Let's talk about... Manchester Terriers: What are they?
- Manchester Terriers were initially bred in England in the 19th century to control vermin on farms and in mills.
- These spirited and intelligent dogs have a rich history and are known for their sleek appearance and keen hunting skills.
- They come in two varieties: Standard Manchester Terriers and Toy Manchester Terriers, which are smaller versions of the breed.
- The Standard Manchester Terriers are 39-40cm tall and weigh between 5 and 10kg.
- The Toy variety are 25-30cm tall and weigh between 2.5 and 5.0kg.
What is the temperament of Manchester Terriers like?
- Manchester Terriers are lively, curious, and alert companions.
- They are affectionate towards their families and make excellent watchdogs due to their keen sense of observation.
- While they may be reserved with strangers, proper socialisation from an early age can help them become more at ease in new situations.
- Manchester Terriers are known for their agility and love participating in activities that challenge their minds, such as obedience training and interactive games.
How much exercise do Manchester Terriers need?
- Manchester Terriers have moderate exercise requirements. They should receive at least 1 to 1.5 hours of exercise per day to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
- This can include walks, playtime in a securely fenced area, or interactive games that provide mental challenges.
- Puppies of this breed have higher energy levels and should engage in shorter, supervised play sessions multiple times a day to avoid overexertion.
- It's important to gradually increase exercise duration and intensity as they grow older. Manchester Terriers typically reach their full exercise capabilities at around 12 to 15 months old.
Do Manchester Terriers need a lot of grooming?
- Manchester Terriers have short, glossy coats that are easy to maintain.
- They require minimal grooming compared to breeds with longer hair.
- Brush their coat once a week to remove loose hair and keep it looking sleek.
- They do not need regular bathing, every 2-3 months is enough, unless they are dirty.
- Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Manchester Terriers easy to train?
- Manchester Terriers are intelligent and quick learners, which can make them relatively easy to train.
- They possess a natural instinct for hunting and a strong desire to please their owners.
- Start training from a young age, focusing on basic obedience commands and socialisation to ensure they grow up to be well-rounded dogs.
- Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and play to motivate and reward them for good behaviour.
- Keep training sessions short, engaging, and consistent to maintain their interest and prevent boredom.
- With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, Manchester Terriers can become well-behaved and obedient companions.
What do Manchester Terriers eat?
- As puppies, feed Manchester Terriers a high-quality puppy food recommended by your veterinarian, appropriate for small breed dogs.
- Feed puppies 3-4 meals a day until they are 6 months old, when this can be reduced to twice a day.
- As Manchester Terriers mature, usually around 9-12 months, they can transition to adult dog food. Consult with your veterinarian for guidance on timing and appropriate food choices.
Are Manchester Terriers healthy?
Manchester Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but they may be prone to certain health conditions. Some health concerns in Manchester Terriers include:
Bleeding Disorders
- Von Willebrand’s Disease - an issue with platelet function in the blood stream causing bleeding
Bones and Joints
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: a hip condition that affects the blood supply to the head of the femur bone, leading to breakdown of the bone, pain and lameness.
- Luxating patella - this is when a dog’s kneecap moves out of where it should normally be
Heart
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) - a disease of the heart muscle causing the heart ventricles to get larger
Hormonal
- Hypothyroidism - a condition where your dog does not produce enough thyroid hormone
This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Manchester Terrier is right for you, consult with your vet.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.
