The appearance of the Manchester Terrier, appearance, characteristic behavior and health, how to care for the breed: walking, diet, training, interesting facts. Puppy price. The Manchester Terrier is an old breed of rat-catcher dogs. Today they are valued as companions and competitive show dogs, not as working rodent hunters. However, dogs retain their innate hunting instincts to this day.
The emergence of the Manchester Terrier
Unlike most other terrier breeds, Manchester Terriers have been specially bred as working dogs, not companions. Beginning in the 1500s, Manchesters were bred to look for rats and other rodents that carried dangerous diseases and lived in dilapidated city buildings and nearby areas of the urban wasteland in England. Eventually, their working skills caught the attention of fans of pit ratting (rat-baiting gambling), in which the Manchester Terriers quickly became highly competitive dogs.
Ratting competitions were held in the UK as a pastime for the lower classes, peaking in popularity by the mid-1800s. In 1835, the Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain in 1835 signed a decree called the Cruelty to Animals Act, which prohibited the baiting of bulls, bears and other large animals. However, rat-baiting was not banned, and ratting competitions came to the fore as gambling.
During these competitions, the dog was placed in an enclosed space (pit or ring) with a large number of rats. Observers placed bets on how many rats each dog could kill within a given period of time - usually about 8.5 minutes. This "sport" was especially popular in the Manchester region of England.
The Manchester area of England was the center of a pair of poor men's sports: killing rats and catching rabbits. During the 1850s and 1860s, an enthusiast and traitor to the sport of rat and rabbit baiting named John Hulme decided to try and improve on these canines.
He wanted dogs to serve a dual purpose. That is, they knew how to hunt rodents, and also quickly and skillfully killed rats in large numbers in a rat pit. Mr. Hulme crossed tough black tan terriers with whippets. The latter breed - fast with dry muscles, slender with strong legs, was used to catch hares.
He crossed two of these canines to create a sturdy, streamlined animal perfect for these sports. This blood fusion was so successful that it was repeated, and this led to the establishment of a certain type of dog - thus the Manchester Terrier was born.
Manchester quickly became very popular. He was extremely virtuoso in his working forms, both in abandoned city buildings and in a rat pit. In the late 1800s, the most famous Manchester Terrier named "Billy" killed one hundred adult rats in a pit at one of the competitions. It took Billy only 6 minutes 35 seconds to complete this task.
The name Manchester Terrier was first coined and used in print in 1879. However, as this small dog was well known throughout the UK, many fans of the breed found the name inappropriate and very restrictive. For a number of years the breed was called "Jement Terrier" and even "Black" and "Tan Terrier". However, by the 20s, the name "Manchester Terrier" was finally established.
Originally, the ears of the Manchester Terrier were cropped short and pointed to emphasize its sleek, muscular body and aggressive demeanor. Clipping the ears also reduced the likelihood of being bitten by rodents. However, rat-baiting competitions declined in popularity and eventually became illegal and banned.
The popularity of the Manchester Terrier was also waning. In 1898, largely due to the efforts of the Prince of Wales (after the reign of King Edward VII), docking of the ears and tails of dogs was also banned in Great Britain. The Manchester's ears, which had been docked, were clumsy and unattractive when left in their natural state.
It took years of work for amateur breeders of the breed to fix naturally erect ears in the form. During this period of time, the popularity of such dogs declined even more, to the point that the Manchester Terrier became rare even in its homeland. By the end of World War II, the breed was nearly extinct. At one point, there were only 11 purebred Manchester Terriers in England.
Fans of the breed rallied and formed the Manchester Terrier club. By the 1970s, the number of breed individuals had increased significantly, both in the UK and in the United States of America. Fortunately, these dogs have regained their numbers and popularity.
Description of the external characteristics of the Manchester Terrier
The most striking characteristic of the Manchester Terrier is its color, where clarity and depth of color is desirable. It is a sturdy, small dog with an elegant look. The height at the withers in males is 36–41 cm and in bitches 28–31 cm. The weight of males is 4–10 kg and bitches are 3–7 kg.
