Manchester Terrier

Size: Small / Medium

Weight: 12 - 22 lbs.

Height: 15" - 16"

Life Span: 13 - 14 years

Health Problems: Heat rash; glaucoma (group of eye diseases causing blindness); Von Willebrand's Disease (bleeding disorder that prevents proper blood clotting)

Origin: Great Britain (1500s)

Also Known As: Black and Tan Terrier, English Gentleman's Terrier

Group: Terrier

Category: Companion Dog

Exercise Needs

The Manchester Terrier is mostly active indoors and does not require much exercise.

Grooming Needs

While it doesn't require much brushing, the Manchester Terrier should be kept out of the sun due to risk of sunburn and heat rash.

Temperament

This breed is lively, intelligent and easy to train. Eager to please its owner, the Manchester Terrier does well in obedience and agility trials. This breed can be headstrong and snappish, and is not ideal for homes with children and other pets. Early socialization to people is important to curb some of the breed's innate aggression.

Compatibility with Kids

This breed is impatient and snappish, and is best suited to adult-only homes.

History

While the Manchester Terrier has been around since the 1500s, a breeder named John Hulme crossed the Black-and-Tan Terrier with the Whippet in the 1800s to develop the current physical standard for this dog. Sleek and agile, this dog was originally used for hunting rabbits and vermin. Today, it is a rare breed that is kept as a companion.