01/Overview
The Manchester Terrier is a sleek, athletic breed known for its glossy black-and-tan coat, wedge-shaped head, alert expression, and graceful outline. Intelligent, energetic, and highly observant, the breed combines the determination of a terrier with notable speed and agility.
In the United States, the Manchester Terrier is recognized in two varieties, Standard and Toy. The Standard Manchester is the larger variety and is shown in the Terrier Group, though both varieties share the same basic ancestry, coloration, and breed characteristics.
Highlights
02/History
The Manchester Terrier originated in England and developed from the old Black and Tan Terrier, a working dog valued for controlling rats and other vermin. These early terriers were quick, determined, and well suited to working around homes, farms, and industrial areas as well as aboard ships.
During the nineteenth century, ratting became a popular activity in England, particularly in growing industrial cities. Breeders sought dogs with greater speed and agility, and the Whippet is believed to have been crossed with Black and Tan Terriers at that time.
These crosses helped to produce a faster, more refined dog while preserving the terrier’s strong vermin-hunting instincts. The resulting dogs became especially associated with the city of Manchester, an important center for the breed, and eventually became known as Manchester Terriers.
The breed was valued not only for ratting but also as an alert household companion. Its short coat, moderate size, intelligence, and adaptability helped it become established beyond its original working environment.
As organized dog shows and formal breeding came on the scene, breeders worked to establish a consistent type. The American Kennel Club recognized the Manchester Terrier in 1886. Today, the Standard Manchester is part of the AKC Terrier Group, while the Toy variety competes in the Toy Group. In the United Kingdom, the smaller dogs are known as English Toy Terriers, influenced perhaps by the Italian Greyhound.
The American Manchester Terrier Club serves as the breed’s AKC parent club and represents both the Standard and Toy varieties.
03/Appearance
An adult Manchester Terrier stands approximately 15 to 16 inches at the withers and typically weighs 12 to 22 pounds.
Skull: The Manchester Terrier has a long, narrow, wedge-shaped head with a flat skull. The head should be clean and refined, tapering gradually toward the muzzle without appearing coarse.
Expression: The expression is keen, alert, and intelligent, reflecting the breed’s active and observant nature.
Eyes: The eyes are small, dark, and almond-shaped, set fairly close together and giving the dog a bright, attentive expression.
Ears: The ears are small, V-shaped, and set well up on the head. In the Standard variety, they may be naturally erect, button, or cropped where permitted.
Muzzle: The muzzle is well filled under the eyes and tapers gradually toward the nose, maintaining a clean, wedge-shaped appearance.
Nose: The nose is black and well developed.
Bite: The Manchester Terrier has powerful jaws and strong teeth that meet in a true scissors bite; a level bite is considered acceptable.
The Manchester Terrier is a sleek, well-balanced, athletic terrier with a compact and slightly rectangular outline. The body should appear muscular and substantial enough for active work without looking heavy or coarse.
The chest is deep and narrow, the back is firm, and the loin is strong. Bone is moderate and proportionate to the dog’s size, supporting speed, agility, and endurance.
Texture: The Manchester Terrier has a short, smooth, dense coat that lies close to the body. The coat should be glossy and firm in texture, contributing to the breed’s sleek and polished appearance.
Standard Colors
04/Consider
The Manchester Terrier is intelligent, energetic, alert, and highly responsive. Anyone considering the breed should be prepared for regular exercise, early socialization, consistent training, and plenty of mental stimulation.
Interaction With Family
The level of affection a breed typically shows towards family members and familiar individuals.
Good With Other Dogs
The innate friendliness of a dog towards other dogs can depend on its breed.
Good With Young Children
The degree to which a breed will typically be patient with young children.
Amount Of Shedding
How much hair a breed typically leaves behind on clothes, furniture and floors.
Frequency Of Grooming
How often a breed needs brushing, bathing or a professional trim to stay in condition.
Amount Of Drooling
How prone a breed is to drool — worth knowing before you keep a towel by the door.
Openness To Strangers
How openly a breed tends to greet new people, visitors and strangers.
Protective Nature
How likely a breed is to alert you to — and stand between you and — anything unfamiliar.
Playfulness Level
How enthusiastic a breed stays about games and play well past puppyhood.
Trainability Level
How readily a breed takes direction and works with you rather than around you.
Barking Level
How much a breed uses its voice, and how readily.
Energy Level
How much get-up-and-go a breed brings to an average day.
