Manchester Terrier Health Update: New Health Test Added for Maximal Manchester Terriers

Health,

Understanding Manchester Terrier health is an important component of a successful and ethical breeding program. Manchester Terriers are not generally known for eye problems, however, it was recently brought to my attention that both the Toy Manchester Terrier and Standard Manchester Terrier might be affected by a late onset form of Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) called Progressive Rod Cone Degeneration (PRCD).

Further investigation is needed to determine whether this disease may affect our breed. Progressive Rod Cone Degeneration (PRCD) only affects dogs with two copies of the genetic mutation, so a carrier would not be affected. It is NOT known whether a Manchester Terrier with two copies of the mutation for PRCD would be affected, but it’s a possibility. It is important for breeders to complete their dogs’ OFA Eye exams regularly as an ongoing part of a health test program, and not just once before breeding. PRCD can be detected on eye exam when it is advanced enough. You can read more about PRA-PRCD here.

For now, I am recommending that breeders perform DNA testing for this disease until more is known. Should a breeder have carriers, it is nothing to be concerned about, as long as two carriers are not bred together. Should you have a dog with two copies of the genetic mutation for PRCD, annual OFA eye exams (conducted by an ophthalmologist) are strongly recommended. I personally have ordered test kits for all my dogs from GenSolDX. We have tested and received results for our dogs and they are all clear from the genetic mutation, which is a great relief.

This new health test is being added to an already comprehensive list of breed-specific and recommended genetic testing and health exams that are performed on all of our dogs here at Maximal Manchester Terriers before breeding:

  • von Willebrand’s Disease
  • Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy
  • Xanthinuria type 2A
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Legg-Calv-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Eye Examination by a boarded ACVO Ophthalmologist
  • Cardiac Evaluation by a Verterinary Cardiologist
  • *NEW* Progressive Retinal Atrophy – Progressive Rod Cone Dengeneration (PRA-PRCD)

Video: Manchester Terrier Health Testing Basics for Breeders

manchester terrier health testing explained

Learn more about health testing available to Manchester Breeders in this recorded seminar that Michelle presented to educate breeders.

Myth busting: Top 3 Reasons People Prefer Male or Female Manchester Terriers

Choosing a Puppy,

All Maximal Toy Manchester Terrier applicants are given the option to choose a particular gender. When adding a new canine companion to the family, whether it be an adult or puppy, many pet owners have preferences for a specific gender. Here are the most common reasons people give for wanting male or female Manchester Terriers.

Reasons people prefer male dogs:

  • Physical: No risk of accidental pregnancy or mess associated with a heat cycle
  • Temperament: Viewed as more eager to please and/or loving
  • Make a better watch dog/ more protective

Reasons people prefer female dogs:

  • No risk of marking (urinating on objects) in the home
  • Smarter/easier to train
  • Temperament: Viewed as more loving, and accepting of other dogs/pets, nurturing/tolerant

Aside from the obvious physical benefits of owning a male dog (first bullet above) the rest of these attributes based on gender are false. Yes, even the marking behavior can happen with female dogs, especially terriers!

This is why it’s important to keep an open mind regarding gender. The most important consideration for pet owners, is the gender of any dogs already in the home. This is doubly important with terrier breeds who are often prone to fighting with dogs of the same sex. If your new Manchester Terrier will be an only dog, then gender is even less important.

The best pet is going to be a spayed or neutered pet. This eliminates many of the concerns pet owners have such as risks of accidental pregnancy, messes due to marking/urinating or heat cycles, or quarreling with other dogs in the home.

Most importantly, keeping an open mind about gender will help us to match you with the right dog for your family and lifestyle, and shorten the wait time.