Orlovia
The Manchester Terrier is one of the oldest terrier breeds. People of different eras call him Black and Tan Terrier as well as Gentleman’s Terrier. The breed, which originated in England, has had its current name since the end of the 19th century. Manchester is the center of Black and Tan Terrier breeding at this time.
Characteristics
Since there were always strong differences in size in the original breeding material of the Manchester Terrier and extremely small dogs had their heyday during the reign of Queen Victoria, the so-called Toy Terriers were created by crossing the smallest Manchester Terriers with each other.
At that time, adult dogs weighing just 1000 grams were not uncommon. In the USA, where the breed came to in addition to Canada and Germany in the 19th century, this small breed is called “Toy Manchester”, in England they were first called “Black and Tan Toy Terrier” until finally the name “English Toy Terrier” had agreed.
In 1959 the Toy Manchester Terrier was also registered as a separate breed, although today it is only regarded as a smaller variant of the Manchester Terrier. With the exception of size and ears, the Manchester Terrier and the Toy breed are also judged to the same standard. Like the Fox Terrier and the Lakeland Terrier, the Manchester Terrier may either have tipped ears or prick ears.
The “little brother” is almost identical to the standard Manchester Terrier in miniature, but unlike the latter, it has ears that are set high and must neither fall nor tilt. These dogs and genetic material from the Staffordshire Terrier form the basis for the working dog of that time. The elegance in his appearance is attributed to whippet crossbreeds.
Use
In Manchester, and not only there, but the hunted terrier also pursues rabbits. He decimates rats, mice, and other animals on the goods and later in the residential and port facilities. Until the “rat-killing” competitions were banned, the targeted killing of rats by the biting dogs in the arenas brought some owners a small fortune. When there were no bets and ear cropping was banned, interest in the Manchester Terrier dropped dramatically.
Only later did breeders succeed in establishing the V-shaped and forward-sloping tipped ear as common in their breed. It is just as difficult to implement the required standard with regard to the color markings. The basic color of the fur is deep black.
The distribution of the mahogany tan color is detailed in FCI breed nomenclature standard number 71 for the Manchester Terrier. Above the eyes, on the cheeks, forelegs, and so on – here a picture says more than a thousand words.
Fur
The short, smooth and close-lying fur is one of the easiest to care for. It stays shiny and healthy with just a little brushing. The originally strong size differences of the breed are history.
For a long time, extremely small specimens represented the highest degree of perfection, but today the high-legged terrier is well-positioned with 38 and 41 centimeters at the shoulder (females and males respectively). The dainty-looking four-legged friends pack five to ten kilograms of pure energy. Their athletic body is supported by paws that closely resemble those of rabbits.
Manchester Terrier Character and Temperament
The Manchester Terrier is a very domestic and friendly dog that is very loving and patient with children. Although he was originally easily excitable and quite biting, over time through breeding these rougher sides of his character could be subdued.
The animal owes its popularity to its friendly and engaging character and its adaptability. The reliable companion dog equally accepts life in the city as in the country.
Fortunately, however, the typical characteristics of the breed, the lively disposition, and alertness, have remained with the Manchester Terrier. Within the large terrier family, the Manchester Terrier is a rarity today, although it certainly has a number of loyal lovers and is also a very pleasant companion dog.
However, the amount of exercise and the mental demand throughout the day as well as the family connection must be guaranteed. Because of his size, the Brit can be easily integrated into modern lifestyles. A content flatmate with no great demands on the space around him. His play instinct is well received by children, they experience him as patient and cuddly. He leaves the screaming and noisy children to themselves.
When meeting other conspecifics, the Manchester Terrier is fearless and free from shyness. He eyes strangers cautiously and cautiously, sometimes even rejecting them. Playing down dogs based on their first impressions is out of place. With great curiosity, he guards his pack and his home without an exaggerated attack.
The Manchester Terrier is alert but not snappy, active, and spirited without constantly demanding activity. Nevertheless, he loves long walks because of his joy of movement. He is intelligent, docile, and easy to train so he should also bring a lot of joy to inexperienced dog owners.
First-time dog owners sometimes have to wonder if they can do justice to a very active, headstrong, and sometimes pack-challenging dog. And yet it is true that with all the common characteristics and breed-typical character traits, a large number of individuals make up this dog breed.