Black and Tan Terrier
Breed Description

The Manchester Terrier is known by several names that reflect its rich history and geographical origins. The breed's most notable alternate name is the Black and Tan Terrier, which was the original designation for these dogs before they became associated with the city of Manchester, England. Other common names include the Gentleman's Terrier, a Victorian-era nickname that speaks to the breed's elegant appearance and refined demeanor, and simply the Manchester, used affectionately by breed enthusiasts. In some historical texts, these dogs were referred to as Rat Terriers due to their exceptional prowess in controlling rodent populations. The Toy variety is sometimes called the Toy Manchester or English Toy Terrier in certain regions, particularly in the United Kingdom and Australia where the varieties are considered separate breeds. Regional variations also include references to the breed as the Manchester Rat Terrier in early breeding records. The name Manchester Terrier itself derives from the English city where much of the breed's refinement and standardization took place during the nineteenth century. Today, major kennel clubs worldwide recognize this breed under the official name Manchester Terrier, with designations for Standard and Toy varieties in North America.

The Manchester Terrier enjoys recognition from major kennel clubs around the world, each maintaining specific breed standards. The American Kennel Club (AKC) first recognized the Manchester Terrier in 1887 for the Standard variety and 1886 for the Toy variety, classifying them within the Terrier Group and Toy Group respectively. In the United States and Canada, both varieties are considered one breed with two size classifications. The United Kennel Club (UKC) granted recognition to the Manchester Terrier in 1992, placing the breed in the Terrier Group. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognizes the breed under FCI Standard Number 71, classified in Group 3 (Terriers), Section 1 (Large and medium-sized Terriers). The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom recognizes the Manchester Terrier within the Terrier Group, though they maintain the English Toy Terrier as a separate breed. The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) follows similar standards to the AKC, recognizing both Standard and Toy varieties as a single breed.

The American Manchester Terrier Club (AMTC) serves as the national parent club in the United States, dedicated to promoting and protecting the breed through education, health research, and maintaining breed standards. This organization provides extensive resources for owners, breeders, and enthusiasts, including information on responsible breeding practices, health testing recommendations, and rescue coordination. The AMTC works closely with the AKC to preserve the breed's distinctive characteristics while addressing health concerns through their health committee initiatives. Regional and international breed clubs exist in various countries, each working to preserve the Manchester Terrier's unique traits while adapting to local conditions and preferences.

Breed standards maintained by these organizations emphasize the Manchester Terrier's sleek, compact appearance, with a smooth black coat accented by rich mahogany markings in specific locations. The standard describes a dog that combines the elegance of a sighthound with the determination of a terrier, capable of both ratting work and coursing small game. Show classifications include conformation showing, where dogs are judged against the written breed standard, as well as performance events such as earthdog trials, barn hunt, agility, and obedience competitions. The breed's athletic build and intelligent nature make Manchester Terriers well-suited for a variety of dog sports and working certifications, demonstrating their versatility beyond the show ring.

The Manchester Terrier presents a picture of sleek elegance combined with athletic capability, embodying the ideal blend of beauty and function. This breed displays a smooth, compact silhouette that immediately suggests speed and agility. The overall appearance conveys a sense of refinement and grace, with clean lines and a balanced structure that speaks to the breed's heritage as both a working terrier and a gentleman's companion.

Size and proportion vary between the two recognized varieties. Standard Manchester Terriers typically stand 15 to 16 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 12 and 22 pounds, with a sturdy but not coarse build. The Toy variety measures 10 to 12 inches in height and weighs under 12 pounds, maintaining the same proportions as the Standard in a more diminutive package. Both varieties exhibit a slightly longer than tall proportion, with the body length from point of shoulder to point of buttocks slightly exceeding the height at the withers.

The head structure is distinctive and contributes significantly to the breed's characteristic expression. The skull appears long, narrow, and flat, with a slight indentation running up the forehead. The muzzle is equally long and tapers cleanly to the nose, well filled under the eyes without any prominence of cheek muscles. The stop is slight but present, creating a smooth transition from skull to muzzle. Eyes are small, bright, and nearly black in color, almond-shaped and set moderately close together, expressing intelligence and alertness. The ears are naturally erect or button-shaped, V-shaped and carried well up on the skull. In countries where ear cropping remains legal, some owners choose to have the ears cropped to an erect position, though natural ears are increasingly preferred and required in many regions.

