Manchester Terrier

The Manchester Terrier is the result of crossing a Black and Tan Terrier with a Whippet. The breed was popular in Manchester, England, and the surrounding cities, hence the name. The elegant and sleek dogs earned the nickname “The Gentleman’s Terrier” in Victorian times for their appearance. The breed was split into two types, Standard and Toy, in the late 1800s, and likely arrived in the U.S. around the same time. 

If you’re a high-spirited person who doesn’t mind a bit of independence in a dog, the Manchester Terrier is a good fit. Patience and a calm hand are needed when the dog gets a little spicy, and you’ll need to find interesting ways to motivate them to train. They are active and want families and owners who are also active, preferably without small children.

Despite its small stature, the Manchester Terrier dog is highly active. They enjoy physical and mental stimulation and have tons of stamina. They can get bored easily, so interactive toys are essential to keeping their minds active indoors.

The Standard Manchester Terrier and Toy Manchester Terrier dogs are compact and tidy. They don’t require much indoor space but will want to roam around outside, so a secure, fenced-in yard is ideal.

A low-maintenance breed, the Manchester Terrier dog’s short, smooth coat needs a polish and brush occasionally. Baths should be infrequent and only when the dog is truly dirty.

Clever and quick-witted, the Manchester Terrier dog enjoys puzzles, games, owner interaction, and more. They can be very independent, so it can require a bit more creative motivation to get them to train. Recall is essential as their instincts can lead them astray off-leash easily. Manchester Terrier puppies and dogs need to be socialized early and often.

Because the Manchester Terrier dog is relatively small, even in Standard size, they don’t make a great fit for homes with small children who might mistake them for a toy. Like most terriers, they can be feisty. They do best with older children or no children, especially in active families.

The cost of a Manchester Terrier from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.