by Raven Lebeau

Created on: March 07, 2009   Last Updated: January 30, 2010

The Manchester Terrier breed has two distinct varieties. Toy Manchester Terriers are those that weigh less than twelve pounds and considered members of the American Kennel Club's Toy Group. Standard Manchester Terriers weigh between twelve and twenty two pounds and are considered members of the Terrier group.

Both varieties of Manchester Terrier originated in Manchester, England where dogs were frequently used for rat killing and rabbit hunting. The Manchester Terrier was bred to be good for both purposes and was created by crossing Whippets with dark-colored terriers. The new breed proved successful at its intended job, and Manchester Terriers soon became popular. During the Victorian period, breeders strove to create smaller toy dogs, and using extreme inbreeding, Manchester Terrier breeders brought the average weight of a Manchester Terrier to an amazingly small two and a half pounds!

In appearance, a Manchester Terrier looks something like a very small Doberman Pinscher. In fact, according to DogBreedInfo.com, the the Manchester Terrier was one of several breeds used in the creation of the Doberman Pinscher, so this similarity in appearance is not surprising. The Manchester Terrier has a dark, glossy coat of very short fur with light brown markings on its feet, muzzle, and ears. Toy Manchester Terriers always have naturally erect ears, while Standard Manchester Terriers may have cropped or button ears. Other than their size, the ear shape is the only difference between Standard and Toy Manchester Terriers.

Manchester Terriers are energetic, intelligent dogs and can be easily trained. They perform well in obedience and agility competitions and owners who take the time to properly train and socialize their Manchester Terriers can expect a well-behaved pet. If socialized from an early age, Manchester Terriers are friendly toward people, bonding strongly with their owners and getting along well with strangers, too. They can also be compatible with cats and other dogs, however, like all terriers, they have strong chase instincts toward animals such as rodents, guinea pigs, and rabbits and should not be allowed around these types of pets.

Another well-known terrier trait is a very high energy level. Owners of Manchester Terriers should expect to give their dog plenty of regular exercise in the form of walks and outdoor play. Manchester Terriers also enjoy mental stimulation and will play with toys and benefit from training. If deprived or physical and mental stimulation, terriers can become bored and destructive. However, when they lead active lives, Manchester Terriers have a pleasant temperament and make excellent pets.

Learn more about this author, Raven Lebeau.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.