The Manchester Terrier's body demonstrates athletic functionality. The neck is slightly arched, slim, and graceful, flowing smoothly into well-laid-back shoulders. The topline shows a slight arch over the robust loin, conveying the ability to turn quickly when pursuing prey. The chest is narrow but deep, providing adequate heart and lung room without interfering with movement. The ribcage is well-sprung, and the underline shows a definite tuck-up in the flanks. Front legs are straight when viewed from any angle, with strong bone proportionate to the dog's size. The rear assembly shows good angulation, with muscular thighs and well-let-down hocks. Feet are compact and well-arched, similar to a hare's foot, with thick pads that provide cushioning for the athletic lifestyle these dogs were bred to lead.

The tail is moderately short and set on where the arch of the back ends, carried in a slight upward curve but never over the back. The tail tapers to a point and reaches approximately to the hock joint. The coat is smooth, short, dense, and glossy, lying close to the body and providing minimal insulation. The color pattern is rigidly defined: a jet black base color with rich mahogany tan markings appearing in specific locations. Tan markings should appear over each eye as spots, on each cheek, inside the ears, on the chest, inside the hind legs, under the tail, and on each leg and foot. The mahogany tan should be a rich, deep color, and the boundaries between black and tan should be sharply defined without any intermingling of colors. Any deviation from this classic black and tan pattern is considered a fault.

Sexual dimorphism is evident in the breed, with males typically appearing more substantial and masculine in head properties and overall build, while females show a more refined elegance. The Manchester Terrier's movement reflects its dual heritage as both a ratting dog and a coursing hound. The gait should be free and effortless, with good reach in front and strong drive from the rear. The legs move straight and parallel when viewed from front or rear, converging slightly toward a center line as speed increases. This efficient movement allows the dog to turn quickly when necessary while maintaining the endurance needed for extended hunting sessions.

The Manchester Terrier traces its ancestry to England, where it emerged as one of the oldest recognizable terrier breeds. Historical records reference dogs matching the Manchester Terrier's description as far back as the late 1500s, when they were known simply as Black and Tan Terriers. These early dogs served a vital function in British society, controlling rat populations in homes, farms, and urban areas. The breed's development accelerated during the Industrial Revolution when rapidly growing cities like Manchester faced severe sanitation challenges and exploding rodent populations. Dogs capable of efficiently dispatching rats became not only useful but essential to public health.

The modern Manchester Terrier began taking shape in the early nineteenth century through the deliberate efforts of breeders in Manchester, England. John Hulme, a prominent breeder from that city, is widely credited with refining the breed by crossing the existing Black and Tan Terrier with Whippets. This infusion of sighthound blood added speed, agility, and coursing ability to the terrier's innate determination and ratting instinct. Some breed historians suggest that Italian Greyhounds and possibly Dachshunds may also have contributed to the gene pool, though Whippet influence remains the most documented. The result was a dog that excelled at two popular Victorian sports: rat baiting and rabbit coursing.

Rat baiting became a popular spectator sport in Victorian England, where dogs were placed in pits filled with rats and timed to see how quickly they could dispatch their quarry. Manchester Terriers gained legendary status in these contests, with one famous dog named Billy reportedly killing one hundred rats in just over six minutes. This gruesome sport, though eventually outlawed in 1835, demonstrated the breed's exceptional speed, agility, and fearlessness. Beyond the baiting pits, these dogs proved equally valuable for legitimate pest control in homes, warehouses, and ships, where their compact size allowed them to access areas larger dogs could not reach.

The breed's elegant appearance and spirited personality also attracted the attention of Victorian society's upper classes. Manchester Terriers became fashionable companion dogs, earning the nickname Gentleman's Terrier due to their association with well-dressed Victorian gentlemen who appreciated both the dogs' practical abilities and refined appearance. During this period, breeders began producing smaller versions of the breed to appeal to Victorian ladies who desired miniature dogs as fashion accessories. The Toy Manchester Terrier emerged through selective breeding for smaller size, though early examples were sometimes dangerously tiny and suffered from health problems. Modern Toy Manchester Terriers are more robust than their Victorian predecessors while maintaining the appeal of a compact size.