- Head - elongated, dry. The skull is long, flat and tapered. Cheekbones not manifested.
- Muzzle - long, gradually tapering. Has good filling under the eye sockets. Stop smooth lines. The bridge of the nose is smooth. The jaws are strong and long. The lips are dense, dark. Powerful teeth meet in a scissor or pincer bite.
- Nose - coal black, continues the line of the muzzle.
- Eyes - small size. Very dark color and sparkling shine. They are placed at close range, not bulging, almond-shaped.
- Ears can be upright V-shaped or triangular and hang on cartilage. Sometimes docked.
- Neck the Manchester Terrier is of sufficient length and has a slightly convex crest. It widens from the skull to the withers.
- Frame - elongated. The chest is narrowed at the bottom, spacious enough. The back is slightly arched. The croup is strong. Ribs stand out, flat at the bottom. The bottom line is elegantly tucked.
- Tail extends the line of the spine, medium in length, slightly raised upward.
- Front limbs "Manchester" - slender, placed under the body. The hind legs have muscular thighs, equal in length to the lower legs.
- Paws - compact size, arched shape. A pair of toes located centrally on the forelegs are slightly longer than the rest.
- Coat short length. It grows densely, adheres tightly to the skin. Shiny in appearance, moderately hard to the touch.
- Color - black as a raven's wing. Has a bright tan of a rich color (mahogany). The lines separating the tan and the main color are clear, not blurred.
Distinctive features of the behavior of the Manchester Terrier dog
Representatives of the breed are lively, energetic and witty dogs. Although dogs are very similar to small Dobermans, they are real terriers. The Manchesters are extremely smart, a bit independent and loyal to people and those around them. This is not an affectionate couch dog. Pets have a terrier disposition. In fact, Manchester Terriers can be stubborn and, like most other terriers, tend to test their owner's patience.
Manchester Terriers are not very fast or too nervous dogs. They have good watchdog abilities. Undoubtedly, at the slightest alarm, their immediate entourage will be warned of something strange or unexpected. These dogs can become destructive and noisy if left unattended for long periods of time.
They usually get along well with children if they have grown up with them since puppyhood. Manchester Terriers are not particularly suspicious of strangers, although they can be a little aloof and proud. All in all, it is an alert, attentive breed, making it an ideal companion for people living in the city.
Manchester Terrier health
"Manchester" have an average life expectancy of about 15 years. Breed health problems may include von Willebrand disease (blood disorder), Legog-Calve-Perthes (aseptic necrosis of the femoral head), hair loss (mainly in bitches), Ehler-Danlos syndrome (cutaneous asthenia), lens prolapse, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy …
How to care for a Manchester Terrier?
- Wool "Manchester" takes enough time for regular cleaning. The constant brushing of his "coat" keeps his skin clean and healthy, stimulates blood circulation, removes dead hair and evenly distributes natural lubricant. This breed has short hair and therefore it is not difficult to care for it. However, dogs need to be brushed several times a week. This will remove dead hair and prevent dullness in the coat. You can use a thick brush with natural bristles or a rubber mitt comb. Lightly spraying with a moisturizing spray after the manipulation will create a bright shine on the coat. Regular brushing of your pet's fur will help finish the shedding process faster. With gradual preparation, persistence, and a positive attitude, bathing can be a fun and integral part of regular grooming. This will help your dog avoid many diseases and infections. Short-haired breeds follow the general rules of bathing: about once every three months. The pet's coat should be fresh, smelling, shiny, without loose hair. First, comb your dog well to remove dead hair and dirt. Place a rubber mat in the tub to provide a secure footing and fill the tub one third full with warm water. Use a shower, jug or other container to wet the dog, being careful not to get water in the eyes, ears and nose. Massage the lather of the typed shampoo, gently handling the dog's head. Rinse the Manchester Terrier starting from the head to prevent the soap solution from getting into the eyes. Dry the four-legged pet well with a dry soft cloth.
