Dynamic, sleek, athletic, beautiful -- these are only some of the words that describe the Manchester Terrier. Since her rat-hunting days way back in Manchester, England, her appearance remained the same up to the present.
During the Middle Ages -- when sanitation was at its worst -- the Manchester Terrier’s skill in hunting down vermin became well-known. She was as swift as lightning and was small enough to get into small places. Indeed, making her a very lethal weapon against rodents.
Originally known as the Black and Tan Terrier, this dog became very famous and rampant -- late in the century -- just before a law was passed to forbid ear cropping anywhere in England. Breeders felt that it just wasn’t right to produce such a beautiful dog without cropping its ears -- which adds to her beauty.
Although the Manchester Terrier’s popularity in England started to decline, her breed had already set foot in the United Stated where ear cropping isn’t an issue. It was in the year 1923 that the Manchester Terrier Club of America was created. Fascination and interest in the Manchester Terrier then began to grow in the US.
Celebrated not only for her beauty and skill, the Manchester Terrier is well-loved for her loyalty and devotion to her owner. She would also make a good house pet since she isn’t too much to handle -- in terms of her grooming and the cleanliness of the house -- unlike other Terriers who have longer coats.
Today in England, the Manchester Terrier is no longer used for rat hunting -- although still fit for the job -- but is merely kept as a household pet. Nevertheless, she is still very suitable as a pet because of her low care requirements, intelligence and alertness. Unlike bigger dogs, the Manchester Terrier will require only a little outdoor exercise and she barely sheds her coat, making her right for apartment and condominium living. She would also adjust well to city life.
The Manchester Terrier is very sensitive to any sound, which makes her a fine watchdog. However, when she starts barking, it would be difficult to make her stop. Nonetheless, with proper training, you can prevent this problem in the future.
Although the Manchester Terrier is already small in size, for no known reason breeders felt that they needed to miniaturize this dog further. That’s why there is also what they call the Toy Manchester Terrier.
Only more minute than the original Manchester Terrier, the toy variety still has the same qualities of the former. She is still as sleek, alert, quick, sporty, brave, intelligent and sound-sensitive. If the bigger version is already fit for apartment dwelling, the toy version would definitely be more suitable. The toy variety can also be as devoted and faithful to her owner as her larger counterpart.
The Toy Manchester Terrier is still very similar to the bigger variety. The only visible difference is their ears. The original Manchester Terrier’s ears, if uncropped, are bent down with the tip pointing forward, while the Toy Manchester Terrier’s ears stand erect pointing towards the sky. Also, the toy version is more prone to skin problems, specifically to demodectic mange. Nevertheless, if kept clean and well-groomed at all times, this would not be any problem.
Some believe that the Manchester Terrier is an heir of the Dachshund, but this has never been confirmed true. However, it is known for a fact that this breed is a crossbreed between a Whippet and the original ratter of Manchester.
The Manchester Terrier of today -- toy version or not -- is definitely one of the most suitable breeds for apartment living. Indeed, she will not only make a good household pet, but with her unwavering loyalty and devotion, the Manchester Terrier would make a very good friend and companion.
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