Is the Manchester terrier a good choice of pet?

The Manchester terrier is a small, compact and lively dog from the terrier dog grouping, which shares some physical similarities with the miniature pinscher, with which they are often confused. They are a small dog breed, which weighs up to 10kg, with males of the breed being larger than females.

They are short, smooth haired black and tan coloured dogs, which have triangular, pointed ears, a long muzzle, and a generally muscular and yet lithe workmanlike appearance. The breed today remains very similar to its historical appearance, and is regarded as one of the longest standing identifiable terrier breeds, with the breed mentioned in writings from the early 16th century. Originally kept for working purposes such as hunting small vermin including rats, today, the Manchester terrier is most widely owned as a pet.

If you are wondering if the Manchester terrier might be the right choice of dog for you, in this article we will look at the temperament and care requirements of the breed in more detail, to help you to make a decision. Read on to learn more.

What is their temperament like?

The Manchester terrier is a spirited, lively dog that is both strong and agile, and has good powers of deductive reasoning and working tenacity. They share most of the core temperament traits of all terrier breeds, being both loyal and independent, stubborn and yet friendly, and capable of learning new skills throughout their lives.

They are good, versatile dogs that may be well suited to sports such as dog agility, and they love to play games of catch and learn new skills. They love the attention of people and are a good constant companion, but they are also relatively independent and perfectly capable of making their own entertainment! They do, however, get bored and may become destructive if left alone for long periods of time.

They are strong willed, bold dogs that know their own minds, which can make them stubborn and potentially unruly, but when their intelligence and lively natures are harnessed properly, they are incredibly biddable and happy working dogs.

If improperly trained or left to their own devices, they can become snappy, headstrong and naughty, and so require an alert, conscientious owner who keeps their eye on the ball!

How much exercise do they need?

The Manchester terrier is an active, alert breed that likes to have something to do, and they will soon find a range of varied ways to find their own entertainment if simply let out into the garden unsupervised to entertain themselves! They have something of a propensity to dig and become destructive if they do not get enough exercise, and variety is very important to keep them happy and occupied.

They like brisk, active walks several times per day, as well as off the lead play and the opportunity to run around freely.

Are they easy to train?

The Manchester terrier can be very biddable and amenable to training providing that you can keep it interesting and varied, but if subjected to too much repetition, the dog will soon become bored and stubborn, or simply switch their minds off.

They require fun, varied training routines that should be kept short and interspersed with periods of play and entertainment, and the dog works hard to earn rewards, and learn new skills when you can keep their attention.

Do they have a strong prey drive?

The Manchester terrier is a formidable ratter, and once they catch the scent of vermin or small wildlife, will often go into autopilot mode and pursue it very single-mindedly. This can make it a challenge to teach the dog perfect recall, and they do have a tendency to take off after small prey when out on walks.

If properly introduced to cats when young and taught to respect them, they are unlikely to turn their prey instincts to cats, but there are always exceptions.

Do they get on well with other dogs?

The Manchester terrier can be housed happily with other dogs, but they do tend to like the alpha role, which can potentially lead to power struggles when introducing the Manchester terrier into an established home. They require good socialisation and exposure to plenty of other dogs when they are still young enough to learn new skills, and assuming that this is achieved, the Manchester terrier will play well with other dogs at the dog park, but again, they do tend to like to call the shots and be the leader.

What sort of homes do they suit?

The Manchester terrier can live happily either in the city, suburbia or the country, providing that they have adequate access to the outdoors, and plenty of chances to go for walks. They enjoy the company of people and make for good companions that suit homes large and small, but they do like to be the centre of attention!

They can live happily with children, but are better suited to homes with older kids that know how to handle and respect the dog.