The Manchester Terrier is a breed originally bred for hunting rats. Its short, glossy black coat with mahogany markings gives it an elegant and distinctive appearance. It is also noted for its balanced, friendly and observant temperament.
General details
The breed has a small size, weighing less than 5.5 kilograms and a height between 25 and 30.5 centimeters. Their life expectancy is 15 to 17 years and they are not recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).
Breed history in brief
The Manchester Terrier Toy is a dog breed originating in Manchester, England, which was developed during the Victorian era. It arose from crosses between the Black and Tan Terrier and Whippets to create a versatile dog for hunting rabbits and eliminating rats. During its heyday, the Toy variety was created to meet the demand for smaller dogs by Victorian women. Although early Toy Manchester breeding became extremely size-focused, the breed has been corrected and is healthier today.
In the past, the Standard Manchester Terrier and the Manchester Terrier Toy were considered separate breeds, but eventually merged into a single breed known as the Manchester Terrier. Today, this breed is recognized in two varieties: Toy and Standard.
Breed characteristics
The Manchester Terrier Toy has an elegant and robust appearance, with a body slightly longer than tall. Its head is elongated and narrow, wedge-shaped, and it has small, almond-shaped, dark-colored eyes. The ears can be erect, cropped or button ears, although according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) standard, only the naturally erect ear is accepted for the Toy variety. In addition, the breed has a short tail that tapers from base to tip.
The coat is short, smooth, dense and glossy. Its predominant color is deep black, with distinctive mahogany markings that form clear, well-defined lines. These mahogany markings are found over the eyes, on the cheeks, muzzle, chest and legs. In addition, the mahogany color extends below the throat forming a V shape. On the front of the forelimbs, there is a distinctive black spot in the form of a "thumbprint".
The temperament of the Manchester Terrier Toy is characterized by poise, gentleness and discernment. It is a loyal and attentive companion that demonstrates a positive attitude towards other dogs, making it an excellent companion dog and a valuable member of the family.
Common health problems
The Manchester Terrier Toy, with optimal care and attention, can live a long healthy life, although it is predisposed to certain health problems. Among the most common diseases or disorders are hypothyroidism, cataracts, lens luxation, progressive retinal atrophy and von Willebrand's disease.
In addition to the aforementioned conditions, the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) recommends a cardiac and ocular screening examination, as well as a series of tests to assess the following diseases: autoimmune thyroiditis, dilated cardiomyopathy, xanthinuria, patellar luxation and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.
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