variety is between twelve
and twenty-two pounds.
CONCLUSION
Manchester Terriers either variety are
one of the more sedate terriers, and are generally sociable
with other dogs of any breed. They both are portable, and
keep themselves quite clean, so they are very little maintenance
compared to most terrier breeds. Although small/medium
sized, these dogs can be very protective, and are usually
fiercely loyal to their families or the ones that they
are most familiar with. Aloof with strangers, these dogs
may not be what you are looking for as not all breeds are
right for all people. The lifespan of these dogs generally
stretches to around 15 years. VWD is one of the main concerns
in the breed but reputable breeders are working hard to
eradicate this from the breed. These dogs make great companions
and adapt easily to your lifestyle whether it is sedentary
or very active. They make great agility and flyball competitors,
as well as obedience trials, earth trials, and therapy
dogs. They are a lot of dog in a small/medium package,
and their abilities can seem endless at times. Never take
a Manchesters intelligence for granted, they have been
known to out smart their owners!! That new little itty
bitty manchester puppy quickly becomes an equal member
in any family and possess all the attributes you could
wish for in a companion either human or canine. Once bitten
by the “Manchester” bug, many wouldn’t
dream of having anything else sleeping on their couch,
under their covers, curled up behind their legs while sleeping
or stretched out with “all fours” pushing against
your back!
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