Manchester Terrier
English Toy Terrier, Standard Manchester Terrier, Toy Manchester Terrier
Although today the Manchester Terrier is kept solely as a companion it was primarily used for rat baiting in the past. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes two varieties, the Standard and Toy, while the smaller variety is recognized by The Kennel Club (KC) as a separate breed, the English Toy Terrier.
Manchester Terrier Standards
Standard |
Toy |
15-16" |
10-12" |
12-22 lbs |
6-8 lbs |
- small terrier
- ears are erect, Standard's may also be cropped or button
- tail is left long
- smooth, short, dense, tight, glossy coat
- black with rich mahogany tan markings
History of the Manchester Terrier
The Manchester Terrier was named after the city of Manchester in north-west England, which was the main area for their development. However, similar dogs were seen throughout the country. This area was a noted center for two “poor men’s sports,” rat baiting and rabbit coursing. John Hulme desired a dog that could be used for both sports and mated a Whippet bitch to a celebrated rat-killing dog that was related to the now extinct Black and Tan Terrier. The offspring of this mating were superb ratters and rabbiters, highly desirable and became the basis of the breeding stock we know today. The breed suffered a major setback when rat baiting became outlawed in 1835 along with other animal baiting and even further decline when the cropping of ears was forbidden in 1898. It took several years before breeders were able to create an appealing natural ear and today the Manchester Terrier still has relatively small numbers, particularly the Toy variety. In the United Kingdom both are listed as vulnerable native breeds.