The Manchester Terrier is one of the sleekest of all terriers, with a smooth, compact, muscular body, slightly longer than tall, and a slightly arched topline. The coat is smooth and glossy. The Manchester's gait is free and effortless. The dog has a keen and alert expression. Ready to see what dogs fit you best? Take our short quiz to find out! Breed Image Breed Weight 12-22 lb Breed Height 15-16" Similar Breeds American Staffordshire Terrier Dogs & Puppies Australian Terrier Dogs & Puppies Bedlington Terrier Dogs & Puppies Border Terrier Dogs & Puppies Bull Terrier Dogs & Puppies Cairn Terrier Dogs & Puppies Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dogs & Puppies Irish Terrier Dogs & Puppies Smooth Fox Terrier Dogs & Puppies Wire Fox Terrier Dogs & Puppies Lancashire Heeler Dogs & Puppies Related Content What Are The Healthiest Dog & Puppy Breeds? What Are The Healthiest Dog & Puppy Breeds? Temperament The Manchester Terrier has been described as “catlike,” being impeccably clean, independent, reserved with strangers, yet sensitive. This breed is more responsive than many terriers and is generally a well-mannered house dog. The Manchester is devoted to its family, and enjoys napping at with a special person.. Otherwise, this is a busy breed, ever nosing around for adventure, a game, or digging. Upkeep The exercise needs of this alert and active breed can be met with a moderate walk on leash, a good romp in the yard, or an off-lead foray in a safe area. Coat care is minimal. Health Major concerns: none Minor concerns: cardiomyopathy, vWD, hypothyroidism Occasionally seen: Legg-Perthes, patellar luxation, deafness, PRA Suggested tests: eye, thyroid, DNA for vWD Life span: 15–16 years History One of the most popular and accomplished terriers of early England was the Black and Tan Terrier, mentioned as early as the sixteenth century. The Black and Tan was a skilled dispatcher of rats. With the advent of industrialization, sport of the working class in England’s towns centered around rat catching with Black and Tans and dog racing with Whippets. It was only a matter of time before the two breeds were crossed, with the goal of creating a dog that could excel in both arenas. The result was a refined black and tan terrier with a slightly arched back. Similar crosses had almost certainly been made in other regions because other dogs resembling this new strain were not uncommon, but the breed’s popularity centered around Manchester. In 1860, the breed was formally dubbed the Manchester Terrier. The name did not catch on, and it was dropped in favor of Black and Tan Terrier, only to be revived in 1923. Until 1959, Standard and Toy Manchesters were shown as two separate breeds. In 1959, they were reclassified as one breed with two varieties. Breed Family Terrier Breed Type Terrier Energy Level 4 Playfulness 4 Friendliness to Dogs 3 Friendliness to Strangers 1 Heat Sensitivity 2 Exercise Requirements 3 Affection Level 4 Friendliness to Other Pets 1 Watchfulness 1 Grooming Requirements 1 Vocality 5 Ease of Training 2 Alternative Names Black and Tan Terrier Disclaimer Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Breed Size Small Plural Name Manchester Terriers Area of Origin England Date of Origin 1500s Species Dog or Puppy