Breed profile

Manchester Terrier

An elegant black-and-tan English terrier. Toy and standard varieties. A rat hunter. Easy short coat. A lively, loyal character.

Origin: Inglaterra (Manchester) Size: Pequeño-Mediano Lifespan: 14-16 años Energy

Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA

Ideal for

✓Active families
✓Those who want a charismatic dog in a small package

Reconsider if

×Homes with pet rodents

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Is the Manchester Terrier a good match for you?

Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Suitable for flats

Suitable for first-timers

Good with children

With other dogs

With cats

Tolerates being alone

Energy level

Ease of training

Shedding level

Grooming needs

Tendency to bark

Tolerates heat

Tolerates cold

💶 Estimated cost of ownership

40-70 €/month

Quality food for its size (15-28 €), vet and prevention (15-25 €), insurance and antiparasitics (5-12 €), a coat, accessories and toys (5-12 €). Being short-coated, there is barely any grooming expense.

History and origin

Recognised by the FCI. Native to England (Manchester). An elegant black-and-tan English terrier.

Temperament and character

Intelligent, loyal, well-balanced when properly socialised and trained. Needs daily mental stimulation. Responds best to positive reinforcement. Physical punishment breeds fear and reactivity.

Living together

Children: with older, respectful ones. **Other dogs:** variable. **Rodents:** high prey drive.

Life stages of the Manchester Terrier

Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 14-16 años.

Puppy

0-12 months

Early socialisation; training its alert character; protection from the cold because of its short coat.

Young adult

1-3 years

Daily exercise and play to channel its high energy.

Adult

3-9 years

Cardiac auscultation, coagulation monitoring (von Willebrand) and weight.

Senior

9+ years

Cardiac and dental follow-up; a senior diet and adapted exercise.

Care

Exercise: 60-90 min/day + scent games.

Brushing: 2-3 times/week; stripping every 8-10 weeks if the coat is wiry.

Feeding: matched to its high energy.

Vet: annual check-up.

Care in detail

🍽️ Nutrition

Quality feed matched to its activity, in 2 meals. Control the portion and treats: although it is slender, overweight punishes the patellae and heart. Kibble suited to its size (toy or standard).

✂️ Grooming

A short, smooth, glossy coat of minimal maintenance: weekly brushing with a grooming mitt to remove dead hair. Moderate shedding. Occasional bath. Because of its fine coat and low body fat, it appreciates a coat in winter.

🎓 Training

Clever, attentive and more biddable than many terriers: it learns well with positive reinforcement and enjoys learning. It retains a ratting instinct and some stubbornness: early socialisation and recall work. It shines in dog sports and obedience.

🏃 Exercise

High: 1-1.5 hours daily of walking, running and mental play. Agile and hardy, it enjoys agility and fetch games. Take care off-lead because of its chase drive; work in secure areas.

Breed-specific health

Conditions common in the breed according to its FCI group. Life expectancy 14-16 years with proper care. Annual vet review + bloodwork from 5 years of age.

🩺 Health predispositions of this breed

Conditions this breed is more predisposed to. Knowing about them helps with prevention and early detection. A predisposition does not mean the animal will develop them.

🧬Enfermedad de von Willebrand 💔Cardiomiopatía dilatada 🦿Luxación de rótula

Common diseases in dogs

Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.

🐾Dermatitis atópica 🍄Tiña (dermatofitosis)🦟Alergia a la picadura de pulga (DAPP)🤢Gastroenteritis ☠️Parvovirosis canina 🆘Torsión gástrica (dilatación-vólvulo)

See all 158 diseases in the health guide

Screening and prevention for the Manchester Terrier

Recommended tests and screenings

✓DNA genetic test for von Willebrand disease (vWD type 1)
✓Cardiac auscultation and echocardiography (juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy)
✓Ophthalmological evaluation (retinal atrophy, glaucoma/lens luxation)
✓Patellar luxation examination
✓Hip radiograph if Legg-Calvé-Perthes is suspected; thyroid monitoring

Prevention

Acquire from breeders with parents tested for von Willebrand and, in the toy variety, for juvenile cardiomyopathy. Because of its short coat and low body fat, keep it warm in winter. Watch the patellae and eyes. Its energy and ratting instinct call for daily exercise and socialisation.

Check-up schedule

Annual check-up with cardiac auscultation, eye and patella review. Bloodwork with thyroid monitoring from 6-7 years of age. Coagulation tests if surgery is planned (von Willebrand).

Warning signs

!Prolonged bleeding after a wound, season or surgery (von Willebrand)
!Fatigue, exercise intolerance or fainting in young dogs (cardiomyopathy)
!Patellar slipping or intermittent lameness
!A red or painful eye, stumbling in low light (eye problems)

Manchester Terrier gallery

Foto de la raza manchester terrier — Foto: Wikimedia Commons

Frequently asked questions about the Manchester Terrier

How long does a Manchester Terrier live?

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The life expectancy of the Manchester Terrier is 14-16 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.

How much does a Manchester Terrier weigh?

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An adult Manchester Terrier weighs between 5-10 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is pequeño-mediano.

Where does the Manchester Terrier breed come from?

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The Manchester Terrier originates from Inglaterra (Manchester). Recognised by the FCI. Native to England (Manchester). An elegant black-and-tan English terrier.

How much exercise does a Manchester Terrier need?

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The Manchester Terrier has alta energy. **Exercise:** 60-90 min/day + scent games.

Is the Manchester Terrier good with children?

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**Children:** with older, respectful ones. **Other dogs:** variable. **Rodents:** high prey drive.

Who is the Manchester Terrier NOT recommended for?

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It isn't the right breed for: Homes with pet rodents. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.

What health problems does the Manchester Terrier have?

▾

Conditions common in the breed according to its FCI group. Life expectancy 14-16 years with proper care. Annual vet review + bloodwork from 5 years of age.

Are there a toy and a standard variety?

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Yes. The Manchester Terrier exists in a standard and a toy variety (in some registries, the latter is a separate breed). They share the characteristic black-and-tan coat and lively character; the toy is more fragile and more sensitive to cold.

Why is the von Willebrand test done?

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The breed can carry this clotting disorder. A DNA test identifies carriers, which is key for breeding and for taking precautions ahead of any surgery or wound.

Is it easy to train?

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More so than many terriers: it is clever, attentive and enjoys learning. It retains some stubbornness and a ratting instinct, but with positive reinforcement it responds very well and excels at obedience and agility.

Does it get cold?

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Yes, quite: its coat is short and fine and it has little body fat. In winter it appreciates a coat for walks and a warm bed at home.

Does it live with cats or rodents?

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It is tricky because of its ratting instinct. With cats it can be tolerated if raised alongside them; with small rodents it is inadvisable to leave them unsupervised.