Manchester Terrier

OVERVIEW OF THE MANCHESTER TERRIER

Manchester Terriers, also known as Manchesters, are a small dog breed that was named after an English city. This dog resembles a miniature Doberman Pinscher because of its black coat, chestnut coloring, and almond eyes. There are two different sizes available in this breed, one being the standard (under 22 pounds) and the other being the toy (12 pounds). Regardless of its size, it’s a sleek, elegant dog that combines the acute senses and courage of a dog with the speed and quickness of a racing hound.

Due to their shared ancestry with the Tan Terrier, they’re often mistaken for toy Doberman Pinschers. This breed is short- and smooth-coated, black and tan dogs with wedge-shaped, strong bodies. Their large muzzles and narrow, arched necks contribute to their elegant profile. The Manchester Terrier is known for its impeccable cleanliness. These canines are responsive and loving toward their owners despite being independent and reserved among outsiders.

Manchester Terriers possess the impulse to go after small animals and other moving objects since they were originally raised to catch city vermin like rats. That’s why houses with small pets, such as rabbits or hamsters, aren’t the best places for Manchester Terriers. Since the Manchester Terrier has an inherent instinct to chase, it should always be kept on a leash when out for walks and confined to a fenced-in area whenever it’s allowed to run free.

HISTORY

Manchester was once the heart of England’s textile industry before it became known for soccer. Local mill employees’ two favorite diversions in the middle 1800s were hunting rabbits with small dogs and “rat killing,” meaning sending a terrier inside a rat pit and wagering on whether or not it would return with any rats. In order to develop a dog that was successful at both sports, veterinarians of the time crossed whippets with ratter dogs. That’s how the Manchester Terrier emerged.

Records about the breed dating back to the 16th century make it one of the oldest terrier breeds in England. The type has a reputation as an effective rat killer and was given the name “Manchester Terrier” in 1860.

The Victorian era saw a rise in the demand for Manchester Terriers as companions, but the trend was reversed in 1895 when the practice of ear cropping was made illegal in Britain. The uncropped ears of Manchester Terriers were considered to have an unattractive appearance. Breeders then started selecting the pointy ears that are now synonymous with Manchester Terriers.

Since the early 1900s, standard Manchester Terriers, as well as toy Manchester Terriers, have been recognized as distinct breeds, with the latter not achieving full recognition until the late 1950s. The smaller toy breed descended from the bigger standard breed through a combination of random mutation and deliberate breeding. Since then, the two distinct terrier types have merged into a single breed commonly referred to as the Manchester Terrier. The larger Manchester is classified as a terrier, whereas the smaller Manchester is one of the toy dog groups.

MANCHESTER TERRIER DOG TRAITS

Appearance

In terms of physical attributes, the Manchester Terrier is a little dog with a sturdy, muscular, compact, and graceful build. The body’s square shape makes it exceptionally well-balanced. People often compare it to a small Doberman Pinscher. Size at withers is less than the whole body length, while the head is lengthy and thin like a cone, with a weak stop and a long, thin, and wide nose. It has a black and glossy truffle.

The eyes are almond-shaped and small, yet incredibly bright and intense. They don’t stick out too much yet don’t recede either. The cheeks are plump and lush beneath them. Their ears are prominent and perched atop their heads, with only the tips hanging down, and are little and triangular.

Their feet are sturdy and compact, with well-arched tips with signature black stripes and highly unusual patterns above each one. The tail is short and broad at its base but tapers to a point at its tip. The dog does not lift it higher than its back, as it is placed high, below the buttocks. This dog also has a short, tight, shiny coat of firm, silky hair. It’s mostly black with a few bright tan patterns.

Temperament

Manchesters are lively and full of energy, yet their origins as a city dog breed make them ideally suited to city living. They’re known to be friendly and devoted family pets that thrive in homes with kids. The breed was known as Gentleman’s Terrier in Victorian times. Untrained Manchesters have a tendency to bark constantly. They also are highly perceptive and analytical dogs who often appear to deliberate over their next move.

FOOD AND HEALTH OF MANCHESTER TERRIER

Diet

The Manchester Terrier will do well on quality dog food, either purchased from a store or produced at home (supervised by a veterinarian, of course). It should always have access to fresh and clean water. Treats should only be given in small amounts, and the dog’s nutrition should be closely monitored in order to prevent obesity-related health problems and weight gain. This applies to dogs of all breeds.

Any high-quality canine ration that is tailored to the Manchester Terrier’s maturity, size, and activity level will serve them well nutritionally. Puppies have higher requirements for the amount of energy they consume than adult dogs would, and they require food that is formulated specifically for them and is high in protein. Performing Manchesters have greater requirements for their daily intake of calories and nutrients than those kept as pets in the home. If you are unsure about how much food to give your Manchester Terrier, you should consult with your dog’s vet.

TRAINING AND EXERCISE

Exercise

Your Manchester Terrier can adapt to an apartment or household life, but they still require daily exercise and play. Most Manchester Terriers don’t need more than a couple of quick walks or a session of playtime outside. Whether it’s a ball, a stick, or Frisbee, a Manchester Terrier will happily chase it.

Manchesters are very trainable and curious pets. Agility, tracking, obedience, flyball, and earth dog competitions are just some of the canine sports in which they excel. Even in the dance world, Manchesters can shine.

Manchesters need regular exercise, such as leashed walks and playing in a small backyard, because it is fairly active and athletic. One full hour of daily exercise is recommended for your dog. If you’re considering getting a Manchester, you should know that they are an active breed constantly on the prowl for new activities. Being a terrier, it would also enjoy digging.