The breed's popularity reached its zenith during the Victorian era but declined significantly after ear cropping was banned in England in 1895. Many breeders had not paid adequate attention to ear shape and carriage during the era when ears were routinely cropped, and the sudden requirement for natural ears revealed many dogs with unattractive ear faults. The breed's numbers plummeted as a result. British breeders worked diligently to improve ear quality, eventually developing the attractive button ear that became the preferred type in the United Kingdom. In the United States and some other countries where ear cropping remained legal, both natural and cropped ears became acceptable, though natural ears have gained increasing favor.

Manchester Terriers arrived in the United States during the late nineteenth century and quickly gained recognition from the American Kennel Club. The breed contributed to the development of several other breeds, including the Doberman Pinscher, for which the Manchester Terrier served as one of the foundation breeds. The two World Wars severely impacted Manchester Terrier populations in Europe, and the breed came dangerously close to extinction. Dedicated breeders worked to preserve the remaining stock, gradually rebuilding numbers while maintaining breed type and temperament. Today, the Manchester Terrier remains relatively rare compared to more popular breeds but maintains a devoted following among those who appreciate its unique combination of elegance, intelligence, and sporting ability. The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom classifies the breed as a Vulnerable Native Breed, recognizing the ongoing need for conservation efforts to ensure the Manchester Terrier's survival for future generations.

The Manchester Terrier possesses a distinctive personality that reflects both its terrier heritage and its history as a gentleman's companion. These dogs exhibit high intelligence combined with an independent spirit that makes them engaging but occasionally challenging companions. Unlike some terrier breeds known for being scrappy or dog-aggressive, Manchester Terriers typically display a more balanced temperament, showing friendliness toward people and reasonable tolerance of other dogs when properly socialized. However, they retain the alertness, determination, and quick reactions that characterize working terriers.

Loyalty and devotion to family rank among the Manchester Terrier's most endearing qualities. These dogs form exceptionally strong bonds with their owners and thrive on human companionship. They prefer to be involved in family activities and may follow their favorite person from room to room throughout the house. This attachment makes them somewhat sensitive to being left alone for extended periods, and they may develop separation anxiety if not properly conditioned to tolerate solitude. Manchester Terriers typically select one person as their primary attachment figure while remaining affectionate toward all family members.

Energy levels in Manchester Terriers are high, particularly during the first few years of life. These athletic dogs require regular physical exercise and mental stimulation to remain content and well-behaved. Without adequate outlets for their energy, they may become destructive or develop nuisance behaviors such as excessive barking or digging. The breed's intelligence means they learn quickly, both desired behaviors and undesired ones, making consistency in training and management essential. Manchester Terriers excel at dog sports including agility, barn hunt, earthdog trials, and lure coursing, activities that allow them to use their natural speed, agility, and prey drive in appropriate contexts.

The Manchester Terrier's prey drive remains strong despite generations of selective breeding primarily for companionship. These dogs possess an instinctive urge to chase and catch small, fast-moving objects or animals. Squirrels, rabbits, cats, and even small dogs may trigger this chase response. Secure fencing is essential for Manchester Terriers, as their athletic ability and determination make them skilled escape artists when motivated by interesting prey. Indoor cats may coexist peacefully with a Manchester Terrier raised with them from puppyhood, but strange cats or outdoor wildlife will almost certainly trigger chasing behavior. Owners must remain vigilant during walks and outdoor activities, as a Manchester Terrier spotting prey may bolt without warning.

Alertness makes Manchester Terriers excellent watchdogs despite their relatively small size. They notice unusual sounds or activities and will vocally announce visitors or perceived threats. This vigilance serves useful purposes but can become problematic if the dog becomes overly reactive to normal neighborhood sounds. Training to control barking is an important part of raising a well-mannered Manchester Terrier. These dogs are naturally somewhat reserved with strangers, taking time to warm up to new people rather than greeting everyone enthusiastically. This discriminating nature contributes to their effectiveness as watchdogs but requires socialization to prevent excessive wariness from developing into fearfulness or aggression. With their family, however, Manchester Terriers display affection, playfulness, and a sense of humor that endears them to those who know them well.

