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Breed guide overview
About Manchester Terriers
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Manchester Terrier breed
The Manchester Terrier is a spirited and intelligent breed with a fascinating history dating back to 19th-century England. Originally bred to control vermin on farms and in mills, these sleek, athletic dogs are known for their sharp hunting instincts and loyal nature. Today, they remain a popular choice for active households, combining elegance with a lively personality.
Manchester Terriers come in two distinct varieties: the Standard Manchester Terrier and the Toy Manchester Terrier. The Standard variety is larger, showcasing a robust yet refined build, while the Toy variety offers the same charm in a smaller package. Both varieties are celebrated for their agility, intelligence, and affectionate temperament.
Weight, Height & Life Expectancy
- Standard Manchester Terrier: Stands 39–40 cm tall and weighs between 5 and 10 kg.
- Toy Manchester Terrier: Measures 25–30 cm in height and weighs 2.5–5 kg.
- Both varieties share a life expectancy of approximately 14–16 years, highlighting their longevity as loyal companions.
Whether you’re captivated by their hunting heritage, striking appearance, or endearing loyalty, Manchester Terriers can be an excellent match for an active and loving home.
What is the Temperament of Manchester Terriers Like?
The Manchester Terrier is a lively, curious, and alert companion, making them a joy to have in an active household. Their affectionate nature ensures they form strong bonds with their families, and their keen sense of observation makes them excellent watchdogs.
While they can be somewhat reserved with strangers, early socialization plays a crucial role in helping them feel more comfortable in new environments and around unfamiliar people. Their intelligence and agility shine in activities that challenge their minds, such as obedience training, agility courses, and interactive games.
Manchester Terriers thrive when they are mentally and physically stimulated, making them ideal for owners who enjoy engaging and bonding with their pets through activities.
Our Manchester Terrier Community
"Deacon is a cute almost 6 year old Manchester Terrier. He doesn’t like being alone, so it would be great to find someone who could keep him company. He is a friendly guy and adores female companions."
Deacon's owner, Ekaterina from Brentford
"Ripley loves walks and chasing balls and frisbees and is the gentlest dog ever! She's great with kids and other dogs and is always wagging her tail. She has lots of energy and is always wanting more."
Ripley's owner, Andy from Chalfont St Peter
How Much Exercise Do Manchester Terriers Need?
The Manchester Terrier is an active and energetic breed with moderate exercise needs. To keep them happy and healthy, they require at least 1 to 1.5 hours of daily exercise, which should include a mix of physical activity and mental stimulation.
Daily walks, playtime in a securely fenced area, and interactive games such as puzzle toys or fetch are excellent ways to meet their energy levels. These activities not only keep them physically fit but also challenge their intelligent minds, preventing boredom and promoting good behavior.
For Manchester Terrier puppies, shorter, supervised play sessions multiple times a day are recommended to accommodate their high energy levels without risking overexertion. As they grow, gradually increasing the duration and intensity of their exercise routine is essential. By the time they reach 12 to 15 months old, they’ll be ready to handle their full exercise capabilities.
Providing consistent and varied exercise opportunities will ensure your Manchester Terrier thrives both mentally and physically, making them a well-balanced and happy companion.
Do Manchester Terriers Need a Lot of Grooming?
The Manchester Terrier is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming, thanks to their short, glossy coat. Their sleek fur requires minimal upkeep, making them an excellent choice for owners who prefer a dog with straightforward grooming needs.
Brushing their coat once a week with a soft-bristle brush or grooming glove is usually sufficient to remove loose hair and keep it shiny. Regular brushing also helps distribute natural oils, maintaining the coat’s healthy appearance. Bathing is rarely necessary—every 2 to 3 months is enough unless they get particularly dirty. Over bathing can strip their coat of its natural oils, so it’s best to keep it occasional.
Dental hygiene is another essential aspect of their care. Ideally, you should brush their teeth twice daily with dog-specific toothpaste to prevent plaque buildup and maintain healthy gums. If daily brushing isn’t feasible, aim for as often as possible to protect their oral health.
With a simple grooming routine and occasional baths, Manchester Terriers can easily maintain their polished and elegant look.
Are Manchester Terriers Easy to Train?
The Manchester Terrier is an intelligent and eager-to-please breed, which makes them relatively easy to train. Their natural hunting instincts and sharp minds enable them to excel in obedience training and enjoy learning new commands and tricks.
Training should begin at an early age, focusing on basic obedience commands and socialisation to ensure they develop into confident, well-rounded adults. Exposing them to various people, environments, and situations from a young age helps reduce shyness or hesitation in unfamiliar settings.
Positive reinforcement is the most effective training method for Manchester Terriers. Using treats, praise, and play as rewards keeps them motivated and encourages good behaviour. To maintain their interest, training sessions should be short, engaging, and consistent. Long or repetitive sessions may lead to boredom, so incorporating variety is important.
With patience, a steady routine, and plenty of encouragement, Manchester Terriers can become obedient and well-mannered companions, showcasing their intelligence and loyal nature.
What Do Manchester Terriers Eat?
Manchester Terriers thrive on a balanced and nutritious diet tailored to their size and life stage. As puppies, they should be fed a high-quality puppy food specifically designed for small breed dogs, as recommended by your veterinarian. Puppies require frequent meals, so feeding them 3–4 times a day is ideal until they reach 6 months old, at which point their meals can be reduced to twice daily.
As they mature, usually between 9–12 months, Manchester Terriers can transition to adult dog food suitable for small breeds. This ensures they receive the right nutrients to support their energy levels and overall health. Always consult your veterinarian for personalised advice on the timing of the transition and the best food options for your dog.
Providing the appropriate diet for each stage of their life helps Manchester Terriers stay healthy, active, and full of energy.
Are Manchester Terriers Healthy?
Manchester Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be predisposed to certain health conditions. Awareness of potential issues and regular vet check-ups can help ensure their long-term well-being.
Some health concerns associated with Manchester Terriers include:
- Bleeding Disorders:
- Von Willebrand’s Disease: A condition that affects platelet function, leading to excessive bleeding.
- Bones and Joints:
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: A hip condition where the blood supply to the femur bone's head is reduced, causing pain, lameness, and bone degeneration.
- Luxating Patella: A condition where the kneecap slips out of its normal position, leading to discomfort and mobility issues.
- Heart Health:
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): A disease affecting the heart muscle, causing the ventricles to enlarge and potentially impacting heart function.
- Hormonal Imbalances:
- Hypothyroidism: A condition where insufficient thyroid hormone is produced, leading to symptoms such as weight gain, lethargy, and coat issues.
This list is not exhaustive, and not all Manchester Terriers will experience these conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventative care are essential to catch any potential issues early. If you have concerns about your dog’s health or want to learn more about whether a Manchester Terrier is the right breed for you, consult with your vet for personalised advice.
With proper care and attention, Manchester Terriers can live long, happy, and healthy lives.
Vet top tip
Manchester Terriers are an energetic and intelligent breed, so keeping them physically active and mentally stimulated is key to their overall health and happiness. Regular exercise combined with puzzle toys or training games can prevent boredom and destructive behaviours. Also, pay close attention to their dental health—brush their teeth regularly with dog-specific toothpaste to avoid common small breed dental issues like tartar buildup and gum disease. Routine vet check-ups will help monitor their heart health, joints, and overall well-being
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