Although elegant in appearance, the Manchester Terrier has the reputation of being the best rat catcher of all the breeds although they can also make a very loving companion to humans.
There are two types, Toy and Standard. Both are compact and muscular with a shining, short, black and tan coat. Their heads are long and tapering with long, erect ears, although in the Standard the ear tips fold forward.
They are the oldest known terrier, originating in the Uk and bred to hunt vermin. The Manchester Terrier needs plenty of outlets for physical and mental exercise. They are very intelligent and eager to learn and although independent are loving and faithful to their owners. They can do well in agility and obedience. They can be sociable with strangers, children and other dogs but may not be trustable with small mammals. They are powerful and agile and although very active indoors, need plenty of exercise outside too. They can run very fast but their prey instinct inclines them to chase too.
The short, smooth coat is very easy to care for. They are generally healthy but problems have been found with certain blood disorders.