Terrier group
Manchester Terrier
A sleek, clever rat-catcher — affectionate, alert and long-lived.
Manchester Terriers are sleek, black-and-tan terriers bred to kill rats in industrial England. They are smart, devoted companions with low grooming needs, but they keep a strong terrier prey drive.
The AKC recognises two varieties: Standard (Terrier Group) and Toy (Toy Group).
- Height
- 10–16 in25–41 cm
- Weight
- 6–22 lb3–10 kg
- Life expectancy
- 15–17 years
- Size
- Small
- Group
- Terrier
- Origin
- Manchester, England
Coat: Short, smooth, glossy coat. Colours: Black and tan.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Manchesters are keen, alert and affectionate with their families, often choosing a favourite person. They are usually polite with visitors and make good watchdogs.
They are quick and clever, sometimes stubborn, and very interested in anything small that moves. Early socialisation helps prevent wariness of strangers.
Varieties
- Standard
- Over 12 lb and up to 22 lb, in the Terrier Group.
- Toy
- 12 lb or under, in the Toy Group; only natural erect ears are allowed.
Living with a Manchester Terrier
Exercise
About 45–60 minutes of walks and games daily. They enjoy lure coursing and agility.
Grooming
Minimal: weekly brushing and regular nail trims. Light shedding.
Training
Intelligent and responsive; reward-based training works well. Recall around prey is difficult.
Kids & other pets
Good with considerate children. Usually fine with dogs they know; unsafe with rodents.
Time alone
Tolerates moderate alone time once exercised, but prefers company and may bark or chew if left too long.
Home fit
Adapts well to apartments and smaller homes when daily needs are met.
Is a Manchester Terrier right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Manchester Terrier matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Manchester Terrier typically lives 15–17 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Von Willebrand disease
An inherited bleeding disorder; a DNA test is available.
Juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy
A fatal heart disease in young dogs; a DNA test identifies carriers.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
Degeneration of the hip joint in young small dogs.
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid; managed with daily medication.
Ask a breeder for
- Cardiac examination
- Eye examination
- Thyroid evaluation
- DNA tests: von Willebrand disease and juvenile DCM
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Manchester Terrier; American Manchester Terrier Club. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,000–$2,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
In the 1800s John Hulme of Manchester crossed the Black and Tan Terrier with the Whippet to create a dog that could kill rats and also course rabbits. Rat-killing contests were popular in the city’s pubs.
The breed’s popularity declined when rat-baiting was banned. The AKC recognised the Manchester Terrier in 1886; Standard and Toy varieties were merged as one breed in 1959.
Did you know?
- Manchester Terriers were bred for rat-killing contests in 19th-century pubs.
- The Toy and Standard varieties were combined into one breed in 1959.
- Manchesters often live well into their mid-teens.
Library guides for Manchester Terrier owners
Training
Come (Recall)
High chase drive makes a reliable recall essential.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Manchester Terrier.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
New Dog Owners
How to find a reputable dog breeder
What to ask a Manchester Terrier breeder about health screening.
New Dog Owners
The real cost of a puppy: what to budget before you bring one home
Budget for the first year and beyond.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Manchester Terrier vs Miniature Pinscher?
- They look similar, but Manchesters are terriers with a different history and build.
- Are Manchester Terriers good apartment dogs?
- Yes, with enough exercise.
- Do Manchester Terriers shed?
- Lightly.