The Manchester Terrier

Appearance

The Manchester terrier is a smooth coated breed with a jet black coat and rich mahogany tan markings. He is sleek and elegant with a long wedge shaped head. He has a keen alert expression.

The standard states that a Manchester has the following colour distribution:

Jet black and rich mahogany tan distributed as follows: - on head, muzzle tanned to nose, nose and nasal bones jet black. Small tan spot on each cheek and above each eye, under-jaw and throat tanned with distinct tan V. Legs from knee downwards tanned with exception of toes which shall be penciled with black and distinct black mark (thumb mark) immediately above feet. Inside hind legs tanned but divided with black at stifle joint. Under tail tanned, vent tanned by marking as narrow as possible so that it is covered by tail. A slight tan mark on each side of the chest. Tan outside hind legs, commonly called breeching is undesirable. In all cases black should not run into tan and vice-versa, but division between colours clearly defined

History

The Manchester Terrier one of the oldest terrier breeds. Manchester Terriers can be seen in Dr Caius (Physician to Queen Elizabeth 1) book of 1570. There is also a picture of a Manchester Terrier in the “The Hours of the Virgin” c1500.

Originally named the Black and Tan Terrier the name was changed in 1925 to the Manchester Terrier. Most probably to honour the fact that the best breeders lived in and around the Manchester area. Most notable of these breeders was Mr Samuel Handley.

The two most popular terriers in England the mid 1900’s were the Black and Tan Terrier and the now extinct White English Terrier. The Black and Tan’s were famous for their abilities in the rat-pits and as companion pets. In fact some of the dogs from this period would not be out of the prize line up these days.

Manchester Terriers were the only Terrier breed to have a separate entry in the first English Stud Book covering the period 1859 – 1874. The first official showing of these dogs was in 1860 in Birmingham, England. In 1864 special classes for Black and Tans with uncropped ears were introduced.

By the end of the 19th century Manchesters were losing popularity. One of the reasons for this was the law passed in 1898 which forbade the cropping of dogs’ ears. No dog born after the 31/12/1889 could be shown with cropped ears.

In the late 1890’s a number of dogs were exported from Britain to countries around the world. Holland imported Miss Nellie, Broomfield Tickler, Strangeways Colonel and Manchester Empress. America imported Vortigern, Broomfield Madge, Broomfield Sultan, Buffalo General, Buffalo Lass and many others. Australia imported Sir Burke, Halifax Ben, Broomfield Pearl and Lady Portland.

At the end of World War II only 11 pure bred Manchester Terriers were left in Great Britain. Thanks to the endeavours of a few dedicated breeders the breed is now well on the way to recovery. Our thanks go to Mr W R Hardwick, Mr K A H Cassel and Mrs E Teague-Knight who without their dedication the breed would now be extinct.

From 1944 until 1954 the number of Manchesters was still so low that the Kennel Club did not offer any Challenge Certificates. However, numbers had increased by 1955 and Challenge Certificates were once again available. The first post war Champion was Ch Oldane Sensation owned by Mr W R Hardwick and bred by Mrs D I Keefe.

Manchesters in Australia died out during the World Wars and were reintroduced in 1965. Two imports from the Eaglespur Kennel re-started the line in Australia. They were Ch Eaglepur Loyalist and Ch Eaglespur Joyful.

From that point on in time Manchesters have not looked back.

Some may think the Manchesters are new to the terrier world but clearly the breed has been around since the early 1500’s.

Temperament

Manchesters are affectionate and make very loyal companions. They are best suited when an integral part of the family. They love to snuggle up to their owner. They are reserved with strangers however once established as a friend they are never forgotten.

Manchesters have above average intelligence and the true terrier temperament. They are sensitive and have very good memories.

They are not aggressive and are usually not noisy dogs. They are not yappy. They will only bark for a reason. This may be excitement, warning or to gain your attention. Manchesters have a big bark for a small dog.

Care / Grooming

Manchesters are not a high maintenance dog. They do not like rain despite there country of origin and should be rubbed down with a towel if they get wet. They really only need to be bathed if they have rolled in something unpleasant or the mud. Manchesters do not have a doggy odour so they make the perfect house dog.

A mild shampoo and a rub down with a chamois is all that is required. The condition of a Manchesters coat is always an indication of his heath.

Health

The Manchester terrier is a very hardy breed. They rarely suffer from any aliments and are long lived.

With proper food, shelter from the cold, exercise and of course lots of love a Manchester can live to 17 years of age.

A genetic bleeding disorder Von Willebrands Disease (vWD) is associated with the breed. However, this can be tested for prior to breeding and selling or buying a puppy.

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