Manchester Terriers: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

The Manchester Terrier comes in Standard and Toy varieties, which are considered separate breeds.

Both sizes have the same sleek coat and black-and-tan color pattern. Both sizes have a similar build – slender and elegant. But the Standard Manchester is larger and sturdier, while the Toy Manchester is more fragile.

This lively, agile breed is best suited to active families, as he enjoys brisk walking every day and all-out running whenever he can get it. Keep him on-leash or in a securely fenced area, for he is very curious, has strong hunting instincts, and will chase anything.

Manchester Terriers love to play – with you, with another dog, or with a toy by themselves.

Devoted to his owner and wary with strangers, the Manchester Terrier is an excellent watchdog. In fact, he can be prone to excessive "watching" accompanied by excessive barking. Also, early socialization is imperative so that he doesn't become either sharp or skittish with strangers.

With other dogs, Manchester Terriers will stand their ground and will fight when challenged, or when they feel their space has been invaded. Two adults of the same sex should not be kept together. Smaller creatures, including low-flying birds, will be pursued with determination.

The Manchester Terrier is smart and trainable if you are a confident, consistent leader who can smile at his antics, yet not allow him to outwit you.

This breed is sensitive to physical corrections, so use a light hand on the leash and rely more on praise and food rewards. But food in moderation, please, as he tends to pack on pounds quickly!

Toy Manchesters, more than the Standards, are comfort-loving dogs who seek out soft beds and often tunnel under the covers.

If you want a dog who...

Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family.

• You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Manchester Terriers have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics.
• If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy.

More traits and characteristics of the Manchester Terrier

If I was considering a Manchester Terrier, I would be most concerned about...

1. The dynamic terrier temperament. Most terrier breeds are remarkably similar. The same words are used over and over – quick to bark, quick to chase, lively, bossy, feisty, scrappy, clever, independent, stubborn, persistent, impulsive, intense.
2. Barking. All terrier breeds are often too quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You have to be equally quick to stop them.
3. Fence security. Many terriers are clever escape artists who will go over or under fences in search of adventure. You may need higher fences than you might imagine for their small size. You may also need to sink wire into the ground along the fence line to thwart digging.
4. Potential animal aggression. Manchester Terriers tend to be less scrappy toward other dogs than many other terrier breeds. But they are still a determined force to reckon with if they decide to initiate or accept a challenge to fight. Most terriers have strong instincts to chase and seize small fleeing creatures. This can make for conflict if you own a cat. It may be much worse than that if you own a pet rabbit or hamster!
5. Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Manchester Terriers are active go-getters. They need have regular opportunities to vent their energy and to use their busy minds to do interesting things. I recommend obedience classes at the intermediate or advanced level, or agility classes (an obstacle course for dogs), or "earth dog" classes (where terriers dig and tunnel after small critters who are safely secured in a sturdy cage so they can't be harmed).

   Outdoor activities with your Manchester Terrier should be done in a safe enclosed area. Like all terriers, the Manchester is prone to taking off after anything that runs. For their own safety, terriers should not be trusted off-leash.

6. Mind of their own. Though more amenable to training than many other terriers, Manchester Terriers must still be taught at an early age that they are not the rulers of the world. The toughness that makes them suited to killing vermin can frustrate you when you try to teach them anything. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. To teach your Manchester Terrier to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. Follow my free online training program.

   I do not recommend terriers for homes with small children. Many terriers will not tolerate any nonsense from little life forms whom they consider to be below themselves in importance. Many terriers are quick to react to teasing, and even to the normal clumsiness that comes with small children (accidental squeezing of their ears or stepping on their paw). Many terriers are possessive of their food and toys and will defend these from all comers, including children.