Manchester Terriers adapt well to various living situations, from apartments to houses with large yards, provided their exercise and companionship needs are met. The breed's relatively small size and minimal coat make them practical for urban living, though their energy levels and tendency to bark require consideration. These dogs thrive in homes where they receive adequate attention, exercise, and mental stimulation. They are not suitable for families seeking an independent, low-maintenance pet, as Manchester Terriers demand significant interaction and activity to remain happy and well-behaved.

Families with children can successfully raise Manchester Terriers, though careful consideration of the child's age and the dog's size variety is important. Standard Manchester Terriers generally possess the sturdiness to handle the enthusiasm of school-age children who have learned appropriate dog interaction. The Toy variety, being more fragile, is better suited to families with older, gentler children who understand the need for careful handling. Very young children may accidentally injure a small dog during rough play, and even well-meaning toddlers may frighten a dog with sudden movements or loud noises. Supervision of all dog-child interactions is essential, and children must be taught to respect the dog's space and recognize when the animal needs a break from attention. Manchester Terriers that receive proper socialization with children from puppyhood typically develop patience and affection toward young family members.

Multi-pet households present both opportunities and challenges with Manchester Terriers. Dogs introduced to other canines during the critical socialization period generally learn to coexist peacefully, particularly with dogs of similar or larger size. However, the breed's prey drive can make them problematic with cats, small dogs, pocket pets, and birds unless raised with these animals from puppyhood. Even Manchester Terriers that live harmoniously with household cats may chase unfamiliar cats encountered outdoors. Small animals such as hamsters, guinea pigs, or rabbits should be kept securely away from the dog, as the hunting instinct may override training in moments of excitement.

Living space requirements for Manchester Terriers are flexible. These dogs can live contentedly in apartments if provided with sufficient daily exercise and opportunities to burn energy. The breed's short coat offers minimal insulation, making Manchester Terriers poorly suited to outdoor living in any climate. They are definitively indoor dogs that need shelter from extreme temperatures. In cold weather, Manchester Terriers benefit from wearing coats or sweaters during walks, as their thin coat provides little protection against low temperatures. Hot weather also requires precautions, as the black coat absorbs heat and the breed lacks the thick fur that would provide insulation. Access to shade, fresh water, and air conditioning during summer months helps prevent overheating.

Exercise requirements are substantial for a dog of this size. Manchester Terriers need at least one to two hours of physical activity daily, divided into multiple sessions. A morning walk, midday play session, and evening walk provide ideal exercise distribution. These dogs excel at activities that allow running, such as fetch in a securely fenced area or participation in dog sports. Mental stimulation is equally important, as the breed's intelligence requires regular challenges to prevent boredom. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and scent games help keep the Manchester Terrier's mind engaged. Without adequate physical exercise and mental stimulation, these dogs may develop destructive behaviors including chewing furniture, digging, and excessive barking. The breed's need for activity makes them excellent companions for active individuals or families but poor matches for sedentary households. Prospective owners should honestly assess their ability and willingness to provide the exercise and engagement a Manchester Terrier requires before bringing one into their home.

Training a Manchester Terrier can be both rewarding and challenging, as these dogs combine high intelligence with an independent streak typical of terriers. They learn quickly and retain information well, making them capable students for obedience work and trick training. However, their intelligence also means they may choose to apply their own judgment to commands, testing boundaries to see what they can get away with. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement methods work best with this breed. Harsh corrections or heavy-handed training techniques can damage the trust bond and make the dog resistant to further training.

Early socialization forms the foundation of raising a well-adjusted Manchester Terrier. Puppies should be exposed to a wide variety of people, places, sounds, and experiences during the critical socialization window between three and fourteen weeks of age. Puppy kindergarten classes provide excellent socialization opportunities while also beginning basic obedience training. Manchester Terriers that receive thorough socialization typically develop into confident, friendly adults, while those lacking early exposure may become fearful or reactive to novel situations. Continued socialization throughout adolescence and adulthood helps maintain the dog's confidence and social skills.

Basic obedience training should begin as soon as a puppy enters the home. Manchester Terriers need to learn fundamental commands including sit, down, stay, come, and leave it. Recall training deserves particular emphasis given the breed's high prey drive and tendency to bolt after interesting quarry. Training recall in a variety of environments with progressively greater distractions helps build reliability, though even well-trained Manchester Terriers should not be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas. Loose-leash walking is another essential skill, as the breed's natural alertness and quick reactions can make walks challenging without proper training.