Health
The Manchester Terrier is generally a healthy and long-lived breed with a typical lifespan of 15 to 17 years. Preventive veterinary care, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, dental care, and maintenance of a healthy weight can help support long-term health.
The Manchester Terrier is intelligent, alert, energetic, and highly observant. The breed often forms close bonds with its family and tends to enjoy being involved in daily activities.
Manchesters can be confident and curious companions, with a strong terrier instinct to investigate movement, scents, and small animals. Early socialization helps them become comfortable with unfamiliar people, dogs, sounds, and environments.
The breed generally responds well to calm, consistent handling. Clear boundaries are important because Manchester Terriers can be independent and quick to test household rules.
Exercise Expectations
A healthy adult generally benefits from about 45 to 60 minutes of activity each day, with some individuals enjoying more. Activities that involve chasing and quick bursts of speed can be especially appealing. Because of the breed’s terrier instincts, off-leash exercise should take place only in securely enclosed areas. Regular mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity.
Grooming Expectations
The Manchester Terrier can adapt well to apartment or house living as long as it receives enough exercise, training, and mental stimulation. Its moderate size makes it easy to accommodate, but the breed still needs an active daily routine.
Manchesters often enjoy staying close to their families and may become bored if left without enough interaction or activity. Secure fencing is important because the breed may chase squirrels, rodents, or other small animals.
The Manchester Terrier usually does best with people who appreciate an intelligent, energetic, and alert companion. Consistent routines, regular exercise, and clear expectations help the breed thrive.
05/Puppies
Manchester Terrier puppies are lively, curious, intelligent, and quick to explore their surroundings. They benefit from early socialization, consistent routines, positive training, and plenty of safe opportunities to play and learn.
A Manchester Terrier puppy should have a predictable daily schedule that includes regular meals, potty breaks, naps, play, training, and quiet time. A crate or secure puppy area can provide a safe place to rest and can also support housetraining.
Early socialization should introduce the puppy to different people, well-mannered dogs, household sounds, surfaces, vehicles, and unfamiliar environments. These experiences should remain positive and appropriate for the puppy’s age.
Training can begin as soon as the puppy arrives in its new home. Short sessions can focus on name response, recall, leash walking, house training, basic manners, and impulse control. Because the breed is intelligent and can be independent, varied and engaging lessons are especially helpful.
A puppy should receive a complete and balanced diet formulated for growth. Young puppies generally do best with several measured meals throughout the day before gradually transitioning to an adult feeding schedule.
Exercise should include supervised play, short walks, and gentle exploration rather than repetitive or high-impact activity. Secure spaces are especially important because Manchester Terrier puppies can be quick, curious, and strongly interested in movement.
Regular veterinary visits are important during the first year. Grooming routines such as brushing, nail trimming, ear checks, and tooth brushing should also begin early so that the puppy becomes comfortable with regular handling.
06/Activities
Manchester Terriers are intelligent, athletic, and responsive dogs that often enjoy activities involving speed, problem-solving, and a close connection with a handler. Here are some of the dog sports and activities in which Manchester Terriers may participate:
Fast CAT: Manchester Terriers can use their speed and natural chasing instinct in this timed 100-yard dash.
Agility: The breed can use its quick reactions, coordination, and athleticism while navigating obstacle courses.
Obedience: Obedience Trials allow the Manchester Terrier to demonstrate focus, responsiveness, and reliable performance with a handler.
Rally: Rally Obedience combines obedience exercises with movement through a designated course and can provide both mental and physical stimulation.
Scent Work: Manchester Terriers can use their strong sense of smell to locate specific odors hidden in containers, indoor spaces, outdoor areas, or vehicles.
Barn Hunt: The breed’s vermin-hunting background can make Barn Hunt a natural outlet for its scenting ability, prey drive, and determination.
Conformation Shows: Manchester Terriers compete in Conformation Shows, where judges evaluate each dog according to the Breed Standard, including structure, movement, coat, expression, temperament, and overall type.
Trick Dog: Trick training provides mental stimulation and gives the Manchester Terrier an enjoyable way to use its intelligence and problem-solving ability.
Therapy Work: A calm, friendly, and well-socialized Manchester Terrier may participate in therapy visits to hospitals, schools, assisted living facilities, and other settings.
Canine Good Citizen: Manchester Terriers may participate in programs that evaluate everyday manners, social behavior, and reliability around people and other dogs.
