Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 27th February 2026
Manchester Terrier
By
Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 27th February 2026
The Manchester Terrier, named after Manchester, the city of its origin, is an elegant, slim, and hardy dog. This agile and lively breed is great for active families and loves to play and run. With its smooth, sleek black and tan coat, sharp ears, and muscular body, it was known as the “Gentleman’s Terrier” in Victorian England.
One of the oldest Terriers, this breed comes in two varieties in America: Standard and Toy. The Toy variety was made by mixing with Chihuahuas. The significant difference between the two varieties is their size, with the Standard being larger.
Manchester Terrier Pictures
Quick Information
| Other names | The Gentleman’s Terrier, Black and Tan Terrier |
| Coat | Smooth and short |
| Color | Black and tan |
| Breed type | Purebred |
| Group | Terrier |
| Life expectancy | 14-16 years |
| Size | Small |
| Height | 15-16 inches |
| Weight | 12-22 pounds |
| Litter Size | 2-4 puppies |
| Behavioral Characteristics | Affectionate, diligent, alert, and playful |
| Good with children | Yes |
| Barking Tendency | High; they like to bark as a form of amusement |
| Climate compatibility | Moderate; their short coats allow them to survive hot weather but are ineffective against cold weather |
| Apartment compatibility | High |
| Do they shed | Moderate; they shed heavily during fall and spring |
| Are they hypoallergenic | No |
| Trainability | Moderate; they are wilful and have a high prey drive |
| How much do they cost | $600 – $1,000 |
| Competitive Registration Qualification/Information | AKC, UKC, FCI |
| Country | England |
Other Similar Breeds
History and Origin
In the 19th century, mill workers in the Manchester region practiced two popular sports: rabbit hunting and rat killing, a controversial practice of putting a terrier in a rat pit and making bets. Demand increased for dogs that excelled at both, leading breeders to develop the Manchester Terrier. Notably, John Hulme crossed Whippets and Black and Tan Terriers to create the compact, strong, and agile breed we know today. During the Victorian era, there was a high demand for small pets. Initial breeding with Chihuahuas resulted in offspring with several deformations. Eventually, the Toy variety was perfected, becoming popular all over England. It got the name Manchester Terrier in 1860, though it remained popular as the Black and Tan Terrier till 1923.
This breed significantly declined during the World Wars, with only 11 specimens left in Britain by 1946. Conservation efforts using imported dogs from the United States were fruitful, and numbers rose again. The Standard and Toy Manchester Terriers were kept separate until 1959 when they were reclassified as two varieties of the same breed. However, the AKC still considers them as different breeds.
Temperament and Personality
Manchester Terriers are spirited, sporty, and energetic. They love running around and need an owner who can keep up with their endless energy. Still, their small stature and calm temperament help them adapt well to apartment living. They are great family pets, getting along well with children and other pets. However, their strong hunting instincts might make them chase after smaller animals unless adequately trained. They are devoted to their masters and are excellent watchdogs.
They need proper care and attention to thrive in your home; otherwise, these Terriers develop separation anxiety and become restless and destructive. Their loud bark is used to attract their owner’s attention. With early training and exposure, they make excellent companions and playmates for your entire family.
Care
Exercise
This athletic and playful breed needs plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Multiple daily walks and off-leash outdoor play in a fenced enclosure are recommended for their mental and physical development. Hiking and cycling are good options for you and your dog. Manchester Terriers have great stamina and intelligence. So, you must provide mentally stimulating toys such as tennis balls, Frisbees, and Buster Cubes. They also excel at sports such as agility, earthdog, flyball, tracking, scent work, and freestyle dancing.
Grooming
The Manchester Terrier is a “wash-and-wear” dog, only needing weekly brushing to deal with shedding. You should use a rubber or thistle brush to remove tangles and matting. It only requires occasional baths with dog shampoo and regular wipe-downs to maintain its shiny coat. Check its ears regularly for signs of redness, infection, and wax build-up. Trim its nails whenever needed.
Health Problems
This breed may suffer from conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, glaucoma, patellar luxation, juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy, xanthinuria, Legg-Perthes disease, Von Willebrand’s disease, and heat bumps on its skin. Timely check-ups and sourcing your dog from reputed breeders can help avoid many problems.
Feeding
They do well on high-quality store-bought or homemade dog food. The daily recommended amount is one-fourth to one cup of dog food over two meals. These dogs will eat almost anything and are prone to obesity, so give them treats judiciously and watch their daily intake. Always consult your veterinarian while making a diet plan for your dog to consider factors like age, weight, and activity level. Always provide clean, fresh water for your pet.
Training
Manchester Terriers need early socialization and training to manage their tendency to bark and become destructive if left alone. They are a lovable, joyful, and intelligent companion if correctly trained.
Socialization: They respond well to gentle and firm instructions. They resist harsh corrections and may become stubborn. Ample praise and treats go a long way in getting your pet to learn and follow commands. Start socializing your dog early to prevent snappish and headstrong behavior. You must establish yourself as the leader fast to avoid displays of dominance.
Crate training is advised to help in housetraining. Puppy classes, exposing them to children and other pets, and taking them to the dog park are suitable for building confidence and controlling aggressiveness.
Obedience: It is vital to teach your pet a recall command, as Manchester Terriers tend to run after small prey. They are brilliant and can pick up tricks quickly with the right encouragement. Dog games and puzzles are good options.
Leash: Always keep your dog leashed in open, public spaces, as its hunting instincts will cause it to give chase to smaller animals and run after enticing scents. Indulge in off-leash play only in fenced and protected areas to prevent it from running off.
Interesting Facts
- Contrary to popular belief, Manchester Terriers are not bred from Dobermanns. In reality, they were used to develop Dobermanns by Herr Louis Dobermann.
- Their prowess as ratters led to Queen Victoria bestowing them a “Royal Warrant” for their services.
- President Theodore Roosevelt famously owned one named Blackjack.
- Painter L. S. Lowry often featured his two Manchester Terriers in his works.
