The Manchester Terrier is quite an old breed that was developed for the purpose of hunting and killing rats, rabbits and other rodents in urban Great Britain. Named after the city of Manchester in northwestern England, this breed has also been referred to as the English Gentleman’s Terrier and the Gentleman’s Terrier. The Manchester Terrier is a direct descendant and very close relative of the old Black and Tan Terrier and shares many of its physical and mental attributes, although the Black and Tan was a heavier, coarser dog with shorter legs. The Manchester is a leaner, more athletic animal, due to outcrosses with Whippets during the early development of the breed. The modern Manchester Terrier is found in two sizes: the Toy and the Standard. The American Kennel Club recognized the Toy Manchester Terrier in 1886 as a member of the Toy Group, and accepted the Standard Manchester Terrier for full registration in 1887 as a member of the Terrier Group. The two varieties are judged against the same standard and share the same ancestry and history, with the single exception of size.
Unlike most other terrier breeds, Manchester Terriers were specifically developed to be city-dwellers rather than country companions. Starting back in the 1500s, Manchesters were bred to seek out the rats and other rodents that infested dilapidated city buildings and nearby areas of urban wasteland in England. Eventually, their specialized ratting skills caught the attention of fans of the bourgeoning sport of pit-ratting, at which Manchesters quickly became highly competitive. Ratting contests were staged in Great
Manchester Terriers are lively, spirited, sharp-witted dogs. Although they look like small Dobermans, Manchesters are true terriers, through and through. They are extremely smart, somewhat independent and devoted to the people in their close circle. This is neither a cuddly nor a clingy breed. In fact, Manchester Terriers can be stubborn and, like most other terriers, they have a tendency to test boundaries. Manchesters can become destructive and noisy if left unattended for long periods
Manchester Terriers are small, slender, jet black dogs with distinctive mahogany markings on the muzzle, above the eyes, on the legs and on the belly. Their elegant, arched backs and narrow, pointed muzzles reflect their Whippet ancestors. Their facial expression is keen, bright and intelligent. Manchester Terriers have small, V-shaped ears, tight, well-arched feet and powerful hindquarters for their small stature. At first glance, they resemble small Doberman Pinschers, but actually they are an improved,
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