Elegant, athletic, and astonishingly versatile, the Manchester Terrier is one historic breed represented as two AKC-recognized varieties: Standard and Toy. This guide brings the whole picture into focus so owners, breeders, and curious dog-lovers can understand the breed as a whole.
TL;DR
Manchester Terriers are the world’s oldest and best-kept secret. They are bright, loyal and down for a good time without being over-the-top. Whether you are looking for a loyal friend to be your companion on life’s adventures or a fun, clean, easy-to-care-for breed to train and compete with in dog sports, the Manchester Terrier can do it all. They come in two varieties that mainly differ in size and ear styles, yet share the same heritage, temperament, and health priorities. With thoughtful socialization and consistent training, both varieties make superb companions who live into their mid-teens.
Quick Breed Snapshot
| Trait | Toy Variety | Standard Variety |
| Weight | 12 lbs and under | 12.1 to 22 lbs |
| Height | approx. 10 to 13 inches | approx. 13 to 16 inches |
| AKC Group | Toy | Terrier |
| Coat & Color | Smooth, short, black & tan | Smooth, short, black & tan |
| Ears (permissible types) | Natural upright only | Natural upright, button, or cropped |
| Lifespan | 15-17 years | 15-17 years |
| Temperament | intelligent, observant, deeply bonded | intelligent, observant, deeply bonded |
| Historical Purpose | Vermin control (primarily rats) | Vermin Control (rats, rabbits) |
One breed, one breed standard. In the U.S. the AKC recognizes Manchester Terriers as a single breed with two varieties that differ by weight and ear options. Dogs from Toy parents can mature into Standard size and vice versa; variety is determined by adult weight.
Temperament & Living with a Manchester
The Manchester mind: quick, perceptive, and highly people-focused. They form a strong bond with their family. Expect a dog that loves to learn, notices everything, and prefers to be included.
Energy & Exercise: Manchesters are athletic but adaptable. They are suited well to living in apartments or homes. Standards, as a larger dog, do require more exercise than the Toys, however as a breed, Manchesters adapt well to the energy level of their household – happy to spend a day hiking, or relaxing on the couch as their owner desires.
Prey drive: As true terriers, both Toy and Standard Manchester Terriers will hunt and chase small animals if given the chance. That’s not an excuse to skip recall training. With consistent, positive training, a solid recall is achievable. Historically, the hunters and farmers who employed terriers like the Manchester needed to recall their dogs for safety. Prey-drive does not excuse poor training and management.
Noise level: They’ll announce visitors or unusual activity, and can become vocal if allowed to practice the habit or if another dog “teaches” it. Socialization and training keep barking in check.
Families & other pets: They are great family companions and do well with children, cats and other dogs when they are raised with them in the household. However, they tend to select one person in the family as their favorite (usually their primary caretaker) and seek them out for snuggle time.
History & Identity: One Breed, Two Varieties
From the bustling streets of Victorian England to modern living rooms, Manchester Terriers have survived plague, world wars, and technology that renders their rat-hunting origins obsolete. They are the direct descendants of the Old English Black and Tan Terrier, with Whippet influence that refined their silhouette and structure. Historically, the size varieties were developed as one breed, with inter-variety breeding permitted. This continuity preserved breed type, and helped maintain genetic diversity, especially during periods when numbers neared extinction.
The breed was developed to control rat populations in England before modern sanitation systems existed. They were kept by families, farmers, commercial establishments (like pubs and warehouses) and even on ships. Manchesters were used in the development of a large variety of breeds ranging from the Doberman Pinscher to the Toy Fox Terrier.
They are the original black and tan terrier and as such, they are behind the breeds that have this unique color pattern, either directly (like with the Doberman) or indirectly. The Toy Manchester Terrier was at the height of its popularity in the United States in the 1940s and 50s. Today, the Manchester Terrier is considered endangered due to a dwindling number of dedicated breeders and enthusiasts.
