Manchester Terrier (Standard)
The Manchester Terrier (standard) is a sleek and elegant breed with a rich history. It's known for its sharp and alert expression.


Manchester Terrier (Standard) Breed overview
The Manchester Terrier (standard) was bred in England during the 1800s for the purpose of hunting vermin. These dogs are highly intelligent, energetic, and loyal to their owners. They make great companions for active families or individuals looking for a watchdog with a big personality.
Explore other breeds
What To Expect When Caring For a Manchester Terrier (Standard)
Nutrition
Manchester Terriers (standard) require a balanced diet that is appropriate for their age and activity level. It's important to feed them high-quality dog food with plenty of protein and healthy fats. As with all breeds, it's important to avoid overfeeding and provide plenty of fresh water.
Exercise
Manchester Terriers (standard) are an active breed that require plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy going for walks, exploring their surroundings, and playing with their owners. They also do well in dog sports like agility and obedience.
Health
Manchester Terriers (standard) are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to a few health issues. These include von Willebrand's disease, a bleeding disorder, and patellar luxation, a condition in which the kneecap becomes dislocated. It's also important to keep their teeth clean to prevent dental issues.
Grooming
Manchester Terriers (standard) are easy to groom. They have a short, smooth coat that does not require much maintenance. Weekly brushing, nail trimming, and occasional baths are all they need to stay looking their best.
Training
Manchester Terriers (standard) are an intelligent and trainable breed, but they can be stubborn at times. Positive reinforcement training methods work best with this breed. They respond well to treats and praise, but harsh methods can cause them to shut down or become aggressive.
Open your heart and home to a furry friend eagerly waiting to become your loyal life companion. By choosing to adopt, you are giving a deserving dog a second chance at happiness and supporting the fight against pet overpopulation.
Manchester Terrier (Standard) Traits & Characteristics
The breed is a small to medium sized dog with a muscular and well-proportioned body. They have a short, shiny coat that is black and tan in color. They stand 15-16 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 12-22 pounds. Their head is long and wedge-shaped, with small, erect ears and dark, almond-shaped eyes. The tail is docked to about one-third of its original length.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
Manchester Terriers are moderately affectionate with their family, but may not show as much love and devotion as some other breeds. They are not clingy but they have playful personalities and love spending interactive time with their family members.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Manchester Terriers are generally good with children, but due to their high energy and playfulness, they are better suited for older kids who can handle their roughhousing and are respectful of their boundaries. They are not particularly tolerant of teasing or rough play
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Manchester Terriers can be somewhat dog aggressive if not socialized properly as puppies. They have a high prey drive due to their ratting background which may make it difficult for them to get along with other pets.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Manchester Terriers can be wary and suspicious of strangers if not socialized properly. However, with training, they can become friendly and accepting of people they meet.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Manchester Terriers are very playful and energetic. They love to play games, such as fetch, and need daily exercise and interactive playtime to maintain their physical and mental health.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Manchester Terriers are highly alert and vigilant. They will bark to alert their family of any perceived threat or danger and make excellent watchdogs. Their alertness can also make them successful in sports, such as agility and obedience.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Manchester Terriers can adapt to many different living environments, but they may become stressed and anxious if their routine is disrupted. They prefer to have a consistent schedule and dislike sudden changes.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Manchester Terriers are known for their low shedding coat. They are a great choice for people with allergies or those who simply dislike cleaning up after shedding dogs.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Manchester Terriers require little grooming. Their short, shiny coat needs a weekly brushing and the occasional bath. They also need their nails trimmed regularly.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Manchester Terriers are a low drooling breed. They don't produce much saliva and won't slobber or drool excessively, which is a plus for cleanliness and prevention of lip-related issues.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Manchester Terriers are a small breed, with an average weight of 12-22 pounds and a height of 10-12 inches. They are suitable for people who are looking for a smaller dog that is still active and playful.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Manchester Terriers are a high-energy breed that needs at least one hour of vigorous exercise per day to stay mentally and physically fit. They make great running or hiking companions, and love interactive playtime with their owner.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Manchester Terriers require daily exercise to maintain their health and happiness. They enjoy long walks, runs, and interactive playtime with their owners. They also benefit from mental stimulation and challenging games.