The Manchester Terrier is an energetic, bright, athletic and playful pup. They’re curious about all the things, but mostly, they want to know what you’re doing. Their sleek, athletic bodies are full of energy, and they will make you laugh with all their antics—they love clowning around and entertaining you with their zoomies! Manchesters are ready to join you on all your activities and will happily snuggle up with you for movie night.
Breed Snapshot
Temperament:
PeppyPlayfulAlertCoat Color:
Black And Tan
Best For
Manchester Terriers are best for active pet parents who'll be consistent in training. They do well with kids when properly introduced, and they're small size makes them a good fit for apartment-dwellers.
Manchester Terrier Temperament
Manchester Terriers are high-energy dogs who are constantly checking out their surroundings. Naturally curious by nature, these pups are known for their devotion and ability to entertain their families—they love chasing toys and zooming around when they have an audience.
Manchester Terriers are not generally aggressive (unless you’re a rodent), and the pups aren’t known to be biters. However, these highly intelligent and observant watchdogs are known to be barkers, so you’ll always know what’s coming down your street.
Manchesters do fine with kids as long as they’re properly socialized, but they may not get along with other dogs or cats unless they’ve been raised with them since they were puppies. And you can forget about “pocket” pets like gerbils or rabbits. These pups were born for hunting rats, and they are likely to chase these types of pets.
They can be wary around strangers, but with socialization from puppyhood, they can learn to be OK when new people come around. But they will always let you know when someone’s at your door!
This playful pup enjoys games and will attack squeaky toys and chase balls with abandon, but be prepared for the balls not to be returned to you.
Manchesters enjoy being with you and enjoy physical closeness and companionship, so they’re always ready for snuggles. Therefore, they may not enjoy being left alone all day. If you’re not able to be with them for most of the day, check them into doggie daycare or arrange for a pet sitter or neighbor to come by for a play date.
How to Care for a Manchester Terrier
Manchester Terriers need a moderate amount of care. Thankfully, their smooth, glossy coats are a snap to maintain. This leaves you with plenty of time to bond with your pup over the many training sessions, playtimes and outings you’ll be taking to manage their intelligence and their energy levels.
Manchester Terrier Health
The Manchester Terrier has a lifespan of 15 to 17 years and has a moderate amount of health issues. It’s important to be aware of these health problems so you can help your pup live the longest life possible.
- Patellar Luxation: The treatment for “loose knees” or a kneecap slip includes weight management, limited exercise, pain or anti-inflammatory medication and surgery, depending on the severity.
- Juvenile Cardiomyopathy: This condition affects the heart muscle’s ability to contract normally. Breeders are working to screen for this fatal heart disease that can affect the breed. Treatments include ACE inhibitors or other medications and supplements.
- Von Willebrand’s Disease: This is an inherited blood clotting disorder that can lead to excessive bleeding from injuries or surgery. Management includes blood transfusions (if needed) and a change in lifestyle as a precaution to prevent injuries.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy: PRA is a degenerative disease that causes a dog to go blind. There is no treatment for it, but a dog with vision loss can still live a happy life.
- Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is the condition where the dog’s thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. This condition is more common in the toy Manchesters and not the standard types. The treatment is a hormone-replacement pill.
Manchester Terrier History
The Manchester Terrier breed origins can be traced back to the late 1570s and their ancestors, the Black and Tan Terrier. In the early 1800s, a breeder named John Hulme from Manchester, England, crossed the Black and Tan Terrier with the Whippet to get the sleek Manchester Terrier, who were proficient rodent killers, vermin hunters and course-game dogs (dogs who chased lures around a track).
The breed’s popularity soared in the Victorian era. Men in Victorian England prized this breed as a gentleman’s dog for their sleek looks and ratting prowess. (Rats were a big problem at the time, so naturally, a dog who excelled at rat killing was prized.) However, Victorian women preferred a smaller dog, so the toy version of the pup was developed. The only difference between the two types (standard and toy) are their size and their ears: the standard can have naturally erect, folded or cropped ears, and the toy only has naturally erect ears.
The American Kennel Club first recognized the Toy Manchester Terrier in 1886 and the Standard Manchester Terrier in 1887. But in 1959, the two types were put together in one breed, the Manchester Terrier, but the standard is in the Terrier group and the the toy is in the Toy group.
So, where’s the best place to find a Manchester Terrier puppy today? Find a list of reputable breeders on the American Kennel Club’s website. In terms of cost, expect to spend about $600 to $1,000 for a Manchester Terrier puppy, depending on the breeder. But for that price, the pups are typically screened for health and temperament issues and may come with pedigree papers. Contact Manchester Terrier breed rescue organizations for adoption or check your local animal shelter to adopt a pup.
FAQs
Do Manchester Terriers shed?
Manchester Terriers don’t shed much for most of the year. However, they do blow their coats in the spring and fall when they up their shedding game. (A dog who blows their coat sheds it in clumps of fur instead of shedding a lot of tiny, individual hairs.)
Are Manchester Terrier good family dogs?
Manchester Terriers can be good family dogs when they’re properly socialized and their training is consistent.
Are Manchester Terriers aggressive?
No, Manchester Terriers aren’t aggressive. They may be wary around strangers, but socialization (starting when they’re puppies) can help get them used to new people.
How big do Manchester Terriers get?
Manchester Terriers don’t get very big overall, but the standard is bigger than the toy. The standard can get up to 16 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 22 pounds. The toy can get up to 12 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 12 pounds.
Do Manchester Terriers bark a lot?
Manchester Terriers are known to bark a lot. As an observant watchdog, Manchester Terriers will bark to let you know someone’s near, and they may bark more if they’re bored.
What are the most common Manchester Terrier mixes?
- Manchester Terrier Chihuahua mix
- Manchester Terrier Doberman mix
- Manchester Terrier Dachshund mix
- Manchester Terrier Beagle mix
- Manchester Terrier Labrador mix

Top Takeaways
Loving and observant, playful and entertaining, active-yet-cuddly all describe the Manchester Terrier. Put in the time needed for effective training and give them plenty of exercise and you’ll get a delightful pup whose goal in life is to share your adventures. Whether you’re traveling, playing together or choosing to Netflix and chill, this truly unique smaller breed just wants to be your furry sidekick.
Expert input provided by Kathy Nissan, Secretary for the American Manchester Terrier Club (AMTC) and owner of WhirlWynd Manchesters, and Krissia Chanto, vet tech and co-owner of Rock Paw Pet Care.

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Top Manchester Terrier Names
These are the top Manchester Terrier names as chosen by Chewy's pet parents!
Female Names
- Luna
- Bella
- Maddie
- Princess
- Zoey
- Dutchess
- Ellie
- Peach
- Sophie
- Layla
Male Names
- Toby
- Rocket
- Parker
- Max
- Beau
- Bear
- Lenny
- Griz
- Maverick
- Monty Blue
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