Appearance & Structure
They are sturdy, rugged and do not injure themselves easily. A Manchester should read as elegant yet workmanlike: clean wedge head with keen expression. Despite their sturdiness, they have relatively thin skin and thin fur, two things that don’t preclude them from hunting rats but do mean they should be prevented from tangling with larger prey.
Common Confusion: Manchester owners are accustomed to frequent comments about their resemblance to Doberman Pinschers or Miniature Pinschers (Min Pins) or “mini Dobermans.” In fact, the Manchester Terrier was used to develop these other breeds. Compared with Min Pins, Manchesters have a smooth, efficient gait, are somewhat sturdier, and a true terrier temperament. Compared with the German Pinscher, Manchesters are smaller, more refined, and bred as ratters rather than guardians.
Compare breeds: Check out our FAQ page for more information about the differences in traits and characteristics of Manchesters compared to other breeds.
Size, Growth & Maturity
Puppies from the same litter may mature on either side of the 12-lb threshold. Experienced breeders can estimate adult size from weight at 8 weeks old, but nature still has a vote. By 6 months old, Manchesters typically reach full height, with some filling out to do until they reach 18 to 24 months old.
Coat, Shedding & Allergies
Their sleek, short, low-odor coat equates to minimal shedding. They lack a true undercoat which means they are not as efficient at regulating their body heat. While they need to wear coats outdoors in cold weather, their thin coat provides relief in the heat. This is particularly true for the Toy Manchester Terrier. Their lack of under coat also means they produce less dander, don’t carry the oil or odor that many breeds are prone to – a plus for allergy sufferers – and it contributes to their overall cleanliness.
Training & Socialization: Raising Steady, Confident Dogs
Socialization is non-negotiable. The first year shapes a Manchester’s worldview. Without enough positive experiences beyond their home, some develop fear-based behaviors like stranger worry, overstimulation outside the house, or excessive alarm barking. A properly socialized Manchester enjoys outings, guests, travel and new places.
Standard and Toy Manchester Terriers are generally not barkers, but they will develop the behavior if not properly stimulated (boredom or lack of training), not properly socialized, or taught the behavior by another dog in the home.
Training is Key
Training style: Reward-based, fair, and engaging. Avoid big-box “one-size-fits-all” pet store classes that don’t understand terriers. Crate training helps with potty training, fosters calm independence, and prevents destructive habits. Guard against over-coddling Toy-size dogs, which can fuel separation anxiety.
Helpful resources from Maximal
- Find AKC Training Clubs offering classes in your area.
- Puppy Socialization Guide: a simple, step-by-step plan with a printable checklist for the first year.
- Crate & Potty Training Guide: download the methods we use for faster housebreaking, reduced anxiety, and smooth vet/travel experiences.
These are the same resources we provide our puppy families; if you’re on our waitlist, you’ll receive them as part of your puppy packet.
Manchesters are prone to separation anxiety when not given sufficient alone time to learn how to occupy themselves. It’s important to avoid carrying your Manchester Terrier around the home and excessively babying him or her because these behaviors will teach your dog to rely on you for all happiness and the dog will be extremely anxious when left alone – leading to disruptive barking and destruction to the home. Crate training is a great way to avoid this problem. Dogs who start crate training as puppies will learn how to be calm when left alone and are prevented from picking up destructive behaviors. Manchester Terriers who are crate trained through puppyhood will grow into adults that can be trusted loose in the home even when their owner is away – and use their crate as a comfortable retreat when they need some time away from the family.
Manchester Terrier Health & Longevity
Well-bred Manchester Terriers are long-lived; 15–16 years is common with good dental care and routine veterinary attention. While it is generally accepted that a dog becomes a senior at 7 years old, Manchester Terriers remain youthful and spry well past 10. Health testing is part of responsible breeding and buyer due diligence.
Toy vs. Standard health: Recommended test list sometimes emphasize different items, but both varieties can express the same issues. Breeders should American Manchester Terrier Club guidance, and the OFA/CHIC recommendations.
