Manchester Terrier

Manchester Terriers are very energetic, intelligent, and alert. As with other Terriers, they are known for their hunting ability, their keen sense of smell allows them to participate in earthdog trials. They also enjoy dog sports such as lure coursing, agility, tracking, flyball, rally and standard obedience as sport that gives them physical and mental stimulation while helping them bond with their families. Manchester Terriers have been used in animal-assisted therapy.

Manchester Terrier History:

Manchester Terriers are regarded to be one of the oldest identifiable terrier breeds, dating back to the sixteenth century. They were developed in Manchester, England as a rat hunter and a rabbit chaser. This was at a time when rats had become endemic and the country was in need of a solution.

The Manchester Terrier became extremely popular amongst tavern owners who let the dogs roam after closing, to clear the establishment of rats. During a fox hunt, it was not uncommon to see a Manchester Terrier being carried by a rider and let loose if a fox went into a thicket too dense for the hounds to reach. They were so good that they became known as "Rat Terriers."

In the 1860's Manchester became their breeding center, however, it was not until 1923, the name Manchester Terrier was adopted, replacing the former name of "Toy Black and Tan Terrier."