The Toy Manchester Terrier is the oldest documented terrier breed, originally developed as the premier rat hunter. The dog was extremely popular as a pet and working dog in Victorian times. For instance, a Toy Manchester named Tiny once reportedly killed 300 rats in fifty-four minutes, fifty seconds. Today, it is a rare breed in America.
The Toy Manchester Terrier is a stylish, eye-catching, black-and-tan dog. It is sleek and slightly rectangular with a graceful neck, and slightly arched back, a narrow, deep chest, and a tucked-up abdomen.
The tapered whiptail is carried slightly curved but never over the back. The breed has a long, wedge-shaped head and a bright, keen expression with small, sparkling eyes. The ears on Standard Manchesters can be naturally erect, cropped, or button (erect at the base and folded over at the tip).
For competition, Toy Manchester Terriers must have naturally erect ears, broad at the base and tapered to pointed tips.
Toy Manchester Terrier Breed Facts
| Energy level |  | Watchdog ability |  |
| Exercise requirements |  | Protection ability | |
| Playfulness | | Grooming requirements | |
| Affection level | | Cold tolerance | |
| Friendliness toward dogs | | Heat tolerance | |
| Friendliness toward other pets |  | Friendliness toward strangers | |
| Ease of training | |
- POPULARITY: Uncommon
- FAMILY: Terrier
- AREA OF ORIGIN: England
- DATE OF ORIGIN: About 1860
- ORIGINAL FUNCTION: Hunting small rodents
- TODAY’S FUNCTION: Companion
- OTHER NAME: English Toy Terrier, Black and Tan Toy Terrier
Activity level: Manchesters are athletic and energetic but equally enjoy comfort. These dogs require daily walks or play in a fenced yard and will contentedly curl up for a snooze afterward. Noted for their meticulous habits, they are an excellent choice for urban dog owners.
Toy Manchester Terrier Temperament
This breed is an intelligent, extremely loyal breed with a strong prey drive. Manchesters are therefore observant, alert, and always on the lookout. They make excellent watchdogs. Owners must be prepared to step in if a Manchester’s courage oversteps its proper sense. Manchester Terriers should have consistent socialization and training.
Grooming
This breed only requires weekly brushing
Coat: Short, sleek, close-fitting, and dense
Color: Black and tan
Health
- MAJOR CONCERNS: none
- MINOR CONCERNS: vWD, cardiomyopathy
- OCCASIONALLY SEEN: Legg-Perthes
- SUGGESTED TESTS: eye, hip, DNA for vWD
- LIFE SPAN: 14—16 years
- WEIGHT: under 12 pounds (usually 6—8 pounds)
- HEIGHT: 10—12 inches
Toy Manchester Terrier Buyer’s Guide and Advice
This breed is scarce; approximately 450 Manchesters get registered each year. Join a discussion forum to learn more about the dog.
Parent club: American Manchester Terrier Club; founded in 1923
Rescue: For information, click on “Rescue” on the club’s home page