Health topics to discuss with breeders:
- Patellar luxation
- Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy (JDCM)
- von Willebrand’s disease
- Xanthinuria (Type 2A)
- Legg-Calv-Perthes (LCP)
- Thyroid evaluation
- OFA Eye Exams by a boarded ophthalmologist
- Cardiac evaluation by a cardiologist
Is a Manchester Terrier Right for You?
Choose Toy if you want:
- Ultra-portable size for travel and apartment life
- The same terrier wit in a smaller package
Choose Standard if you want:
- A touch more endurance for activities like hiking
- Slightly more size without losing refinement
For both:
- Daily mental and physical activity
- Positive training and generous socialization
- An intelligent, watchful companion
It’s important to speak with your breeder about your goals for your new Manchester Terrier to ensure they have a dog to meet your needs. There is a variation in energy levels, biddability (eagerness to please) and work ethic (important for competitive training) that will be important for a breeder to consider when matching a puppy with a new home. This range of personality types makes the Standard and Toy Manchester Terrier temperament well-suited for most lifestyles.
Choosing a Responsible Breeder: 10 Questions to Ask
- How long have you been involved with Manchesters, and why did you choose this breed?
- What are your goals as a breeder?
- Are your puppies AKC-registered and will I receive AKC papers?
- What specific health tests have the parents had? Are the results publicly listed in the OFA database?
- Are you a member of the American Manchester Terrier Club?
- How do you socialize your puppies?
- At what age to puppies go home, and why?
- What veterinary care do your puppies receive before placement?
- Do you offer a written health guarantee and a take-back policy?
- Do you have requirements for your puppy buyers?
Why it matters: Asking informed questions supports eithical breeders, helps the right families find the right dogs and ultimately reduces shelter intake driven by preventable issues like poor socialization or failed house training.
Maximal Resource:
- Find out what kinds of answers are red flags, green flags, and get pro tips to help you determine if you’re working with an ethical breeder.
- Get a FREE printable version of the breeder Q&A and be prepared for your next conversation with a breeder!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Manchester Terriers good family dogs?
Yes, with proper socialization and training. They bond closely, adapt to the home they’re raised in, and shine when included in family life.
Do they bark a lot?
Not by default. They announce things. Prevent bad habits early with consistent training, and provide enrichment.
How much do they shed?
Lightly. No undercoat, low odor, minimal grooming.
Are they rare?
Yes. Both varieties are uncommon. Standards are rarer than Toys simply because fewer breeders focus on them.
How much exercise do they need?
Daily walk, play, and brain work. Standards often enjoy a bit more mileage. Both are enthusiastic about dog sports.
What about cost and care?
Food and grooming costs are modest. Invest in training, socialization outings, and routine veterinary and dental care.
Can Toy and Standards be interbred?
In the U.S. and Canada, yes. Variety is determined by adult weight. This long-standing policy has helped to maintain breed type and genetic diversity.
Getting Started: Training & Socialization Tools
- Find AKC Training Clubs offering classes in your area.
- Puppy Socialization Guide: a simple, step-by-step plan with a printable checklist for the first year.
- Crate & Potty Training Guide: download the methods we use for faster housebreaking, reduced anxiety, and smooth vet/travel experiences.
These are the same resources we provide our puppy families; if you’re on our waitlist, you’ll receive them as part of your puppy packet.
Your Author & Approach
Michelle Barlak of Maximal Manchester Terriers has spent more than three decades with the breed as a breeder, exhibitor, educator, and club leader. Maximal focuses on ethics, temperament, sound structure, and lifetime support for owners. Our aim is clear: to preserve and protect this loving, dedicated breed, while also striving to produce healthy, happy puppies with great temperaments.
Final Word
Whether you’re drawn to the travel-ready Toy or the trail-friendly Standard, the Manchester Terrier’s essence doesn’t change: bright, bonded, elegant, and capable. With the right start and fair leadership, a Manchester grows into that rare creature who is equally at home on the couch, in the show ring, and out in the world by your side.