Manchester Terrier
Terrier Small
Ranked #107 by the AKC, the Manchester Terrier is a small terrier dog with roots in England. Bred specifically for rat-killing competitions in Manchester's rat pits, where bets were placed on how many rats a dog could kill in a set time.
Quick Stats
Characteristics
| Family Friendly | |
| Energy Level | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Good with Kids | |
| Good with Dogs | |
| Apartment Friendly | |
| Grooming Needs | |
| Barking Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Intelligence |
About the Manchester Terrier
Developed in 19th century Manchester, England, by crossing Black and Tan Terriers with Whippets to create a sleek, fast rat-hunting dog for the industrial city.. As of 2026, they hold the #107 position in the American Kennel Club's popularity rankings.
Standing 15 to 16 inches tall and weighing 12 to 22 pounds, the Manchester Terrier is a small-sized dog. Their sleek, elegant build with distinctive thumb marks above the eyes and pencil markings on the toes make them the most refined-looking of all terriers. They are well-suited to owners who can provide the exercise, training, and companionship this breed thrives on.
Primarily companion dogs valued for their elegance and loyal temperament, also competitive in conformation, agility, and barn hunt, maintaining their ratting heritage..
Lifespan Overview
The Manchester Terrier typically lives 15–17 years. Learn more about Manchester Terrier lifespan →
Price Overview
Expect to pay $800–$1500 from a reputable breeder. See full price breakdown →
Weight & Growth
Adult Manchester Terriers weigh 12–22 lbs. View growth chart →
Temperament
Energy level: 4/5. Trainability: 4/5. Manchester Terriers are keen, discerning dogs with a cat-like fastidiousness about their appearance and surroundings, often grooming themselves and preferring clean spaces. Full temperament guide →
History
The story of the Manchester Terrier begins in England. Developed in 19th century Manchester, England, by crossing Black and Tan Terriers with Whippets to create a sleek, fast rat-hunting dog for the industrial city..
Bred specifically for rat-killing competitions in Manchester's rat pits, where bets were placed on how many rats a dog could kill in a set time.. Once called the Gentleman's Terrier, they were hugely popular in Victorian England before nearly disappearing during World War II, with dedicated breeders saving the breed.. Currently ranked #107 by the AKC, the Manchester Terrier continues to earn new admirers.
Common Health Issues
| Condition | Frequency | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Von Willebrand's Disease | Common | Moderate |
| Pattern Baldness | Common | Low |
| Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease | Moderate | Moderate |
| Cardiomyopathy | Low | High |
| Hypothyroidism | Moderate | Low |
Is the Manchester Terrier Right for You?
Choosing the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a future owner can make. The Manchester Terrier is a small-sized breed belonging to the Terrier group, which shapes much of its daily behavior and needs. Here is an honest assessment based on key traits to help you decide if this breed fits your lifestyle.
Energy and exercise: The Manchester Terrier has high energy levels and requires substantial daily activity - at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise including walks, runs, or active play sessions. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle or work very long hours, this breed may become destructive without adequate physical outlets.
Living space: With an apartment friendliness rating of 5/5, the Manchester Terrier adapts well to smaller living spaces. They can thrive in apartments or condos as long as their basic exercise needs are met and they receive enough mental stimulation throughout the day.
Children and family: The Manchester Terrier rates 3/5 with children - acceptable but not exceptional. They do well with older children who understand how to interact respectfully with dogs. Close supervision with toddlers and young children is important, and teaching both the child and dog appropriate boundaries is essential.
Grooming commitment: The Manchester Terrier is relatively low-maintenance in grooming with a rating of 1/5. Weekly brushing and occasional baths are typically sufficient. This makes the breed a good choice for owners who prefer minimal grooming routines, with costs around $65–93/month.
Ownership Cost Summary
Before bringing a Manchester Terrier home, it is critical to understand the full financial commitment over their 15–17 year lifespan. The initial purchase price of $800–$1500 is only the beginning.
The first year is the most expensive, totaling approximately $3,179. This includes the purchase price, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, supplies (crate, bed, bowls, leash), and early training classes. Many owners underestimate this initial outlay and find themselves financially stressed within the first few months.
Ongoing monthly costs average $126, broken down as follows: food ($41–65/mo), grooming ($65–93/mo), insurance ($60–85/mo), with annual costs for veterinary care ($421–629/yr) and supplies ($233–416/yr). As a small breed, the Manchester Terrier is relatively economical on food and supplies, though veterinary and dental costs remain consistent regardless of size.
Over a full 15–17 year lifespan, total ownership costs typically reach $15,000–$30,000+ depending on health, not including emergency veterinary care which can add $2,000–$10,000 over the dog's lifetime. Pet insurance at $60–85/month is strongly recommended to manage unexpected health expenses.
Hidden costs often overlooked: Many prospective Manchester Terrier owners fail to budget for training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75/night), dog-proofing the home ($100–$300), replacement of chewed items during puppyhood, and potential property damage. Additionally, renters may face pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75). Factor these real-world costs into your decision to ensure the Manchester Terrier fits your financial situation comfortably without requiring sacrifices in the quality of care you can provide.
Breed Traits Explained
The Manchester Terrier belongs to the Terrier group, which historically means these dogs were originally bred to hunt and kill vermin. Terrier breeds are feisty, energetic, and determined. They can be stubborn during training but are loyal and entertaining companions. Many terriers have a high prey drive and may not coexist well with small animals.
With a family friendliness score of 4/5, intelligence at 5/5, and shedding rated 2/5, the Manchester Terrier presents a specific profile that works best for owners who understand and appreciate these characteristics. Their exercise needs (4/5) and barking tendency (3/5) should factor heavily into your decision, especially if you live in close proximity to neighbors or have limited outdoor space.
Intelligence and engagement: With intelligence rated 5/5, the Manchester Terrier is a quick learner that thrives on mental challenges. This high intelligence means they need puzzle toys, training sessions, and varied activities to prevent boredom. An under-stimulated Manchester Terrier may develop unwanted behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, or escape attempts. The upside is that they pick up new commands quickly and excel in activities like obedience, agility, or nosework.
Shedding and home cleanliness: The Manchester Terrier's low shedding (2/5) makes them easier to maintain in a clean home. Regular brushing still helps remove dead coat and promote skin health.
Manchester Terrier Quick Decision Guide
Making an informed decision about the Manchester Terrier requires weighing all factors together. Here is a consolidated assessment to help you decide confidently whether this breed matches your situation.
You will love the Manchester Terrier if: You enjoy an active lifestyle with daily outdoor activities, can provide consistent training and appropriate supervision with visitors, live in any housing situation including apartments, and prefer lower-maintenance coat care. The Manchester Terrier's terrier heritage brings specific qualities that dedicated owners find deeply rewarding.
Consider a different breed if: You cannot commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, , or if your living situation cannot accommodate a small breed comfortably. Being honest about these factors prevents rehoming situations that are stressful for both dog and owner.
Next steps: If the Manchester Terrier seems like a good match, explore our detailed sub-pages on lifespan, cost, temperament, and health for deeper information. Connect with Manchester Terrier owners through breed clubs and online communities to hear firsthand experiences. If possible, spend time with Manchester Terriers before committing - attending dog shows, visiting breed-specific meetups, or fostering through a rescue organization. Use our Puppy Weight Calculator and Dog Age Calculator for practical planning, and review our expert guides for training, nutrition, and health care advice tailored to all breeds and life stages.