The AKC Rescue Network: 450+ Groups & Decades of Service

Did you know that by supporting a responsible breeder, you’re also supporting dog rescue efforts? With more than 450 groups, the AKC Rescue Network is the largest network of dog rescue groups in the United States – and the bulk of these programs are administered by AKC Clubs like the American Manchester Terrier Club (AMTC). As breeders ourselves, we at Maximal Manchester Terriers are at the heart of the effort to rehabilitate and rehome Manchester Terriers. We donate time, resources and funds so that every unwanted Manchester Terrier in the U.S. has a safe place to land.

My Rescue Story: From College Volunteer to Program Chair

These safety nets have been in place for decades. I have volunteered for the AMTC Manchester Terrier rescue program since college and have served as the program chair for more than 10 years. Before me, my mother chaired the program starting in the late 1990s, so this is truly a family commitment spanning decades. As someone who has spent her entire life with one foot in the rescue community and one foot in the world of AKC, I can confidently say that we are not unique as breeders. It saddens me to see breeders and rescue volunteers treated as two mutually exclusive communities. At our core, we all care deeply about animals.

The Shelter Reality: 5% Purebred Dogs, 8% Euthanasia Rate

Too often, guilt and shame are used to suggest that all breeders contribute to unwanted dogs in shelters. They rely on a 50-year-old statistic that “25% of dogs in shelters are purebred”, implying breeders are at fault. But more recent studies show that only about 5% of shelter dogs are purebred, including a 2018 genotyping study from Arizona State University.

And yet, one of the greatest successes of the animal shelter movement is rarely highlighted. In an oft-cited 1973 HSUS report, 15 million dogs and cats entered shelters in a single year, and 90% were euthanized. By comparison, in 2024, 5.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters and only 8% were euthanized – and figure that includes necessary cases of euthanasia such as dogs with bite histories, or severe temperament and health issues. Since 2016 alone, dog euthanasia rates have declined 57%.

What Makes a Breeder Responsible?

At Maximal Manchesters we love and care for every animal we produce. To ensure that they do not contribute to the population of unwanted pets we:

• Sell our puppies with microchips already implanted and registered
• Use contracts that require spay/neuter
• Set penalties for unauthorized breeding
• Stipulate our dogs must be returned to us, and only us, if they are in need of a home
• Breed for desirable health and temperament traits
• Match our dogs with people who have demonstrated that their lifestyle is a good fit for the breed
• Provide counsel and mentorship for the life of the puppy, ensuring the needs of both the puppy and its family are met

Standing as a Safety Net for Dogs Without a Breeder

Just as important as the measures in place to protect our own dogs, we stand steadfast with our fellow breeders and dog lovers as a safety net for those dogs that don’t have a breeder to return to: fostering them in our rescue programs, partnering with shelters and rescues to refer adopters to the dogs in their care, and fundraising to cover veterinary and other support. In fact, shelters and rescues rely on the AKC Rescue Network to alleviate pressure by releasing dogs into the care of purebred rescues. This helps the shelter focus its limited resources more effectively and greatly reduces the need to euthanize animals for space.

Where Do Shelter Dogs Really Come From?

It stands to reason that if 95% of these dogs are mixed breeds, they are being produced through stray and accidental litters, backyard breeding, and disreputable breeders.

The Import Factor: 1 Million Dogs vs Shelter Needs

Meanwhile, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that about 1 million dogs and puppies are imported annually into the United States by puppy brokers and rescue groups for resale. This means that for every one dog left unadopted in U.S. shelters, 15 dogs were imported from other countries!

Why It’s So Difficult to Find a Manchester Terrier Rescue (and other rare breeds)

As we have examined, only 5% of dogs in shelters and rescues are purebred. You may see a lot of breeds listed on popular adoption sites but 99% of those labeled as rare breeds like the Manchester Terrier are misidentified.

The AMTC Manchester Terrier Rescue is the only rescue in the United States dedicated solely to this breed, and the number of dogs in need of rescue averages between 5 and 10 per year. Most of these are older adults and puppies are almost never surrendered to our rescue. This is a testament to the responsible breeders who work hard to ensure that our breed is not falling into the wrong hands.

At Maximal Manchester Terriers, we maintain a Find a Manchester page to help connect those seeking a Manchester Terrier with dogs in need of a home. Every listing is carefully vetted. We only feature actual Manchester Terriers, and you’ll notice: there are not many available. That scarcity is a testament to the strength of our responsible breeding community and the care we take to ensure our dogs never fall through the cracks.