Exercise requirements for Manchester Terriers are substantial and non-negotiable for maintaining physical health and behavioral soundness. These athletic dogs need daily opportunities to run, play, and burn excess energy. A minimum of one to two hours of exercise daily is recommended, though active individuals may find their Manchester Terrier eager for even more activity. Exercise can take many forms including brisk walks, jogging, playing fetch in a securely fenced area, or participation in organized dog sports. Manchester Terriers excel at activities that utilize their natural speed and agility, including agility courses, lure coursing, barn hunt, and earthdog trials. These structured activities provide both physical exercise and mental stimulation while channeling the dog's natural instincts into appropriate outlets. Interactive play with owners strengthens the bond between dog and human while meeting exercise needs in an engaging way. Without adequate exercise, Manchester Terriers may develop destructive behaviors, excessive barking, or hyperactivity that makes them difficult to live with.

Manchester Terriers are generally healthy dogs with an impressive lifespan of fourteen to seventeen years when properly cared for. This longevity reflects the breed's fundamentally sound structure and the benefits of their working heritage. However, like all purebred dogs, Manchester Terriers can be affected by certain inherited health conditions. Responsible breeders conduct health screening tests on breeding stock to reduce the incidence of these conditions, and prospective owners should inquire about health testing when selecting a puppy.

With appropriate preventive care, regular veterinary monitoring, and prompt attention to any health concerns, Manchester Terriers typically enjoy long, active lives well into their teens. Prospective owners should work with reputable breeders who prioritize health testing and should maintain a strong relationship with a trusted veterinarian throughout the dog's life. Pet health insurance can help offset the costs of unexpected medical expenses and ensure that financial considerations do not prevent necessary treatment.

Manchester Terriers are among the lowest maintenance breeds in terms of coat care, thanks to their short, smooth, naturally glossy coat. Weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush or grooming mitt removes loose hair and distributes natural skin oils, maintaining the coat's characteristic shine. During spring and fall, Manchester Terriers undergo seasonal shedding periods where they "blow" their coat, shedding more heavily than usual. Increasing brushing frequency to several times per week during these periods helps control loose hair in the home. Despite their generally minimal shedding, no dog is completely non-shedding, and prospective owners with significant allergies should spend time with the breed before committing to ownership.

Bathing requirements are modest for Manchester Terriers. These dogs typically need bathing only every six to eight weeks unless they become particularly dirty or develop an odor. Frequent bathing can strip natural oils from the skin and coat, potentially causing dryness and irritation. When bathing is necessary, use a mild dog shampoo formulated for short coats, ensuring thorough rinsing to prevent residue buildup. Manchester Terriers lack the thick undercoat that provides insulation, making them sensitive to cold when wet. Towel drying thoroughly after bathing and keeping the dog indoors until completely dry prevents chilling, especially in cooler weather.

Nail care is essential for Manchester Terriers and should be performed every two to three weeks. Active dogs that spend time on hard surfaces may wear their nails down naturally to some degree, but most will require regular trimming. Long nails can cause discomfort, alter the dog's gait, and potentially lead to joint problems over time. Owners can trim nails at home using dog nail clippers or a grinding tool, or have this task performed during veterinary visits or at a grooming salon. Starting nail care during puppyhood helps dogs become accustomed to the procedure, making it less stressful throughout life.

Ear cleaning should be performed as needed, typically every few weeks or whenever ears appear dirty or waxy. Manchester Terriers with naturally erect ears usually have better air circulation than drop-eared breeds, reducing the likelihood of ear infections. However, regular inspection remains important. Clean ears should be pale pink with no odor or discharge. Signs of ear problems include redness, swelling, odor, discharge, or the dog repeatedly scratching at or rubbing the ears. Clean ears using a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaning solution and cotton balls, never inserting anything deep into the ear canal. Dental care deserves special attention in Manchester Terriers, as small breeds are prone to dental disease. Daily tooth brushing with dog-specific toothpaste prevents tartar buildup and maintains gum health, potentially preventing serious dental problems that could affect overall health and quality of life.

If you're looking to adopt a Black and Tan Terrier, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Black and Tan Terriers waiting for their forever homes.