Toy Manchester Terrier

Also called Manchester Terrier (Toy), Toy Black and Tan Terrier

An alert, spirited and curious little terrier with a streak of independence.

Size	Toy
Lifespan	13 to 17 years1 2
Coat	Short, smooth, glossy
Origin	United States (toy size bred down from the Manchester Terrier of England)1 3

VarietyShort profile

bright and athletic

loyal to its family

low-maintenance coat

4 2

Personality what they are like

An alert, spirited and curious little terrier with a streak of independence. It attaches strongly to its own people and may take a while to warm up to newcomers.4 2

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, smooth, glossy

A sleek, close-lying coat on a slim, leggy frame, with naturally upright ears and a long tail. Apart from size and ear carriage it looks just like the standard Manchester Terrier.1 3 2

Coloursblack and tan1 2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Toy Manchester Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

More athletic than its size suggests. Adults appreciate plenty of daily activity and play, while puppies and seniors may be happy with a daily walk.2 4

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Weekly brushing and a bath when needed keep the coat tidy. Nails benefit from regular trimming, ideally weekly.2

Company who they like around

Likes to be with its people and prefers not to be left alone for long stretches.2

The story where it all began

The Manchester Terrier was created in 19th-century England by crossing black and tan terriers with Whippets to produce a quick rat-catcher. North American breeders selected smaller dogs during the 1920s and 1930s to create the toy size, which the AKC first recognised as its own breed and later folded in as a size variety.1 3 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Only erect ears are allowed in the toy variety, and cropped ears are a disqualification.1
2
In the 1920s American fanciers called these little dogs Toy Black and Tan Terriers.1
3
President Theodore Roosevelt owned a Manchester Terrier named Blackjack.2
4
Genetic studies group the breed closely with the Miniature Pinscher.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed was developed in the United States in the 1920s and was originally called the Toy Black and Tan Terrier. The name was later changed to the Toy Manchester Terrier, reflecting its origin from the Manchester Terrier breed.1

Name ideas for your new friend

JazzRustyVelvetSpikeDottieMiloSablePippinNovaChipLunaRex

A day in the life told by a Toy Manchester Terrier

I wake up and stretch my long legs, ready for a day of curiosity. My human takes me on a brisk walk, and I trot proudly, my ears perked for every sound. I spot a squirrel and give a little chase, but I always come back when called. At home, I inspect every corner, making sure nothing has changed. I play with my favorite ball, tossing it in the air and catching it with a snap. When my human sits down, I jump up beside them, my head resting on their arm. I am independent, but I choose to stay close. The world is interesting, but you are my favorite part of it.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

AKC: Recognised as a separate breed in 1938; since 1958 treated as the toy size variety of the Manchester Terrier1
Canadian Kennel Club: Toy Group; treated as a variety of the Manchester Terrier1
The Royal Kennel Club: Not listed under this name; the closely comparable UK breed is the English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan)3

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Blueberry Oat Biscuits

These simple, three-ingredient biscuits are full of fibre and antioxidants from blueberries, and are easy to make in small sizes for toy and small dogs.

You need

100g oats
1 banana (mashed)
40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
a little water (as needed)

How

Preheat your oven to 175°C.
Mix the mashed banana, oats and chopped blueberries together in a bowl.
Add splashes of water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture comes together in one large ball.
Roll the mixture out on a lightly floured surface to about 1–2 cm thick.
Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes suitable for a small dog.
Place the shapes on a lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes until slightly browned.
Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Give one small biscuit per day for a toy or small dog, and reduce their main meal accordingly.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt and Fruit Treats

These refreshing frozen treats are perfect for warm days and use simple, dog-safe ingredients. Yoghurt provides calcium and probiotics, while strawberries and apple add vitamins and natural sweetness.

You need

30g plain, unsweetened yoghurt (no additives or sweeteners)
2-3 medium strawberries (washed and chopped)
Half a small apple (cored and chopped into small pieces)

How

Wash the strawberries and apple thoroughly. Core the apple and chop both fruits into small, bite-sized pieces.
Mix the chopped fruit together in a small bowl.
Place a few pieces of fruit (no more than five) into each compartment of a small silicone mould or ice cube tray. Each mould should be roughly 30mm x 25mm x 17mm or smaller.
Pour the plain yoghurt over the fruit, filling each mould to the top.
Place the mould or tray in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until fully frozen.
Pop the treats out of the moulds and serve immediately.

How much: Small dogs can have one treat per day; medium/large dogs can have two per day. These count towards the 10% treat allowance, so reduce your dog's main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Toy Manchester Terrier, and at what times?

Feed your Toy Manchester Terrier at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Consistent meal times help their digestion, but the exact times can fit your schedule. Always check the food label for portion guidance and ask your vet for personalized advice.5

What should a Toy Manchester Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality dog food suited to their size and age is ideal. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, these are especially harmful to dogs. For specific amounts, follow the food label and consult your vet.6

How often should I bathe a Toy Manchester Terrier?

Bathe your Toy Manchester Terrier when they get dirty, roughly every two months or as needed. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Their short coat stays clean easily.2 7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Toy Manchester Terrier need brushing?

Brush your Toy Manchester Terrier weekly to keep their short, smooth coat tidy and shiny. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every 7 days, and general care agrees for short coats. It's a quick, pleasant routine that strengthens your bond.2 7 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Toy Manchester Terrier's nails, and how often?

Trim nails weekly or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor, cutting a little at a time to avoid the quick. Pet Wiki's plan suggests every 21 days, but regular trimming keeps them comfortable. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.2 7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Toy Manchester Terrier need?

Your Toy Manchester Terrier is more athletic than its size suggests and enjoys daily walks and play. Adults need plenty of activity, while puppies and seniors may be happy with a daily walk. Pet Wiki recommends daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy.2 4 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Toy Manchester Terrier's teeth and ears?

Brush your Toy Manchester Terrier's teeth daily or at least a few times a week using dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly and keep them dry, as floppy ears can trap moisture. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily teeth brushing and weekly ear checks for good care.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Toy Manchester Terrier live?

Toy Manchester Terriers have a lovely long lifespan of 13 to 17 years, so you'll enjoy many happy years together. With good care and regular vet checkups, they often stay lively well into their senior years.1 2

Is a Toy Manchester Terrier good with children and other pets?

This breed attaches strongly to its own people and may take a while to warm up to newcomers, so early socialization is key. They can be good with children and other pets if raised together, but always supervise interactions. For specific advice, ask a good breeder or your vet.4 2

Can a Toy Manchester Terrier be left alone?

Toy Manchester Terriers prefer not to be left alone for long stretches, as they love being with their people. With training and a consistent routine, they can manage short periods alone, but they thrive with company. If you're away often, consider a pet sitter or doggy daycare.2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.