Gallery
07/Standards
The Manchester Terrier is recognized by the world’s leading registries and kennel organizations, which categorize the breed into a specific Group based on its unique characteristics. This breed is recognized worldwide under the following Group designations:
The ideal Manchester Terrier is described by a Breed Standard that is approved by each of the world’s leading registries and kennel organizations. The Standards for this breed may be found in the following links:
08/Clubs
Manchester Terrier clubs support breed education, responsible breeding, health initiatives, Conformation shows, Performance events, and adherence to the Breed Standard.
American Manchester Terrier Club: Founded in 1958, this is the national breed club for the Manchester Terrier in the United States and the breed’s AKC parent club. The AMTC represents both the Standard and Toy varieties.
Canadian Manchester Terrier Club: Formed in 1998, Canada’s national organization for Manchester Terriers welcomes breeders, exhibitors, and breed enthusiasts, including those who have the Toy variety.
British Manchester Terrier Club: Founded in 1937, this is the breed organization in the United Kingdom, dedicated to promoting and preserving the Manchester Terrier through dog shows and educational initiatives.
09/Rescue
Breed-specific rescue resources help Manchester Terriers that have been surrendered, abandoned, or need rehoming. These groups may provide foster care, veterinary treatment, behavioral evaluation, and placement with an appropriate adoptive family.
American Manchester Terrier Club Rescue Resources: The breed’s AKC parent club can provide rescue contacts, referrals, or guidance for Manchester Terriers needing placement in the United States.
Canadian Manchester Terrier Club: Canada’s national breed club may provide information or referrals for Manchester Terriers needing rescue or rehoming.
Because the Manchester Terrier is relatively uncommon, dogs available through dedicated rescue programs may be limited. Local shelters, terrier rescue organizations, and national adoption databases can provide additional options for finding a Manchester Terrier or Manchester mix in need of a home.
10/Facts
Developed in England
The Manchester Terrier originated in England and became especially associated with the city of Manchester.
Whippet Influence
The Whippet is believed to have contributed speed, refinement, and a more streamlined silhouette during the Manchester Terrier’s development.
Two Varieties in the United States
The American Kennel Club recognizes Standard and Toy Manchester Terriers as two varieties of the same breed.
Always Black & Tan
The Manchester Terrier is recognized in a single, classic color combination: black and tan.
11/FAQ
Manchester Terriers can make excellent pets for active households that want an intelligent, alert, and athletic companion. They usually do best with regular exercise, consistent training, and plenty of interaction.
Official Standard of the Manchester Terrier
General Appearance: A small black short coated dog with distinctive rich mahogany markings and a taper style tail. In structure, the Manchester presents a sleek, sturdy yet elegant look and has a wedge shaped long and clean head with a keen, bright, alert expression. The smooth, compact, muscular body expresses great power and agility enabling the Manchester to kill vermin and course small game. Except for size and ear options, there are no differences between the Standard and Toy varieties of the Manchester Terrier. The Toy variety is a diminutive version of the Standard variety.
Size, Proportion, Substance: The Toy variety shall not exceed 12 pounds. It is suggested that clubs consider dividing the American-bred and Open classes by weight as follows: 7 pounds and under, over 7 pounds and not exceeding 12 pounds. The Standard variety shall be over 12 pounds and not exceeding 22 pounds. Dogs weighing over 22 pounds shall be disqualified. It is suggested that clubs consider dividing the American-bred and Open classes by weight as follows: Over 12 pounds and not exceeding 16 pounds, over 16 pounds and not exceeding 22 pounds. The Manchester Terrier, overall, is slightly longer than tall. The height, measured vertically from the ground to the highest point of the withers, is slightly less than the length, measured horizontally from the point of the shoulders to the rear projection of the upper thigh. The bone and muscle of the Manchester Terrier is of sufficient mass to ensure agility and endurance. The Toy variety over 12 pounds shall be excused. Disqualification: Standard Variety - Weight over 22 pounds.
Head: The Manchester Terrier has a keen and alert expression. The nearly black, almond shaped eyes are small, bright and sparkling. They are set moderately close together slanting upwards on the outside. The eyes neither protrude nor sink in the skull. Eye lid and rim pigmentation is black. Correct ears for the Standard variety are the naturally erect ear, the cropped ear or the button ear. No preference is given to any of the ear types. The naturally erect ear and button ear are wider at the base tapering to pointed tips and carried well up on the skull. Cropped ears are long, pointed and carried erect. The only correct ear for the Toy variety is the naturally erect ear. They are wider at the base tapering to pointed tips and carried well upon the skull. The head is long, narrow, tight skinned and almost flat with a slight indentation up the forehead. It resembles a blunted wedge in frontal and profile views. The muzzle and skull are equal in length. There is a visual effect of a slight stop as viewed in profile. The muzzle is well filled under the eyes with no visible cheek muscles. The underjaw is full and well defined and the nose is black. Tight black lips lie close to the jaw. The bite is a true scissors bite. Level bite is acceptable. The jaws are powerful with full and proper dentition. The teeth are white and strongly developed. Wide, flaring, blunt tipped, or "bell" ears are a serious fault for both varieties. Disqualification: Toy Variety – Cropped or button ears.
Neck, Topline, Body: The slightly arched neck is slim, graceful and of moderate length. It gradually becomes larger as it approaches and blends smoothly with the sloping shoulders. The topline shows a slight subtle arch over the robust loins falling slightly to the tail set. While standing or in motion, a flat or roached back is a serious fault for both varieties. The chest is narrow between the legs and deep in the brisket. The forechest is moderately defined. The ribs are well sprung, flattened in the lower end to permit clearance of the forelegs. The underline is tucked up extending in an arched line from the deep brisket. The taper style tail is moderately short reaching no further than the hock joint. It is set on at the end of the croup being thicker where it joins the body. The tail tapers to a point carried no higher than the back. While standing or in motion, a flat or roached back is a serious fault for both varieties.
Forequarters: The shoulder blades and the upper arm are relatively the same length. The distance from the elbow to the withers is approximately the same as the distance from the elbow to the ground. The elbows lie close to the brisket. The shoulders are well laid back. The forelegs are straight of proportionate length and placed well under the brisket. The pasterns are almost perpendicular. Dew claws may be removed. The front feet are compact and well arched. The two middle toes are slightly longer than the others. The pads are thick and toenails are jet black.
Hindquarters: The thigh is muscular with the length of the upper and lower thighs being approximately equal. The stifle is well turned. The hindquarters are in balance with the well laid back shoulders. The hocks are well let down. Dew claws may be removed. The hind feet are shaped like those of a cat with thick pads and jet-black nails.
Coat: The coat is smooth, short, dense, tight and glossy.
Color: The coat is jet black with rich mahogany tan which does not blend into each other, but abruptly form clear, well defined lines of color. There is a very small tan spot over each eye and a very small tan spot on each cheek. On the head, the muzzle is tanned to the nose. The nose and nasal bone are jet black. The tan extends under the throat ending in the shape of the letter V. The inside of the ears are partly tan. There are tan spots, called “rosettes” on each side of the chest above the front legs. These are more pronounced in puppies than in adults. There is a black “thumb mark” patch on the front of each foreleg at the pastern. The remainder of the foreleg is tan to the carpus joint. There is a distinct black “pencil mark” line running lengthwise on the top of each toe on all four feet. Tan on the hind leg should continue from the penciling on the toes up the inside of the legs to a little below the stifle joint. The outside of the hind legs is black. There is tan under the tail and on the vent but only of such size as to be covered by the tail. White on any part of the coat is a serious fault and a disqualification whenever the white forms a patch or stripe measuring as much as one half inch at its longest dimension. Any color other than black and tan shall be disqualified. Soundness and type supersede color and markings.
Gait: The gait is free and effortless with good reach of the forequarters. Rear quarters have strong, driving power to match the front reach. Hocks fully extend. Each rear leg moves in line with the foreleg of the same side, neither thrown in nor out. When moving at a trot, the legs converge toward the center of gravity of the dog.
Temperament: The Manchester Terrier is neither aggressive nor shy. He is keenly observant, devoted yet discerning. Not being a sparring breed, the Manchester Terrier is generally friendly with other dogs. Excessive shyness or aggressiveness shall be considered a serious fault.
Faults: • Toy Variety: Over 12 pounds shall be excused. • Both varieties: o Wide, flaring, blunt tipped or “bell” ears. o Flat or roached back while standing or in motion. o Excessive shyness or aggressiveness. o White on any part of the coat.
Disqualifications: Standard Variety - Weight over 22 pounds. Toy Variety – Cropped or button ears. Both Varieties – White on any part of the coat whenever the white forms a patch or stripe measuring as much as one half inch at its longest dimension. Any color other than black and tan.
Approved July 13, 2021
Effective October 6, 2021
Meet the Junior Handlers
Hadrian Towell shares his Best Junior Handler win at Westminster 2026 with Manchester Terrier “Simon,” and their final show together.
Meet the Breeders
Breanna Uyeno of Everest Kennels shares her passion for preserving the Standard Manchester Terrier through breeding and outreach.
Meet the Breeders
Rachel Jonas of Mosaic Manchesters shares her journey, breed insights, and efforts to promote Manchester Terriers and purebred dogs.
Meet the Breeders
Jeremy & Rachel McClister of Earendil Manchesters share their passion for preserving and promoting the Manchester Terrier breed.
A deep dive into the Manchester Terrier’s two varieties, their shared history, and the ongoing debate over unity and identity.
All About Judging
AMTC clarifies bite and size evaluation for Manchester Terriers, urging judges to follow the Breed Standard and AKC procedures.
Dog Sports
Discover the charm of Manchester Terriers, a versatile breed known for their hunting skills, intelligence, and loyal companionship.
Meet the Breeders
Discover Robin Gates’ journey as a Breeder/Owner Handler, from Westminster inspiration to Manchester Terrier advocate and mentor.
Meet the Breeders
Robin Gates is the breeder behind Sagacity Manchester Terriers. Read about the kennel’s beginnings, Boston Terriers puppies, and much more!
The tail is moderately short, set on at the end of the croup, and tapers to a point. It is carried in a slight upward curve but should not be carried over the back, helping to preserve the Manchester Terrier’s sleek and balanced outline.
A Note About Color: Only one color combination is acceptable for the Manchester Terrier: black and tan. The coat is jet black with rich mahogany tan which do not blend into each other, but abruptly form clear, well-defined lines of color. There is a very small tan spot over each eye and a very small tan spot on each cheek. On the head, the muzzle is tanned to the nose. The nose and nasal bone are jet black. The tan extends under the throat ending in the shape of the letter V. The inside of the ears are partly tan. There are tan spots, called “rosettes,” on each side of the chest above the front legs. These are more pronounced in puppies than in adults. There is a black “thumb mark” patch on the front of each foreleg at the pastern. The remainder of the foreleg is tan to the carpus joint. There is a distinct black “pencil mark” line running lengthwise on the top of each toe on all four feet. Tan on the hind leg should continue from the penciling on the toes up the inside of the legs to a little below the stifle joint. The outside of the hind legs is black. There is tan under the tail and on the vent, but only of such size as to be covered by the tail. White on any part of the coat is a serious fault and a disqualification whenever the white forms a patch or stripe measuring as much as one-half inch at its longest dimension. Any color other than black and tan shall be disqualified in the show ring. Soundness and type supersede color and markings.
Coat Type
Smooth
The structure of the coat this breed carries.
Coat Length
Short
How long the breed's coat grows when kept in condition.
Adaptability Level
How easily a breed copes with changes in home, routine, noise and weather.
Mental Stimulation Needs
How much a breed needs a job, a puzzle or training to stay content.
A Manchester Terrier should receive a complete and balanced diet appropriate for the dog’s age, activity level, and body condition. Portions should be measured carefully to maintain a lean, athletic build.
Most adults do well with two measured meals per day, while puppies may need three or four smaller meals as they grow. Treats can be useful during training but should remain a modest part of the dog’s total daily calorie intake.
Maintaining a healthy body condition helps support joint health, mobility, and overall fitness. Of course, fresh water should always be available.
The Manchester Terrier is intelligent and quick to learn, but the breed can also be independent and easily bored by repetition. Short, varied, and engaging training sessions generally work best.
Positive reinforcement using food, praise, toys, or play can maintain motivation. Early training should include recall, leash manners, house training, impulse control, basic cues, and calm behavior around visitors and other dogs.
Because of the breed’s prey drive, reliable recall and careful management around small animals are especially important. Scent games, trick training, and other problem-solving exercises can also keep the Manchester Terrier mentally engaged.
Bathing is needed only as necessary. The breed does shed, although the short coat makes routine grooming a simple chore. Nails should be trimmed regularly, ears should be checked for debris or irritation, and teeth should be brushed routinely. Regular grooming also provides an opportunity to check the skin, paws, and body for injuries or anything unusual.
