Manchester Terrier

Also called Gentleman's Terrier, Standard Manchester Terrier, Toy Manchester Terrier (AKC toy variety)

Lively, alert and sporting, with a keen eye for anything that moves.

Size	Small
Weight	5.4 to 10 kg (12 to 22 lb)1
Height	38 to 41 cm (15 to 16 in)males 41 cm, females 38 cm2
Lifespan	from 12 years3 4
Coat	Short, smooth, glossy
Origin	England, Manchester (Great Britain).2 4
Group	Terriers (FCI group 3)
Last checked	2026-09-30

Recognised breedShort profile

bright and quick to learn

devoted but discerning

neat, easy-care city dog

2 1 3

Personality what they are like

Lively, alert and sporting, with a keen eye for anything that moves. It is loving and loyal with its family while keeping a sensible reserve with strangers, and it is usually sociable rather than quarrelsome with other dogs.2 1 4

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Manchester Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, smooth, glossy

A compact, sleek and elegant terrier with a racy outline hinting at Whippet ancestry. The coat is short, dense, tight-lying and shiny, with a firm feel.2 1

Coloursblack and tan (jet black with rich mahogany tan, cleanly divided)2 1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Up to about an hour of exercise a day, ideally mixing walks with games and chances to use its quick, athletic build.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Very simple: a weekly once-over with a soft brush or mitt keeps the short coat gleaming; it does shed regularly.3

Home where they are happiest

Adapts well to town or city life and smaller homes, as long as it gets its daily exercise.3

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete diet sized to a small, active terrier; watch portions to keep its lean outline.1

Company who they like around

A people-oriented companion that likes to be involved in family life.4

The story where it all began

The breed took shape in 19th-century Manchester, where breeder John Hulme is credited with crossing Black and Tan Terriers with Whippets to create a fast ratting and rabbiting dog. Manchester was the centre of the breed by around 1860, and Victorians nicknamed it the 'Gentleman's Terrier'.4 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Only 11 Manchester Terriers were registered with the Kennel Club at the end of the Second World War; dedicated breeders brought it back.3
2
In the AKC, the Standard and Toy are the same breed; apart from size and ear options there is no difference between them.1
3
In its early days the breed had its own classes at dog shows held in Manchester pubs.2
4
The Royal Kennel Club describes it as a terrier well suited to city life, fitting for a breed made in an industrial town.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the city of Manchester, England, where it was developed in the 19th century to control rats in the industrializing towns and mills.5

Famous ones stars of the breed

Ch. Roo's Blue Print First Manchester Terrier to win Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 2012.6
Ch. Blue Print's Ace of Spades Won the Toy Group at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 2015.6

Name ideas for your new friend

ArthurBertieDaisyFinnHattieJackMollyPipPollyRosieSootyWinston

A day in the life told by a Manchester Terrier

This morning I trotted around the garden, checking every corner for interesting rustles. My human smiled and tossed my favourite squeaky ball, and I chased it with all my speed. After breakfast, we met a friendly collie in the park, I wagged and we sniffed hello. Back home, I curled on the sofa, one eye open for the postman. In the afternoon, we played a quick game of hide-and-seek indoors. Now it's evening and I'm resting my head on my human's knee, ready for a peaceful night.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard no. 71, Group 3 Terriers, Section 1 Large and medium sized Terriers. Definitive acceptance 15.10.1954; current standard 13.10.2010.7
The Royal Kennel Club: Terrier Group; listed as a Vulnerable Native Breed.3
AKC: Terrier Group (Standard variety) and Toy Group (Toy variety); current standard approved 13 July 2021, effective 6 October 2021.1
AKC / CKC (history): AKC has treated the Standard and Toy as two varieties of one breed since 1958; the Canadian Kennel Club also recognises two varieties.4

Popularity Average of 177 UK Kennel Club puppy registrations per year (2017-2021); Vulnerable Native Breed.4

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Manchester Terrier tip

Manchester Terriers have fast metabolisms and small stomachs, so offer small, low-fat treats in moderation and keep them under 10% of daily calories to avoid weight gain that can worsen joint strain. If your dog has skin issues or digestive upset, ask your vet about a diet trial.

