Manchester Terrier: description of the breed, nature, photos and reviews

Manchester Terrier, or, as it is also called, a rat terrier, is a relatively recent breed of dogs bred on the British Isles, whose peak of popularity fell on the Victorian era. Unlike earlier times, when Manchester Terriers were used to hunt and destroy rats and other rodents, today they are in most cases acting as companion dogs. This is facilitated by the fact that the Manchester Terrier is pleasant in everyday communication and very devoted to its owner and members of his family. In addition, the animal has a small size and is not exacting to care and maintenance.

How did this breed come about?

According to the researchers, the ancestors of this breed were common in the British Isles for a long time. Over time, a special species emerged - a black and tan terrier - smooth-haired dogs that were small in size and well-suited for mice, rats and rabbits. The closest to the modern Manchester terriers were the dogs, bred by the end of the XVIII century by the cynologist and scientist from Manchester, John Hume, who crossed Whippet with a black and tan terrier. Cynologists do not exclude the fact that in the future the breed was refreshed with the blood of West Highland White Terrier.

The Manchester-Terrier acquired its final and modern appearance by the middle of the 19th century, and by the end of its existence the dogs of this breed took part in exhibitions, which contributed to their popularity and spread. At the beginning of the XX century, several clubs of lovers of the Manchester Terriers were organized. Until the Second World War, the breed was actively distributed throughout Europe and was imported to the United States.

During the war, the Manchester Terrier almost disappeared, being preserved only by individual breeders. Restored the breed for quite a long time, and only in 1962 it was recognized by the English cynological club.

Two different breeds or species?

Up to the end of the 50s of XX century it was believed that the Manchester and Toy Terrier are two completely different, albeit very similar breeds of dogs. Only after the FCI No. 71 standard was adopted in 1959, all modern cynological federations and organizations recognized that manchester terrier and English tom-manchester are two varieties of the same breed, differing only in weight, size and shape of ears. In the representatives of both species, the ears are thin, small, high and close to each other. They are narrow at the base and pointed upward. In the case of those Manchester ears are located strictly forward and upward, and in the representatives of the Manchester terriers, if they were not cropped, they may be in bud form or standing. If the puppy's ears are stopped, then they will be standing 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, guarded gaze. A 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 that of most terriers, is scissor-shaped, although straight, but this breed is not considered a defect. In England, the ears are left unchanged, hanging on the cartilage, like most other terriers. In the United States, another approach is adopted: the Manchester-terriers are given a puppy-like age to give a pointed erect form. Their eyes are almond shaped, small and dark.

Standard Manchester terriers should weigh not less than 6, but not more than 10 kg, and the English one - 6 kg. The height of males does not exceed 41, and the bitches - 38 centimeters.

Color

Manchester Terrier can only be black with a bright tan color of mahogany. At the same time, the line dividing the main color from the marks is clearly visible. How many and which scorpions can be among the representatives of this breed, you can learn in detail in the clubs of dog breeders or breeders who know the standard of the breed by heart.

Wool

Smooth, short, shiny and resembling a fur coat of a fur seal - so the coat of a healthy Manchester terrier should look like. These are smooth-haired dogs, the wool cover of which does not require special care, since molting is practically absent. To maintain a good appearance, it is enough to periodically clean the animal with a bristled brush or a special rubber mitten. The health indicator of the dog is dense, a mirror shiny, but not a soft coat.

The peculiarity of this breed is a persistent dislike for water and various bathing. Therefore, do not often expose your pet to similar procedures, only if it is very much soiled. After bathing, the dog's coat should be thoroughly wiped with a towel made of natural cloth. Do not forget to wipe the Manchester-Terrier and in the event that during a walk it fell under the rain.

And how to care?

Although the Manchester Terrier - 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 the inherited disease of Von Willebrand. 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 it is not worthwhile to allow overheating and to leave for a long time under the scorching rays.

Characteristics of character

Something, but the character, and quite contradictory, this little dog has! Nobody will dispute that devotion, high 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 his upbringing. The fact is that if the puppies do not receive the necessary upbringing and attention, then they grow into aggressive, stubborn and willful dogs, which can not be retrained. Considering all this, the owners of Manchester Terriers should form their character from puppyhood, clearly showing what to do and what can not be done.

Also it should be borne in mind that Manchester is a dog of one master, who has been devoted to his whole life. They are loyal and even good to other family members and children with whom they will play, but only if they do not get bored. If the house has other pets, the dogs of this breed can easily get along with them. Just remember that your favorite rat, mouse or hamster even for the most rigorously brought up Manchester Terrier is prey, and at some point the instinct can work. That is why joint maintenance of rodents and such terriers is not recommended.

Particular attention should be paid to the fact that outwardly calm and playful in relation to strangers, the Manchester-Terrier only pretends. In fact, these dogs are extremely distrustful of strangers and at the first signs of an inadmissible terrier behavior, they will notify the owner of this loud barking. In rare cases, aggression is possible, but this depends both on the nature, individual characteristics, and on the upbringing of the dog.

Training

As already mentioned above, Manchester Terriers need a rather early course of obedience and socialization. It should be noted the intelligence and intelligence of dogs of this breed, which, in good relations with the owner, quickly assimilate what is required of them, striving to deserve the owner's praise and encouragement. It should not be applied to the Manchester Terriers rudeness and violence, but justice, consistency of demands and firmness will help in the education of the pet.

Where to buy and how much is it?

Today in Russia it is almost impossible to buy puppies of Manchester-Terrier breed. The price in western nurseries varies from 600 to 2500 US dollars. In our country there are no breeders engaged in breeding Manchester terriers.