Manchester Terrier

• ExerciseHigh

  Needs a good workout or long walk every day.

• GroomingWash & go

  The occasional brush and bath is plenty.

• Living spaceApartment-friendly

  Happy in smaller homes with regular outings.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment14–16 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Von Willebrand disease · Legg-Calvé-Perthes · Patellar luxation

The Manchester Terrier was created in nineteenth-century Manchester by crossing the old Black and Tan Terrier with the Whippet, producing a rat-catching dog with terrier tenacity and sighthound speed and elegance. It exists in two AKC varieties, standard and toy, of which the standard is placed in the Terrier group and the toy in the Toy group; this entry describes the standard. It is an easy dog to live with indoors. Manchesters are clean, sleek, largely odourless and much quieter than most terriers, and they bond intensely with their people, often shadowing one person around the house. Outside they are fast, agile and driven, with real prey drive and a love of chasing, so a secure garden is essential and off-lead recall near small animals cannot be relied on. They are sensitive to harsh handling and respond best to patient, upbeat, reward-based training. Exercise is around an hour daily with the chance to run, plus games; they enjoy agility and lure coursing. Grooming is a rub with a hound glove and nothing more, though the thin coat means they feel the cold and need a coat in winter. Health-wise this is a long-lived breed, often reaching fifteen or sixteen, but buy from a breeder who DNA-tests for von Willebrand disease, a bleeding disorder documented in the breed, and who screens for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, patellar luxation, eye disease and cardiomyopathy.

• How much exercise does a Manchester Terrier need?

  High. Needs a good workout or long walk every day.

• How much grooming does a Manchester Terrier need?

  Wash & go. The occasional brush and bath is plenty.

• Is a Manchester Terrier suited to apartment living?

  Apartment-friendly. Happy in smaller homes with regular outings.

• Is a Manchester Terrier a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Manchester Terrier live?

  14–16 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Manchester Terrier?

  Keep an eye out for Von Willebrand disease, Legg-Calvé-Perthes, Patellar luxation. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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