The Manchester Terrier is an elegant, smooth-coated English terrier. It was originally called the Black and Tan Terrier and it has been refined over hundreds of years. The breed can be seen in many old paintings and drawings. It is essentially a ratting terrier, bred to live in the house - hence its short, single coat - and to keep both house and yards clear of vermin. This was very necessary in the days before drains and proper rubbish disposal were introduced. The breed remains true to type, being a good guard, devoted to its owners, and clean and well mannered around the house.

The Manchester is a true terrier, inquisitive, alert and keen to investigate and look into everything. It does not take immediately to strangers, but when they are accepted as friends it will never forget them and will greet them enthusiastically - and probably noisily! As a breed the Manchester is generally good with children and not aggressive toward other dogs.

This is a healthy breed with cast-iron digestion. Some individuals have a predisposition to a bleeding disorder called Von Willebrand's disease, but this is rare and wounds heal quickly. The Manchester invariably lives to between twelve and fifteen years.

The coat is single and therefore needs little attention. The emphasis is on a daily routine - soft, warm, clean bedding, fresh water, a balanced diet and a brush down once a week. They will take as much exercise as you care to give them, and respond well to Obedience, Agility and show training.

Above everything else, this handsome, athletic dog needs human companionship so it does not respond well to being left for long periods or if it is exclusively confined to a kennel environment. The Manchester will live quite happily as a dog about town or as the complete country companion.

The Manchester is a slender, black-and-tan dog, standing 15-16 inches/39-40 cm at the shoulder. its head is wedge shaped, with a tight-lipped mouth. The ears are small, V-shaped and held above its dark eyes. In the United States, the ears are usually cropped to a point. The body is graceful and slightly arched over the loin. The legs are long and the feet neat with black nails. The tail should be long, tapering and held no higher than the level of the back. The tan markings should be precisely placed: tan spots over the eyes and on the cheeks, black "thumb marks" in the tan above the front feet, tanned legs and muzzle. The coat is short and very glossy, and the tan should always be rich and dark.

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