Portrait of a Toy Manchester Terrier, a toy terrier breed

Toy Manchester Terrier

  • Toy
  • Terrier Group
  • Popularity rank 131

The Toy Manchester Terrier is a sleek, spirited dog with a glossy black-and-tan coat. It is intelligent, alert, and driven, stands 10 to 12 inches, weighs no more than 12 pounds, and often lives 15 to 17 years.

Height
10 to 12
inches at the shoulder
Weight
≤12
pounds, adult
Life expectancy
15 to 17
years, median 16
Senior from
12
years, about

Senior starts in the last quarter of a breed's expected lifespan, following the 2019 AAHA canine life stage guidelines. Individual dogs vary.

About the breed

Temperament
Intelligent, agile, spirited
Coat
Smooth, short
Origin
United Kingdom
Recognized
1887
Popularity, 2015 to 2025 Rank 131 in the latest ranking

2015: rank 137, 2016: rank 133, 2017: rank 135, 2018: rank 133, 2019: rank 142, 2020: rank 132, 2021: rank 123, 2022: rank 130, 2023: rank 126, 2024: rank 115, 2025: rank 131

2015 Lower is more popular 2025

The Manchester Terrier combines the streamlined grace of a small coursing hound with the instincts of a fearless rat terrier. The breed comes in two size varieties: the Toy, which does not exceed 12 pounds, and the larger Standard. Both share the same temperament, body type, and athletic build.

The coat is the giveaway: tight, smooth, and short, in rich mahogany tan and jet black, with tan spots above each eye that lift the expression into something watchful. The head is long and wedge-shaped, and the body is built to move, with good reach in front and strong rear drive.

Intelligent, agile, and spirited, the Toy Manchester stands about 10 to 12 inches tall. It is a long-lived companion, often reaching 15 to 17 years. A British breed recognized in 1886, it is also known as the English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan).

Temperament and needs

Scored 1 to 5 for the breed overall. Individual dogs vary.

  • Affectionate with family5 out of 5
  • Good with young children4 out of 5
  • Good with other dogs3 out of 5
  • Openness to strangers3 out of 5
  • Playfulness4 out of 5
  • Watchdog and protective nature4 out of 5
  • Adaptability4 out of 5
  • Trainability4 out of 5
  • Energy level4 out of 5
  • Mental stimulation needs3 out of 5
  • Barking level4 out of 5
  • Shedding2 out of 5
  • Grooming frequency2 out of 5
  • Drooling1 out of 5

Care

The routines that matter most for this breed. Open one at a time.

Nutrition

Feed the Manchester a high-quality dog food matched to its age to help it hold good weight and overall condition. Some Manchesters tend to gain weight, so keep an eye on calorie intake.

If you give treats, keep them moderate. Treats help with training, but too many can lead to obesity. Offer table scraps sparingly, if at all, and avoid cooked bones and high-fat foods.

Learn which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any questions about your dog's weight or diet.

Grooming

The Manchester is an easy keeper, a wash-and-wear kind of dog. An occasional bath with a shampoo made for dogs keeps it looking sharp.

Wipe it down weekly with a damp towel or a hound glove to bring out a healthy shine. Trim the toenails every couple of weeks to keep the joints in proper alignment.

Clean the ears regularly to clear excess wax or debris and keep them comfortable. Many Manchesters treat these grooming sessions as bonding time with their favorite person.

Exercise

A couple of good walks each day help meet a Toy Manchester Terrier's exercise needs, especially when shared with its person. Other exercise can include running, vigorous play, and chasing tennis balls.

Physical activity is only part of the routine; Manchester Terriers also need mental stimulation. Suitable organized activities include agility, rally, tracking, and scent work.

Training

The Manchester is intelligent and likes to think its way through every situation. The Manchester Terrier (toy) enjoys pleasing its people and trains easily with positive, reward-based methods. Harsh corrections backfire, so keep sessions fun and full of praise for a job well done.

Early socialization is important. Toy Manchester Terriers can compete in obedience, rally, agility, lure coursing, barn hunt, earthdog, tracking, flyball, scent work, and freestyle dancing. They enjoy the challenge of these activities.

Health conditions

5 conditions are documented for the Toy Manchester Terrier.

A predisposition is not a diagnosis. Ask your vet which screenings make sense for your dog's age.

Sources

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