Black & Tan Dynamos: The Wash & Wear Manchester

The Manchester Terrier has two varieties, Standard and Toy, both descended from the extinct black and tan terrier, according to a panel of experts at the American Manchester Terrier Club National Specialty.

The Manchester’s job was to hunt rats and other vermin in England and they retain the high prey drive today. Our experts encourage new owners to be sure their Manchester is on lead when outside a fenced area.

“You can have a good recall, but a squirrel will always take precedence,” said Marla Zoz.

Key Manchester Points:

• High drive, are food motivated but easily distracted.
• Very smart, pick up new skills quickly.
• Get very attached to their people. Suitable for a house or apartment.
• Need lots of physical activity.
• Require a lot of attention.
• Love being a part of the family.
• Need to spend time to develop well balanced companion.
• Low maintenance grooming… nails, clean teeth, wash and wear.
• Longevity – 15+ years.
• Health issues include cardiomyopathy and vWD, a bleeding disorder. When visiting with a potential breeder, be sure to ask if he/she is testing for these conditions with available DNA tests.

Standard Manchester Terriers are allowed to have naturally erect ears, button (shown here) or cropped. Toy Manchesters are only shown with naturally erect ears.

“You want to go, they’re ready at a moment’s notice. You want to cuddle on the couch, they’re right there,” said Jim Burrows.

These dogs are terriers, whether standard or toy sized, our panelists noted. They can “talk a lot.” Everyone agreed that the “four-footed burglar alarm” breed can be vocal. “They’re going to bark if they see something they don’t know,” Burrows said.

While generally aloof with strangers, the Manchester will warm up to new folks quickly. The breed needs a lot of socializing to develop a well-rounded dog, the breeders all agreed. Dog aggression, typical of many terriers, is manageable with appropriate socializing and training.