- Teeth require regular brushing with a toothpaste and brush specially formulated for dogs. Diseases of the gums are a consequence of the accumulation of tartar. Daily cleaning is ideal. This will help you avoid having to take your dog to the vet for tartar removal, which usually needs to be done under an immobilizing injection.
- Ears check weekly for redness or foul odor. These symptoms are alarming. When cleaning your ears, do not use ear sticks, the dog may shake its head and injure its ear canal. In addition, the structure of the ear canal is such that you will only push the wax deeper, which will create a sulfur plug.
- Eyes it is important to screen constantly for potential infections. Slight redness and dirt are removed by rubbing the dog's eyes with a sponge soaked in a bactericidal agent.
- Claws the Manchester Terriers are strong and fast-growing. They should be trimmed regularly with nail clippers or filed to avoid splitting and cracking.
- Feeding this breed should be monitored to prevent obesity. Manchesters have a good appetite and tend to gain weight easily. Their diet should be selected depending on the size, condition of the body and age. You can find quality dry food, but it is still better to discuss their diet with your veterinarian or breeder.
- Walking moderately long-lasting. Manchester Terriers are active, athletic dogs, but unlike some small breeds, they are not nearly as neurotic. Exercise should include enough moderate exercise to keep pets happy and healthy. The Manchesters love to accompany their family members to all kinds of activities, from a simple walk around the neighborhood to a trip to the grocery store. They really love to play.
Since the dogs are unpretentious and easy to keep, the "Manchester" are ideal companions for people living in the city. These are great lodgers. The breed enjoys the attention of children and will make a good pet if well socialized from an early age. If left for long periods of time, Manchester Terriers can become noisy and potentially destructive. This breed retains its instincts for catching rats and will pursue any living creature, pounce on almost any animal on the street.
Always drive your Manchester on a leash to avoid trouble. After all, at any second he can chase a cat, or rush to sort things out with other unfamiliar dogs. With a short coat, small undercoat and body fat, this breed is vulnerable to cold weather. Dogs should live indoors and have warm, comfortable clothing for walking during the cold season.
Manchester Terrier training
The breed is, after all, terriers. They have a pronounced, stubborn line of conduct and require firm, benevolent and consistent training. They will at times ignore the behavioral restrictions placed on them, which makes consistency and repetition of commands in their training very important. Positive reinforcement and motivational training methods work best not only with this breed, but with many others.
To get the Manchester Terrier's attention, keep your workouts short, fun and interesting. Accept that these dogs are likely to outsmart you. Luckily, they do it in such an entertaining manner that you can't help but laugh.
"Manchester" must be socialized from the age of a small puppy to ensure their maximum adaptation. Learning and socialization must continue throughout their lives.
Interesting facts about the Manchester Terrier breed
In 1860, the Manchester region of England became the center of the rat terrier and the name "Manchester Terrier" appeared. Small breed specimens have become popular. Many dishonest breeders have been known to add Chihuahua blood to these terriers to reduce the size to one and a half kilograms, or even less! This led to numerous problems, including an apple-shaped head, sparse fur, and protruding eyes. This selection eventually subsided, but the small specimens, although thin-boned and painful, remained popular for some time.
Small Manchester Terriers were worn in special leather pouches that were hung from the rider's belt. They got the name - "groom's pocket piece". The small stature of these dogs did not allow to run in step with other dogs, but when the hounds drove the fox into dense thickets, where they could not penetrate, a small Manchester Terrier was released. Therefore, the dogs received the nickname "gentleman's terrier". Despite its small size, this breed has always had a fearless team spirit.
Manchester Terrier puppies price
In order not to have health problems for your future dog, buy it in good kennels from breeders who monitor the health of puppy producers. The price for puppies of the Manchester Terrier is 1000-1200 $.
More about the breed in the following video:
