JoAnn Emrick,
AMTC President
713-473-7800
An organization dedicated to promoting the interests of a noble and loyal breed
The Manchester Terrier Breed
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 toy variety has naturally erect ears where as
the standard variety has 3 allowable ear types (naturally erect,
button, or cropped).
Other than size differences and ear type, there are no
differences between the
Standard and
Toy
varieties of the Manchester
Terrier. The Toy is a diminutive version of the Standard
variety.
The Manchester Terrier is neither
aggressive nor shy. He is
keenly observant, devoted, but discerning. Not being a sparring
breed, the Manchester is generally friendly with other dogs. The Manchester Terrier is a terrier through and through with
unmistakable terrier attitude and liveliness. No doubt this is in
part due to the fact that the two varieties are recognized as one
breed, thus the standard and priorities of the breeder strive to
maintain those qualities.
Official (printable) AMTC Breed Information
Brochure
Do not place the Manchester Terrier along side other
terriers such as the Yorkie expecting similarities.
This is a small
dog that still has a vigilant focus and is known for taking on
opponents far beyond its means. Thus, the family of the Manchester Terrier must make two commitments, first to heavily
socialize their delightful canine so that the dog does not see
problems were none exist and second to protect their dog from its
determined, loyal nature. Otherwise, the Manchester Terrier is a
perfect package of small terrier an exceptional companion and
entertainer. The coat does not offer much protection from the cold
or heat, so these are primarily indoor dogs. Learn more about
their attributes
and traits.
About 450 are registered in the United States per year. Since
this is a somewhat rare breed and hard to
find (unlike Miniature
Pinschers), there are now more puppy mills and back-yard
breeders on the internet. You should expect to pay (from a
responsible and knowledgeable breeder) a typical range from
$600 and up. Breeders strive to breed healthy dogs with both sound
temperament and conformation that adheres to the official breed
standard. The parents of either show or companion (pet) Manchester Terriers represent years
of knowledge and study. They breed to produce the best in
temperament, conformation, coat, intelligence, health and soundness.
Rest assured, reputable breeder puppies who do not meet the rigid
show requirements possess all the same essential inherited qualities
of the puppy who is a show-able specimen. If you are interested in a
companion (pet) Manchester Terrier he/she will be a dog others will admire
and one you will be proud to own.
Weight: 12-22 lb (5-10 kg) for the standard variety; less than 12 lb (5 kg) for the toy variety.
Coat & Color: The coat should be close and glossy. Color must be black and tan and as distinct as possible. There should be a tan spot over each eye and on each cheek. Forelegs should be tanned to the knee with a black "thumbprint". There should be distinct black "pencil marks" running up each toe.
The Head: The head should be narrow, almost flat and wedge shaped. The nose should be perfectly black. Eyes should be small, oblong in shape and almost black in color. Ears can be naturally erect, button or cropped to a point for the standard variety. Only naturally erect ears are acceptable for the Toy Manchester Terrier.
The Body: The body should be slightly longer than it is tall. Manchesters should be well muscled with powerful loins. The back should be slightly arched at the loin, falling to the joining of the tail to the same height at the shoulder. A Manchester Terrier should have neither a roached back nor a flat back.
The Feet: Manchester Terriers feet are rather unique. They should be very compact and cat-like. Nails should be solid black.
The Tail: The tail should be moderately short, gracefully tapering to a point. The tail should not be carried higher than the back.
Temperament: As it is a terrier, the Manchester should be lively and alert. However, the Manchester Terrier is also a non-sparring terrier and therefore should be amicable to both humans and other dogs. One of the characteristics of a Manchester Terrier is that they are often a bit wary of strangers, however extreme nervousness or aggression are not appropriate. Manchester Terriers have above average intelligence and perform well in obedience, agility, and other activities.
