Owning a Manchester

IS THIS THE RIGHT BREED FOR YOU?

The Manchester Terrier is first, foremost and essentially an all-round family terrier.
Although he will willingly become part of your family and can become a loyal and loving friend, he does have some habits, or traits, which are part of his breed characteristics, which may not always endear him to you or your extended family and friends.

It is essential that you socialise your puppy at an early age and open him up to many experiences.

They were originally bred to kill rats and other vermin, and are capable of keeping busy all day and then still be fresh enough to go again.
 Because of this, they can have lots of energy.
Although they will be happy relaxing on your knee and having a cuddle, they also need plenty of walks to keep healthy and happy.

They may be inclined to chase small critters and it is not always easy to train him to distinguish between the rat you would like despatched and your childs pet hamster!

They can live peaceably with other animals if introduced at an early age and many people have Manchester Terriers and cats which live together quite happily, but if they see a cat which is not part of the family, then see above re vermin!
Unless socialised at an early age, some may become anxious towards other dogs, so an early socialisation class may be a good choice best option.

They are an intelligent breed, who can be quick to learn, but sometimes slow to obey if confronted with something else they would rather do.

The breed was officially recognised by The Kennel Club in  although its history can be traced back into earlier centuries.
The breed has, in the last few years, become one of the vulnerable native breeds.

A breed not available off the shelf but we would highly recommend researching your planned puppy.
We are not a breed for those only interested in the breed for monetary gain!

Please do not buy a Manchester  Terrier, unless you have the time and space to devote to it and can give it a permanent loving home,
with sufficient food, warmth and exercise.

Every member of the family should want the dog; if any of your family has reservations about having a dog in the household, this will impact on the dogs happiness in the future.

What should I do when considering purchasing a Manchester  Terrier puppy?

Local adverts in newspapers (and on some commercial websites which advertise many different breeds of dogs) are not always the best ways to find a reputable breeder.

AAdditional information can be found on The Manchester Terrier Association (proposed) website and direclty at the Kennel Club

Always see the puppies with their dam (the father of the puppies may live many miles away, so you should not always expect to see him).

Check which food is being used, as the puppy should be on 3 or 4 meals of puppy food a day. You should not change this in the first few weeks he is with you, as changes in diet, when combined with all the other changes he has to go through, could result in an upset tummy. Sometimes the breeder will give you a small supply of food to take with you and you should always ensure you have a good supply on hand before you collect your puppy.

Ask if the puppy has been wormed puppies should be wormed every 3 weeks before they leave the breeders premises and you should be given information regarding the dates of worming and what brand of wormer was used.

The breeder should ensure the puppy is also free from other parasites, such as fleas or ear mites.

Ask if the breeder is a member of a Breed Club or a Kennel Club Assured Breeder, these clubs have Code of Ethics, which you should read before buying a puppy and by which the breeder should abide.

You should expect that a reputable breeder will ask you a lot of pertinent questions about your ability to look after their precious puppy. Be wary of any breeder who only asks if you have the money to pay for the puppy, but does not make enquiries about your lifestyle, house and garden and how you intend to care for the puppy. That may be an indication of the level of aftercare you will receive.

Check your fencing to ensure it will be proof against one small, determined person who may try to escape over or under it some of them can and will jump over fences, or tunnel out if allowed to do so and be a danger to themselves and other people/road users.

Some breeders will take the puppy back if you have a change of circumstances and can no longer look after the puppy correctly, but when you embark on the idea of purchasing any dog, you should be aware that it is a long term commitment for the lifetime of the dog, which in the case of Manchester Terriers can be upwards of 15 years.

If the puppy is around 8 weeks of age, he may already have had his first injection and some breeders will have their vet undertake a simple health check before the puppy leaves the breeder. It is important that you also register with your own vet as soon as possible. 

Puppies should not leave their breeders premises until around 8 weeks old and on no account should they go before they reach 7 weeks of age.

The puppy should be registered with the Kennel Club, you should obtain a registration certificate from the breeder when you buy the puppy, or the breeder should advise you when they applied for the registration papers, or when they intend to do so; they can let you know the registration numbers of the sire and dam.
If you are in any doubt, you could contact the Kennel Club (telephone 0870 6066750) BEFORE you buy the puppy.

Breed Characteristics

The Kennel Club produces a blueprint of each breed. However, reading this brief Breed Standard does not always help the newcomer to understand the breed.

To start with, it is advisable to talk to breeders and owners and to study the breed whenever and wherever possible.

You could go along to a local show where the breed is scheduled to be judged and watch the dogs, talking to the owners and getting an idea as to whether the breed might fit in with your lifestyle. For details of local shows, contact the breed club secretary or look on the BMTC website.

Manchester Terriers are normally healthy, active and affectionate dogs, who respond quickly to love and attention. As with all dogs, it is best to start training early, be consistent and praise in all the right places.

This breed does not need harsh correction, which can be counter-productive.

 of safety where he can rest in peace at bedtime and not be disturbed.  

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