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Manchester Terriers are a versatile breed that excel in many activities such as agility, obedience and tracking. They also make great watchdogs and vermin hunters, and can be trained for various types of work.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Manchester Terriers were originally bred as rat catchers, and still have a natural hunting instinct. They have excellent scenting abilities and tracking skills, which can make them successful in hunting and earth dog trials.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Manchester Terriers have a good level of physical stamina and can handle long walks, runs, and other strenuous activities. They should be given enough exercise to maintain their high energy levels.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Manchester Terriers are generally healthy, but can be prone to certain health issues such as progressive retinal atrophy, vWD, and hypothyroidism. Regular vet check-ups and a balanced diet can help prevent and manage these conditions.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Manchester Terriers have a tendency to gain weight if overfed and under-exercised. It's important to provide them with a balanced diet and daily exercise to prevent obesity and maintain a healthy weight.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Manchester Terriers are adapted to cooler climates and can tolerate moderate cold temperatures. However, they should wear a coat or sweater when the temperature drops below freezing.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Manchester Terriers are not well-suited for hot weather and can quickly overheat. They should be kept in a cool, air-conditioned environment during the summer months and not be over-exercised.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Manchester Terriers can adapt to apartment living as long as they are given enough daily exercise and playtime. They are a good choice for city dwellers with active lifestyles.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Manchester Terriers have a tendency to wander off if they catch a scent or see something interesting. Therefore, they should always be on a leash or in a secure area when being walked or allowed to roam.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Manchester Terriers have a moderate level of sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement. They respond best to positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Manchester Terriers can become anxious and destructive when left alone for extended periods of time. They prefer to be with their owners and appreciate consistent companionship.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Manchester Terriers are vocal and will bark at anything they perceive to be a threat. Without proper training, they can become excessive barkers, so it's important to train them to control their barking behavior.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Manchester Terriers require mental stimulation and enjoy challenging games and obedience training. They are quick learners with a strong desire to please their owners, but they can become bored and destructive if left unoccupied for too long.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Manchester Terriers are an intelligent breed that can be easy to train, but they have a strong personality and can be stubborn at times. They require an experienced, firm and patient owner who can provide them with enough mental stimulation and exercise.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Manchester Terriers are intelligent, eager to please and generally obedient, which makes them relatively easy to train. However, they can be stubborn and strong-willed, so consistent positive reinforcement training is recommended.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
Manchester Terriers are moderately affectionate with their family, but may not show as much love and devotion as some other breeds. They are not clingy but they have playful personalities and love spending interactive time with their family members.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Manchester Terriers are generally good with children, but due to their high energy and playfulness, they are better suited for older kids who can handle their roughhousing and are respectful of their boundaries. They are not particularly tolerant of teasing or rough play
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Manchester Terriers can be somewhat dog aggressive if not socialized properly as puppies. They have a high prey drive due to their ratting background which may make it difficult for them to get along with other pets.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Manchester Terriers can be wary and suspicious of strangers if not socialized properly. However, with training, they can become friendly and accepting of people they meet.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Manchester Terriers are very playful and energetic. They love to play games, such as fetch, and need daily exercise and interactive playtime to maintain their physical and mental health.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Manchester Terriers are highly alert and vigilant. They will bark to alert their family of any perceived threat or danger and make excellent watchdogs. Their alertness can also make them successful in sports, such as agility and obedience.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Manchester Terriers can adapt to many different living environments, but they may become stressed and anxious if their routine is disrupted. They prefer to have a consistent schedule and dislike sudden changes.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Manchester Terriers are known for their low shedding coat. They are a great choice for people with allergies or those who simply dislike cleaning up after shedding dogs.