The Manchester Terrier, or, as it is also called, the rat terrier, is a relatively recent breed of dog bred in the British Isles, the peak of popularity of which occurred in the Victorian era. Unlike in the past, when Manchester Terriers were used to hunt and destroy rats and other rodents, today in most cases they act as companion dogs.
This is facilitated by the fact that the Manchester Terrier is pleasant in everyday communication and very loyal to its owner and members of his family. In addition, the animal has a small size and is not demanding on care and maintenance.
How did this breed come about?
According to researchers, the progenitors of this breed were common in the British Isles for a long time. Over time, a special look emerged - a black and tan terrier - smooth-haired dogs that were small in size and perfectly hunted mice, rats and hares. The dogs closest to modern Manchester terriers were dogs bred by the canine dog and scientist from Manchester, John Hume, who crossed a whippet with a black and tan terrier by the end of the 18th century. Dog handlers do not exclude the fact that in the future the breed was refreshed with the blood of the West Highland White Terrier.
The Manchester Terrier acquired its final and modern look by the middle of the 19th century, and by the end of this breed dogs of this breed took part in exhibitions, which greatly contributed to their popularity and distribution. At the beginning of the 20th century, several clubs for fans of Manchester Terriers were organized. Until World War II, the breed was actively distributed throughout Europe and was imported into the United States.
During the war, the Manchester Terrier almost disappeared, surviving only from individual breeders. The breed was restored for a rather long time, and only in 1962 was it recognized by the English Cynological Club.
Two different breeds or species?
Until the end of the 50s of the 20th century, it was believed that the Manchester and Toy terriers were two completely different, although very similar dog breeds. Only after the adoption of the FCI No. 71 breed standard in 1959 did all modern cynological federations and organizations recognize that the manchester terrier and the English toy manchester are two varieties of the same breed, differing only in weight, size and shape of the ears. Representatives of both species have thin, small ears, set high and close to each other. They are narrow at the base and pointed upward. For Toy Manchester, the ears are located strictly forward and upward, and for representatives of Manchester Terriers, if they were not cropped, they can be in the form of a bud or upright. If the puppy's ears were stopped, then they will be erect and long.
What does he look like?
Strong, small, short-haired terrier. The dog is elegant, with a long and dry wedge-shaped head and a clear, alert look. The muscular and compact body testifies to the high mobility, endurance and great strength of the Manchester Terrier, which allows him to pursue prey for a long time. The bite, like most terriers, is scissor-shaped, although straight, but in this breed it is not considered a defect. In England, ears are left without cropping, hanging on the cartilage, like most other terriers. In the United States, a different approach has been adopted: Manchester Terriers have ears stopped in puppyhood to give a pointed upright shape. Their eyes are almond-shaped, small and dark.
Standard Manchester Terriers must weigh at least 6, but not more than 10 kg, and English Toy - 6 kg. The height of the males does not exceed 41, and the bitches - 38 centimeters.
Color
Manchester Terrier can only be black with a bright tan mahogany.
At the same time, the line dividing the main color from the marks is clearly visible. Representatives of this breed can find out how many and which tanings can be found in detail in dog breeders' clubs or from breeders who know the breed standard by heart.
Wool
Smooth, short, shiny and resembling a fur coat of a fur seal - this should look like the hair of a healthy Manchester Terrier.
These are smooth-haired dogs, the coat of which does not require special care, as their molting is practically absent. To maintain a good appearance, it is enough to periodically clean the animal with a bristle brush or a special rubber mitt. A dog’s health indicator is a dense, mirror-shiny, but not soft coat.
A feature of this breed is a persistent hostility to water and various bathing. Therefore, you should not often expose your pet to such procedures only if he is very dirty. After bathing, the dog’s hair should be thoroughly wiped with a towel made of natural fabric. Do not forget to wipe the Manchester Terrier even if during the walk it fell in the rain.
How to care?
Although the Manchester Terrier is a dog that requires minimal care, you need to carefully monitor the health of the eyes and ears of the pet. The most common diseases of this breed are cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, as well as Von Willebrand disease, which is inherited. Because of its short coat, the Manchester Terrier does not tolerate both low and high temperatures. Of course, in the sun the dog is better and more pleasant than in the cold, but you should not allow overheating and leave it for a long time under scorching rays.
Character Features
What, what, and the character, and quite controversial, this small dog has! No one will dispute that loyalty, the highest activity and love of freedom are the distinctive qualities of the dogs of the Manchester Terrier breed. Before you get a Manchester pet, think about whether you can devote enough time not only to communication, but also to its education. The fact is that if puppies do not receive the necessary upbringing and attention, then they, growing up, turn into aggressive, stubborn and masterful dogs, which are practically impossible to retrain. Given all this, the owners of Manchester Terriers should form their character from a puppy's age, clearly showing what can and cannot be done.
It should also be borne in mind that Manchesters are dogs of one owner, to whom they are devoted all their lives. They are loyal and even good to other family members and children with whom they will play, but only if they will not be very bored. If there are other pets in the house, dogs of this breed get along well with them. Just remember that your favorite rat, mouse or hamster, even for the most strictly trained Manchester terrier, is prey, and at some point instinct may work. That is why the joint content of rodents and such terriers is not recommended.
Particular attention should be paid to the fact that the outwardly calm and playful towards strangers Manchester Terrier only pretends. In fact, these dogs are extremely distrustful of strangers and at the first signs of behavior that is unacceptable by terrier standards they will notify the owner with a loud bark. In rare cases, aggression is possible, but this depends both on the character, individual characteristics, and on the upbringing of the dog.
Training
As mentioned above, Manchester Terriers need a fairly early course of obedience and socialization. It should be noted the intelligence and ingenuity of dogs of this breed, which, with a good relationship with the owner, quickly learn what is required of them, trying to earn praise and encouragement of the owner.
Rudeness and violence should not be applied to Manchester Terriers, but justice, constancy of requirements and firmness will help in raising a pet.
Where to buy and how much?
Today in Russia it is almost impossible to buy puppies of the Manchester Terrier breed. Price in Western nurseries varies from 600 to 2500 US dollars. In our country, there are no breeders involved in the breeding of Manchester Terriers.