manchester terrier

The Manchester Terrier was once a quick-tempered, scrappy sort of dog, known as the Gentleman's Terrier; these days, they are much better suited to life in a household, but still retain their zest for life.

History:

The history of the Manchester is a little blurred. Some believe that they are the direct descendants of the now extinct Black and Tan Terrier, and others believe that the Black and Tan was crossed with the Whippet to create the Manchester Terrier. Consequently, the breed's origin could date back to around the 1500s, or as recently as the 1800s. The name comes from the district of Manchester in England. Whatever the path its development took, there is no doubt as to the purpose of the breed: ratting and rabbiting. The Manchester Terrier was renowned for its ability to kill rats; one dog, called Billy, holds a record for killing 100 rats in just 6 minutes and 13 seconds.

Physical characteristics:

Height: 15 - 16 in (38 - 41 cm). Weight: 12 - 22 lb (5 - 10 kg). The Manchester Terrier is a sleek, elegant animal. It is jet black, with rich tan markings on the face, throat, chest and lower parts of the legs. For a long time the Manchester was cropped so that its ears stood erect; however; that practice is illegal in many parts of the world. When uncropped, the ears are high-set and v-shaped, and fold forward over the eyes. The head of a Manchester Terrier is long, relatively flat, and tapers towards the muzzle. The eyes are quite small and almond-shaped, and are dark-colored. The body is short and strong, with a deep chest and long, strong legs. The tail is naturally fairly short and tapers near the end. It is carried below the level of the back.

Behavior:

The Manchester Terrier makes a great companion animal. It is bold and tenacious and pursues its tasks with great enthusiasm. This dog responds well to a firm hand, and once it is settled into the house it becomes quite devoted to its owner. The Manchester Terrier really appreciates being taken out for walks.