Manchester Terrier
曼徹斯特㹴
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Manchester Terrier is a sleek black-and-tan ratter with a dash of Whippet, developed in the mills and towns of industrial Manchester and now one of Britain's vulnerable native breeds. Bright, spirited and keenly observant, it is devoted but discerning in its friendships, a gentle housemate and a good watchdog that still has the instinct to tackle a rat. It thinks its way through everything, learns quickly with reward-based methods, dislikes harsh corrections, and needs a couple of good walks a day plus a chance to run; the short glossy coat is wash-and-wear.
Facts
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Height | 38–41cm |
| Weight | 5–11kg |
| Life expectancy | 15–17years |
| Breed group | AKC: terrier FCI: 3 |
| Role | Terrier |
| Coat | Short coat |
| Shedding | 2/ 5 |
| Exercise | 30–120min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 4 hours |
| Companionship need | 4/ 5 |
| Trainability | 4/ 5 |
| Barking | 4/ 5 |
| Good with children | 4/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 3/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 4/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 2/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Inherited eye conditions
Various inherited eye conditions are reported in the breed; annual eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist are recommended for breeding stock. Ask your vet about eye screening.
Heart conditions
Certain heart conditions are reported in the breed; breeders may have breeding stock examined by a veterinary cardiologist. Ask your vet about heart checks at routine visits.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is reported in the breed. Ask your vet about thyroid testing if you notice weight gain, lethargy or coat changes.
Von Willebrand disease
An inherited bleeding disorder reported in the breed; a DNA test is available. Ask your breeder about testing and tell your vet before any surgery.
Patellar luxation
Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps) is commonly reported in small breeds; breeders screen for it. Ask your vet if your dog skips or holds up a hind leg.
Behaviour
Thinks its way through everything
The AKC says the Manchester is very intelligent and likes to think its way through every situation; it enjoys pleasing its people and trains easily with positive, reward-based methods, but does not react well to harsh corrections, so keep sessions fun and full of praise. It is an ideal candidate for obedience, agility, lure coursing, barn hunt, earthdog and scent work, and should be well socialised early.
Devoted but discerning; still a ratter
The CKC describes a keenly observant dog that is devoted but discerning in its friendships — a gentle family member and a good watchdog that may still tackle any rat unlucky enough to cross its path. Powerful and active, it needs daily exercise; the AKC suggests a couple of good walks a day plus time to chase balls or play vigorously.
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 4/5 (high) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "up to 1 hour per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 4/5, barking level 4/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Manchester Terrier (Standard)
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Manchester Terrier (Terriers)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Manchester Terrier
Breed characteristics (size small, exercise up to 1 hour per day, lifespan over 12 years).
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Manchester Terrier (standard no. 71, group 3)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Manchester Terrier (Standard) — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Manchester Terrier — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Manchester Terrier — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Manchester Terrier — FCI standard no. 71 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
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Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.