An Introduction to Manchester Terriers
Male Manchester Terrier
Manchester Terriers are perhaps the most distinctive member of the terrier family. A striking smooth black coat with distinctive tan markings and a conformation unlike most other terriers. This breed of pedigree dog, have the potential, given the right breeding, environment and care, to be versatile, intelligent dogs. They are not what is known as a biddable breed, but have considerable ability to think through problems for their own ends.
The distant origins of Manchester Terriers lay in the common working terrier known for centuries. These dogs, often black and brown coloured and varied as regards to size, coat and detail are still with us today as strains of working terrier . Several other developed forms of this terrier are also with us today, for example Lakeland and Welsh Terriers. In the case of Manchester Terriers the development took a very different course with presumably different aims in the minds of those who originally bred these dogs.
In the earliest days of the dog showing pastime the type was adopted as a show dog, competing in Black and Tan Terrier classes. In 1924 this type of dog gained recognition by the Kennel Club as a separate and distinct breed, the Manchester Terrier.
Female Manchester Terrier
Since then Manchester Terriers have been bred almost exclusively for the purpose of dog showing, despite being better suited to more active and mentally demanding lifestyles. Being led round a show ring on a lead does not show these dogs off well. Their true beauty can be seen in an activity that highlights their athleticism and intelligence. In more recent years many dogs have been bred in a home environment rather than kennels which has resulted in a marked improvement in the temperament of the dog, making them more suitable for the role of a family pet in the hands of energetic, knowledgeable, responsible owners. The terrier temperament is always just below the surface, emerging instantly with the stimulation of a rat or rabbit, turning a well behaved family pet into a determined and resourceful hunter.
Manchester Terriers are compact, clean and versatile, a superior companion dog for skilled, energetic owners. Living with a Manchester Terrier is a privilege granted to few, but for those who can appreciate these quick witted, demanding and challenging dogs it is a life changing experience.
