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Manchester
Terriers Varieties and Enjoyment
Manchester Terriers
are easily recognizable by their small, athletic frames covered in
smooth, black and tan coats. The Manchesters are a breed of
smooth-haired black-and-tan terrier. Their narrow, wedge-shaped heads
have erect ears, dark eyes and strong jaws, expressing a personality
all of their own.
The numbers of this
traditional British breed have been down recently. As a result breed
enthusiasts have been encouraging anyone with a Manchester Terrier to
breed a litter to increase the number of registrations. This is seen as
important so that the UK Kennel Club does not reduce the allocation of
some top dog showing awards for the Manchester.
For most of their
history Manchester Terriers have had no real purpose. They do have a
reasonable longevity record though , and it is not unusual for a
Manchester Terrier to live a quality life well into their mid-teens.
Read up carefully on
information on how to choose a Manchester Terrier dog breeder before
you buy a Manchester. The best type of breeder to choose is one who's
main objective in breeding these wonderful dogs is to be able to share
their knowledge and enjoyment of this breed and to produce quality dogs
that will bring joy into the hearts of many people for many years to
come.
Except for size and
ear options (described below), there are no differences between the
Standard and Toy varieties of the Manchester Terrier. They were
separate breeds until 1959, but now are considered two varieties of a
single breed.
Except for size (the
toy is up to 12 pounds) and ear type (the ears of the Toy are naturally
erect with no cropping), they share the same standard.
Nose: Black and
self-colored according to coat.
Neck: Slim, moderate
length, and slightly arched.
Legs from knee
downward tanned with exception of toes which shall be pencilled with
black, a distinct black mark (thumbmark) immediately above feet.
Inside hind legs:
tanned but divided with black at stifle joint.
Description:
Manchester terriers have a long, wedge-shaped head, small dark eyes,
and V-shaped ears, hanging close to the head.
Except for size and
ear options (described below), there are no differences between the
Standard and Toy varieties of the Manchester Terrier. They were
separate breeds until 1959, but now are considered two varieties of a
single breed. Except for size (the toy is up to 12 pounds) and ear type
(the ears of the Toy are naturally erect with no cropping), they share
the same standard.
Web Comment: “I
attended 2 shows and was hooked! Shortly thereafter I acquired my first
show potential Toy Manchester Terrier, "Hobo". Hobo was 9 months old,
and had never been trained with, so you can imagine what everyone at
the kennel club’s handling class thought when I attended my first few
classes with Hobo!
She with Hobo, went on
to excel at obedience trials and agility.
Temperament: The
Manchester Terrier – Toy, should not be left unattended with small
animals and should be introduced to children as a puppy. Toy Manchester
Terriers can be snappish and headstrong and require firm training and
early socialization.
Seriously though, your
Manchester should bring you years of fun, constant amusement and
companionship. It could also be a good way to a new hobby, meeting lots
of other ‘Manchester Terrier people’ through showing, fun days, agility
competitions and other get-togethers in England and overseas.
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