Source: petmd.com

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Blueberry Oat Biscuits

These simple, three-ingredient biscuits are full of fibre and antioxidants from blueberries, and are easy to make in small sizes for toy and small dogs.

You need

100g oats
1 banana (mashed)
40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
a little water (as needed)

How

Preheat your oven to 175°C.
Mix the mashed banana, oats and chopped blueberries together in a bowl.
Add splashes of water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture comes together in one large ball.
Roll the mixture out on a lightly floured surface to about 1–2 cm thick.
Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes suitable for a small dog.
Place the shapes on a lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes until slightly browned.
Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Give one small biscuit per day for a toy or small dog, and reduce their main meal accordingly.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt and Fruit Treats

These refreshing frozen treats are perfect for warm days and use simple, dog-safe ingredients. Yoghurt provides calcium and probiotics, while strawberries and apple add vitamins and natural sweetness.

You need

30g plain, unsweetened yoghurt (no additives or sweeteners)
2-3 medium strawberries (washed and chopped)
Half a small apple (cored and chopped into small pieces)

How

Wash the strawberries and apple thoroughly. Core the apple and chop both fruits into small, bite-sized pieces.
Mix the chopped fruit together in a small bowl.
Place a few pieces of fruit (no more than five) into each compartment of a small silicone mould or ice cube tray. Each mould should be roughly 30mm x 25mm x 17mm or smaller.
Pour the plain yoghurt over the fruit, filling each mould to the top.
Place the mould or tray in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until fully frozen.
Pop the treats out of the moulds and serve immediately.

How much: Small dogs can have one treat per day; medium/large dogs can have two per day. These count towards the 10% treat allowance, so reduce your dog's main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Manchester Terrier, and at what times?

Feed your Manchester Terrier at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies, at consistent times each day. Watch portions carefully to keep that lean, athletic outline. Your vet can help you adjust amounts based on your dog's age and activity.1 8

What should a Manchester Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A complete, balanced diet sized for a small, active terrier is best. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, so keep those well away. Always check with your vet before introducing new foods.1 9

How often should I bathe a Manchester Terrier?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often only if your dog gets very dirty or has a skin issue, but avoid overbathing to keep the coat healthy.10 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Manchester Terrier need brushing?

A weekly once-over with a soft brush or mitt is all it takes to keep that short, glossy coat gleaming. Pet Wiki's plan also recommends brushing every 7 days, which fits perfectly with the breed's simple grooming needs.3 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Manchester Terrier's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 3 weeks or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and use a proper nail trimmer. If you are unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you.10 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Manchester Terrier need?

Your Manchester Terrier needs up to about an hour of exercise daily, mixing walks with games and chances to use its quick, athletic build. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play to keep this lively dog happy and fit.3 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Manchester Terrier's teeth and ears?

Brush your Manchester Terrier's teeth daily if possible, or at least two to three times a week, using a dog-safe toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks and wipe the outer part gently, never pushing anything into the ear canal. Your vet can show you the best technique.10 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Manchester Terrier live?

A Manchester Terrier typically lives around 12 years or more, with good care and regular vet checkups. Senior years often start around age 10, so adjust their routine as they age.3 4

Is a Manchester Terrier good with children and other pets?

Yes, this breed is loving and loyal with its family and usually sociable with other dogs, making it a great companion for respectful children. It does keep a sensible reserve with strangers, so early socialisation helps.2 1 4

Can a Manchester Terrier be left alone?

Manchester Terriers are people-oriented and like to be involved in family life, so they can be left alone for reasonable periods but not for long stretches. They adapt well to smaller homes, but need daily exercise and company to stay happy.4 3

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.