Manchester Terrier

The Manchester Terrier is one of England's oldest and most elegant terrier breeds, developed in the industrial city of Manchester in the nineteenth century by crossing existing Black and Tan ratting terriers with the Whippet, which contributed speed, finesse and the streamlined build that distinguishes the Manchester from coarser terrier types. The resulting breed was dual-purpose: equally capable of killing rats in pit competitions popular in the era and of coursing rabbits in open ground. The breed was among the first terriers to be formally shown and was registered by the Kennel Club in the Terrier Group, where it remains a well-established if relatively uncommon presence.

The Manchester Terrier comes in two size varieties - the Standard and the Toy - with the Standard registered with the KC and the Toy variety also recognised. The breed is immediately distinctive: a lean, sleek and athletic dog with a smooth, jet-black coat and deep, rich mahogany tan markings in precisely defined locations - above the eyes, on the cheeks, chest, legs and under the tail. The build is elegant and athletic, reflecting the Whippet contribution. Adults of the Standard variety typically stand 38 to 41 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 7 to 10 kilograms.

The character combines the alert, loyal and watchful quality of the terrier with a degree of sensitivity and closeness to people that reflects the Whippet's gentle nature. The Manchester is devoted to its own family, a natural watchdog that will announce visitors, and athletic and energetic in daily life. It is somewhat reserved with strangers but not aggressive. It is more amenable and sensitive in handling than many harder terrier breeds, and this quality makes it among the more trainable of terriers.

The prey drive is genuine and significant. The Manchester Terrier was bred to be fast and to kill small prey efficiently, and this instinct does not disappear in the companion setting. Small pets require careful management. Recall must be thoroughly trained before off-lead exercise is attempted in open terrain, as the breed's speed and drive make it capable of disappearing at pace when game is spotted.

Training rewards the investment. The breed is intelligent and responsive to positive reinforcement, and the Whippet's sensitivity to tone means that gentle, consistent handling produces far better results than harsh or punitive methods. Early socialisation with people and other dogs is important to ensure the natural reserve with strangers does not become excessive caution.

Health considerations include Von Willebrand Disease, a blood clotting disorder for which a DNA test is available. Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy is a serious hereditary heart condition documented in the breed. Glaucoma has also been documented. Prospective buyers should insist on documented health test results from any breeder.

Purchase prices from KC-registered, health-tested breeders range from £800 to £1,500. Monthly running costs average £65 to £110. The Manchester Terrier Club is the primary resource for breed information, health testing guidance, responsible breeders and rescue contact.

Alert, loyal and affectionate with its own family. Somewhat reserved with strangers - a natural watchdog character without aggression. Athletic and energetic with a sleek, elegant presence. The Whippet heritage brings a degree of sensitivity and closeness to people that distinguishes it from some harder terrier breeds.

Intelligent and more trainable than many terrier breeds, benefiting from the Whippet's sensitivity and responsiveness. Responds well to positive reinforcement. The prey drive requires management and recall training must be thorough. Sensitive to tone - harsh handling is counterproductive. Early socialisation important.

Needs 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. The Whippet heritage gives the breed genuine speed and the need for running in open space. Off-lead running in securely fenced areas is important. The prey drive is strong and recall should be thoroughly trained before off-lead exercise in open terrain.

Von Willebrand Disease (a blood clotting disorder) has been documented and DNA testing is available. Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy is a serious hereditary heart condition documented in the breed. Glaucoma has also been documented. The Manchester Terrier Club maintains health testing guidance.

Feed a high-quality complete food for a small-to-medium active breed. The Manchester Terrier is lean and athletic and should not be allowed to become overweight. Two meals daily. Monitor weight and adjust portions to exercise level.

The smooth, short, dense coat is minimal maintenance - a weekly wipe-down or brief brush is sufficient. Low shedding relative to many breeds. Nails require regular trimming. Ears should be checked periodically. This is one of the easiest of all terrier coats to maintain.

Purchase price from a KC-registered, health-tested breeder: £800 to £1,500. Monthly running costs: £65 to £110. Grooming costs are minimal given the smooth coat.

Suits active owners who appreciate a sleek, athletic and intelligent terrier. Good with older children. Prey drive is strong and small pets need careful management. Adaptable to a range of living situations including flats if exercised adequately. Lower grooming demands than wire-coated terriers.