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Manchester Terriers require little grooming. Their short, shiny coat needs a weekly brushing and the occasional bath. They also need their nails trimmed regularly.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Manchester Terriers are a low drooling breed. They don't produce much saliva and won't slobber or drool excessively, which is a plus for cleanliness and prevention of lip-related issues.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Manchester Terriers are a small breed, with an average weight of 12-22 pounds and a height of 10-12 inches. They are suitable for people who are looking for a smaller dog that is still active and playful.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Manchester Terriers are a high-energy breed that needs at least one hour of vigorous exercise per day to stay mentally and physically fit. They make great running or hiking companions, and love interactive playtime with their owner.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Manchester Terriers require daily exercise to maintain their health and happiness. They enjoy long walks, runs, and interactive playtime with their owners. They also benefit from mental stimulation and challenging games.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Manchester Terriers are a versatile breed that excel in many activities such as agility, obedience and tracking. They also make great watchdogs and vermin hunters, and can be trained for various types of work.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Manchester Terriers were originally bred as rat catchers, and still have a natural hunting instinct. They have excellent scenting abilities and tracking skills, which can make them successful in hunting and earth dog trials.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Manchester Terriers have a good level of physical stamina and can handle long walks, runs, and other strenuous activities. They should be given enough exercise to maintain their high energy levels.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Manchester Terriers are generally healthy, but can be prone to certain health issues such as progressive retinal atrophy, vWD, and hypothyroidism. Regular vet check-ups and a balanced diet can help prevent and manage these conditions.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Manchester Terriers have a tendency to gain weight if overfed and under-exercised. It's important to provide them with a balanced diet and daily exercise to prevent obesity and maintain a healthy weight.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Manchester Terriers are adapted to cooler climates and can tolerate moderate cold temperatures. However, they should wear a coat or sweater when the temperature drops below freezing.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Manchester Terriers are not well-suited for hot weather and can quickly overheat. They should be kept in a cool, air-conditioned environment during the summer months and not be over-exercised.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Manchester Terriers can adapt to apartment living as long as they are given enough daily exercise and playtime. They are a good choice for city dwellers with active lifestyles.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Manchester Terriers have a tendency to wander off if they catch a scent or see something interesting. Therefore, they should always be on a leash or in a secure area when being walked or allowed to roam.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Manchester Terriers have a moderate level of sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement. They respond best to positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Manchester Terriers can become anxious and destructive when left alone for extended periods of time. They prefer to be with their owners and appreciate consistent companionship.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Manchester Terriers are vocal and will bark at anything they perceive to be a threat. Without proper training, they can become excessive barkers, so it's important to train them to control their barking behavior.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Manchester Terriers require mental stimulation and enjoy challenging games and obedience training. They are quick learners with a strong desire to please their owners, but they can become bored and destructive if left unoccupied for too long.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Manchester Terriers are an intelligent breed that can be easy to train, but they have a strong personality and can be stubborn at times. They require an experienced, firm and patient owner who can provide them with enough mental stimulation and exercise.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Manchester Terriers are intelligent, eager to please and generally obedient, which makes them relatively easy to train. However, they can be stubborn and strong-willed, so consistent positive reinforcement training is recommended.
Similar breeds

History of the Manchester Terrier (Standard)
The Manchester Terrier (standard) is descended from the Black and Tan Terrier, a breed that was popular in England during the 19th century. These dogs were used for both ratting and rabbiting, and were often kept by the working classes. The breed was eventually refined to create the Manchester Terrier, which became popular with the wealthy class for its good looks and hunting abilities.

Manchester Terrier (Standard) Puppies
Manchester Terrier (standard) puppies are born with floppy ears that will become erect as they develop. They are full of energy and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Early socialization is key to ensuring that they grow up to be well-adjusted and happy dogs. They are a relatively healthy breed and can live up to 16 years.