GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: 38-41cm (15”-16”).
Colour: Jet black with tan in designated areas (similar to a black/tan Dobermann).
Coat: Glossy, smooth, short with a firm texture.
Gait: Smoothly co-ordinated with strong propulsion.
These sleek clean cut terriers should combine elegance with substance. The wedge shaped head is long and the skull and muzzle lengths are equal. Eyes are small and almond shaped with a noticeable sparkle and the ears set high on the skull are V shaped with the tips falling forward. (In contrast, their smaller cousin the English or Manchester Toy Terrier has erect candle flame ears). Both the topline of the neck and the loin are gently arched.
The narrow chest is deep and cuts up under the abdomen. The rather low set tail is long and should never be carried higher than the level of the back.
The forequarters are well angulated and the hindquarters are strong. The small feet turn neither in nor out.
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
This terrier weighs between 6-10kg (12-22lb). It is the larger cousin of the English Toy Terrier (or Manchester Toy Terrier). Being quick to learn and eager to please, the well trained Manchester Terrier is a loving and responsive companion. With their short coats and clean habits, they are easily maintained but care should be taken to see these dogs are not exposed to great extremes of temperature.
HISTORY
It is believed the breed evolved around the Manchester area in England from crosses between the rough coated Black and Tan Terrier and the smooth coated Whippet. The breed was created to fulfil the dual activities of rat hunting and rabbit coursing (the necessary speed coming from the Whippet). Records show that the Manchester Terrier was exhibited in England as far back as 1862.