Training and socialization

This breed possesses a high level of intelligence, and it would appear that it can reason and prepare itself for various challenges. Manchesters enjoy a challenge and can easily be trained with the assistance of strategies that focus on positive reinforcement and the provision of rewards.

The Manchester Terrier is just not going to respond well to severe corrections. That’s why training sessions must be kept light-hearted and focused on positive reinforcement. It should be no surprise that Manchesters perform admirably in various canine activities.

Manchester Terriers are relatively simple to train because they’re smart, eager to please their masters, and respond well to approaches that are based on positive reinforcement. Training excessively severe or punitive techniques won’t be effective with this breed. It’s crucial to begin early socialization with a wide range of individuals and experiences if you want to bring up an outgoing and well-rounded pet.

Manchester Terriers are known to be affectionate and people-pleasing canines, and they can make wonderful additions to families as pets. They’re often tolerant of the fun youngsters engage in, and several Manchesters especially allow their owners to dress them up in costumes. It is important to remember that young children shouldn’t be left alone with a dog, regardless of how good the dog is with other children, and that all kids must be taught how or when to interact with dogs safely.

HEALTH CONCERNS OF MANCHESTER TERRIER

Manchester Terriers can have several different health problems. Although the Manchester Terrier has a high prognosis for health, any purebred dog can develop a hereditary disorder. A healthy Manchester Terrier can live anywhere from 15 to 17 years.

Canine von Willebrand Disease

Canine von Willebrand Disease (vWD) is an inherited blood condition. The severity of this disease varies widely. Bleeding from the nostrils, mouth, genitourinary and gastrointestinal systems may occur spontaneously in patients with severe vWD. Discuss with your vet about vWD when your Manchester Terrier is showing indications of erratic or uncontrollable bleeding.

Blood transfusions from dogs are used to treat life-threatening hemorrhaging. A plasma transfusion could well be recommended for your Manchester Terrier with vWD before any invasive operations that could result in excessive blood loss. Medications that prevent clottings, such as aspirin and heparin, should not be administered to Manchester Terriers with vWD.

Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Manchesters are susceptible to autoimmune thyroiditis, a condition in which the dog’s immune system mistakenly assaults the thyroid gland. Autoimmune thyroiditis causes hypothyroidism in Manchester by damaging the thyroid and preventing it from producing sufficient thyroid hormone.

Among the symptoms are:

• Frequent skin infections
• Severe shedding
• Shorn of fur or suffering a significant thinning of the coat
• Excessive weight gain
• Reduced activity and cold tolerance
• Swelling of the skin

If your vet believes your pet has autoimmune thyroiditis,  your vet may also perform tests regarding systemic lupus erythematosus.

Synthetic thyroid hormone can treat hypothyroidism. Sadly, this medication will have to be given to the dog for the remainder of its life.

Juvenile Cardiomyopathy

The Manchester Terrier has an increased risk of contracting this condition which could ultimately prove lethal.

The dog would not exhibit any signs of having a heart condition, but it may suddenly die of cardiac arrest as a puppy. There is speculation that a recessive mutation occurred during the formation of the dog’s heart.

Anesthesia Sensitivity

In addition, owners of Manchester Terriers should know that, like their greyhound forebears, Manchesters might have adverse reactions to using anesthesia.

Patellar Luxation

This breed is predisposed to developing a disease known as “loose knees,” which can be painful.

Sensitivity to cold

You may need to coax your Manchester Terrier into going outside for toilet breaks when the weather is chilly or wet. Your Manchester Terrier may require a coat or sweater to remain comfortable. Generally, your dog will most likely want one of its own whenever you put on a coat or jumper.

Heartworms

Manchester Terriers must take preventative medication regularly to protect their hearts and lungs from potentially fatal parasite infection. Heartworms are a disease that is tough to treat but simple to avoid. The bite of a mosquito transmits them. At eight weeks, pups are first given a heartworm prevention medication. Medications are available only with a doctor’s prescription. Heartworm preventatives can be taken orally or applied topically. Your vet will be able to guide you in selecting the medication that is appropriate for your Manchester Terrier.

Standard core vaccinations are required for Manchester Terriers; some may also require non-core vaccinations. If your Manchester does have a higher chance of exposure, your vet may administer immunizations that are not considered core. Talk to your vet to find out if your Manchester Terrier requires any immunizations that aren’t considered basic.

GROOMING INSIGHTS FOR MANCHESTER TERRIER

The coats of Manchesters are quite simple to care for. Even though they only need to be bathed occasionally using a shampoo that is safe for dogs, you should also wipe your Manchester’s coat with a damp towel once a week to maintain its luster and cleanliness. Manchesters do not require regular grooming or haircuts. The use of a hound glove once a week to brush a Manchester Terrier could assist in the reduction of excessive shedding. Most Manchesters take pleasure in the very straightforward grooming process, which is likely because these dogs adore spending time with their human companions.

As with any other breed of dog, Manchesters require regular dental care and getting their nails trimmed. You should clean your dog’s teeth every day with dog-safe toothpaste and trim the nails before they become so long that they click when the dog walks. You can use an electric file to file down or cut your Manchester terrier’s toenails if necessary.

You should also administer a flea and tick preventive to your Manchester regularly. These can be purchased without a prescription as moisturizers, powders, and preventive flea collars. Other forms, including sprays and powders, are also available. In case you have doubts regarding the prevention of ticks and fleas, you should consult your local vet.