Lively, alert and sporting, with a keen eye for anything that moves. It is loving and loyal with its family while keeping a sensible reserve with strangers, and it is usually sociable rather than quarrelsome with other dogs.214
how to spot oneManchester Terrier coat and colours
short, smooth, glossy
A compact, sleek and elegant terrier with a racy outline hinting at Whippet ancestry. The coat is short, dense, tight-lying and shiny, with a firm feel.21
Comes inblack and tan (jet black with rich mahogany tan, cleanly divided)21
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Manchester Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
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
how busy a day looksManchester Terrier exercise needs
Up to about an hour of exercise a day, ideally mixing walks with games and chances to use its quick, athletic build.3
where they are happiestManchester Terrier at home
Adapts well to town or city life and smaller homes, as long as it gets its daily exercise.3
who they like aroundManchester Terrier with people and other pets
A people-oriented companion that likes to be involved in family life.4
the hands-on bitsManchester Terrier grooming and care
Very simple: a weekly once-over with a soft brush or mitt keeps the short coat gleaming; it does shed regularly.3
what goes in the bowlManchester Terrier food and feeding
A complete diet sized to a small, active terrier; watch portions to keep its lean outline.1
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Manchester Terrier, and at what times?
Feed your Manchester Terrier at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies, at consistent times each day. Watch portions carefully to keep that lean, athletic outline. Your vet can help you adjust amounts based on your dog's age and activity.15
What should a Manchester Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A complete, balanced diet sized for a small, active terrier is best. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, so keep those well away. Always check with your vet before introducing new foods.16
How often should I bathe a Manchester Terrier?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often only if your dog gets very dirty or has a skin issue, but avoid overbathing to keep the coat healthy.7
How often does a Manchester Terrier need brushing?
A weekly once-over with a soft brush or mitt is all it takes to keep that short, glossy coat gleaming. Pet Wiki's plan also recommends brushing every 7 days, which fits perfectly with the breed's simple grooming needs.3
How do I trim a Manchester Terrier's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 3 weeks or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and use a proper nail trimmer. If you are unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you.7
How much exercise does a Manchester Terrier need?
Your Manchester Terrier needs up to about an hour of exercise daily, mixing walks with games and chances to use its quick, athletic build. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play to keep this lively dog happy and fit.3
How do I look after a Manchester Terrier's teeth and ears?
Brush your Manchester Terrier's teeth daily if possible, or at least two to three times a week, using a dog-safe toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks and wipe the outer part gently, never pushing anything into the ear canal. Your vet can show you the best technique.7
How long does a Manchester Terrier live?
A Manchester Terrier typically lives around 12 years or more, with good care and regular vet checkups. Senior years often start around age 10, so adjust their routine as they age.34
Is a Manchester Terrier good with children and other pets?
Yes, this breed is loving and loyal with its family and usually sociable with other dogs, making it a great companion for respectful children. It does keep a sensible reserve with strangers, so early socialisation helps.214
Can a Manchester Terrier be left alone?
Manchester Terriers are people-oriented and like to be involved in family life, so they can be left alone for reasonable periods but not for long stretches. They adapt well to smaller homes, but need daily exercise and company to stay happy.43
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.
what to watchManchester Terrier health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Manchester Terrier. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy (JDCM)
A heart fault that causes sudden death in puppies under a year old with no warning; a DNA test finds carriers. University of Minnesota: about 20% of Toy Manchesters carry the gene; low frequency in the Standard variety ↗
Von Willebrand disease type I
The blood clots slowly, so the dog bleeds more after injury or surgery; a DNA test finds carriers. DNA test is UK Kennel Club Best Practice and CHIC; no published rate ↗
Xanthinuria type II
A gene fault makes xanthine crystals and bladder or kidney stones; a DNA test finds carriers. DNA test is UK Kennel Club Best Practice; no published rate ↗
Inherited eye disease
Cloudy lens or retinal problems dim sight; eye checks on the parents lower the risk. Eye testing is UK Kennel Club Best Practice and CHIC; no published rate ↗
Hypothyroidism
The thyroid slows down, so the dog gains weight and loses coat; managed with daily tablets. Thyroid test recommended by the American Manchester Terrier Club (CHIC); no published rate ↗
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (Toy variety)
The top of the thigh bone loses its blood supply in a young dog, causing hip pain; surgery usually fixes it. Hip x-ray recommended for the Toy variety (CHIC); no published rate ↗
Tests a good breeder can show you
DNA test for JDCM UK Kennel Club Best Practice; CHIC (Toy variety) ↗
DNA test for von Willebrand disease type I UK Kennel Club Best Practice; CHIC / American Manchester Terrier Club ↗
DNA test for xanthinuria type II UK Kennel Club Best Practice; CHIC (Toy variety) ↗
Eye examination (BVA/KC/ISDS or CAER) UK Kennel Club Best Practice; CHIC / American Manchester Terrier Club ↗
Thyroid evaluation CHIC / American Manchester Terrier Club ↗
Cardiac examination (Standard) / Legg-Calve-Perthes x-ray (Toy) CHIC / American Manchester Terrier Club ↗
From the breed club or a health scheme. Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Manchester Terrier costs
Running costs for a Manchester Terrier, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Manchester Terrier legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Manchester Terrier in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Manchester Terrier tip
Manchester Terriers have fast metabolisms and small stomachs, so offer small, low-fat treats in moderation and keep them under 10% of daily calories to avoid weight gain that can worsen joint strain. If your dog has skin issues or digestive upset, ask your vet about a diet trial.
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
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
Only 11 Manchester Terriers were registered with the Kennel Club at the end of the Second World War; dedicated breeders brought it back.3
2
In the AKC, the Standard and Toy are the same breed; apart from size and ear options there is no difference between them.1
3
In its early days the breed had its own classes at dog shows held in Manchester pubs.2
4
The Royal Kennel Club describes it as a terrier well suited to city life, fitting for a breed made in an industrial town.3
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed is named after the city of Manchester, England, where it was developed in the 19th century to control rats in the industrializing towns and mills.8
This morning I trotted around the garden, checking every corner for interesting rustles. My human smiled and tossed my favourite squeaky ball, and I chased it with all my speed. After breakfast, we met a friendly collie in the park, I wagged and we sniffed hello. Back home, I curled on the sofa, one eye open for the postman. In the afternoon, we played a quick game of hide-and-seek indoors. Now it's evening and I'm resting my head on my human's knee, ready for a peaceful night.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganManchester Terrier history
The breed took shape in 19th-century Manchester, where breeder John Hulme is credited with crossing Black and Tan Terriers with Whippets to create a fast ratting and rabbiting dog. Manchester was the centre of the breed by around 1860, and Victorians nicknamed it the 'Gentleman's Terrier'.42
English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan)
Miniature Pinscher
Whippet
German Pinscher