Manchester Terrier — breed guide
The original rat-pit terrier of industrial Manchester, and among the longest-lived breeds in this guide.
At a glance
- Group
- terrier
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 5–10 kg (11–22 lb)
- Life span
- 15–17 years
- Coat
- Short, dense, glossy black-and-tan coat
Living with a Manchester Terrier
- High energy — needs real exercise every day, not a stroll.
- Almost no grooming.
- Light shedding.
- Quick to learn.
- Vocal when there is a reason.
- Good with children.
- Usually fine with a familiar dog; strange dogs need managing.
- Not a safe bet with cats — this is prey drive rather than a training problem.
- Suits apartment living, given its daily walks.
- A reasonable choice for a first-time owner.
- Average heat tolerance.
- Feels the cold.
Temperament
Keen · Discerning · Devoted · Reserved with strangers
Health to watch
- Von Willebrand disease
- Juvenile cardiomyopathy
- Patellar luxation
- Hypothyroidism
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Manchester Terrier good with kids?
Generally yes. Manchester Terriers are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Manchester Terrier good with cats?
Usually not. This is prey drive rather than a training problem — a cat that runs can trigger it in a dog that is otherwise impeccably behaved.
How much exercise does a Manchester Terrier need?
An hour or more of proper exercise every day.
Can a Manchester Terrier handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a Manchester Terrier's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.