The Breed History
Originating in the British Isles, the original Black and Tan progenitor
terrier for this breed was a heavier set dog with a coarser coat. In
Manchester England, history records that a fancier who wanted
a dog for both hare coursing and rat killing bred a whippet and a
crossbred ratter terrier. Other breed ancestors potentially include
Greyhound, Italian Greyhound and Dachshunds. AKC recognition
occurred in 1886 (Toy) and 1887 (Standard). Until 1959, the
two sizes of Manchester were two separate breeds. The toy was
developed from the standard.
Breeding for Function
Vermin control was the primary purpose for these dogs. As a
ratter in the field and in pub pit rat killing contests they excelled.
They were courageous enthusiastic hunting companions. The toy
variety was a lady's pet. Both varieties are now valued show and
companion dogs.
Physical Characteristics
Height at Withers: Standard 15-16 inches (39-40 cm).
Weight of Standard: 12-22 lb (5.5-10 kg)
Height at Withers: Toy 10-12 inches (25-30 cm).
Weight of Toy: 7 up to 12 lb (3-5.5 kg).
Coat: The sleek short hair coat is black with mahogany markings;
distinct, not smudgy borders-well defined pattern.
Longevity: 14-15 years.
Points of Conformation: These dogs have a long muzzle, flat
wedge-shaped skull, slight stop, and their bone structure is sleek
and athletic. Ears are naturally pricked up, and the dogs are a bit
longer than high. Almond-shaped slanting close-set dark eyes, and
a strong jaw ending in a black nose characterizes the face. Ears vary
only slightly with Standard ears being erect, cropped, or button.
Toys must have naturally erect ears only. The neck is slim, slightly
arched and moderately long, the topline has a slight arch, chest is
narrow but deep, abdomen is mildly tucked, and a slightly curved
tail tapers to finish just short of the tarsal joint.
Recognized Behavior Issues and Traits
Reported breed characteristics include that they are: Agile, loyal,
intelligent, they respond well to obedience training. They maintain a
well-developed chase instinct, so should not be left off-leash unless
in an enclosure. They are excellent watchdogs, and enjoy close
contact with humans. They require minimal grooming and are low
to moderate shedders. They should be socialized early to other pets
and people.
Normal Physiologic Variations
None reported
Drug Sensitivities
None reported
Inherited Diseases
von Willebrand's Disease Type 1 (vWD): Autosomal recessive
genetic disorder causing a mild bleeding syndrome. A direct genetic
test is available from VetGen that reports 4% affected, and 37%
carrier in the breed. Reported at a frequency of 2.72% in the
Manchester Terrier Health and Genetics Survey.
Hip Dysplasia and Legg-Calve Perthes Disease: Polygenically
inherited traits causing degenerative hip joint disease and arthritis.
Too few Manchester Terriers have been screened by OFA to
determine an accurate frequency. Breeding studies in Manchester
Terriers show a high heritability for Legg-Calve Perthes Disease.
Reported at a frequency of 1.46% in the Manchester Terrier Health
and Genetics Survey.
Patella Luxation: Polygenically inherited laxity of patellar
ligaments, causing luxation, lameness, and later degenerative
joint disease. Treat surgically if causing clinical signs. Too few
Manchester Terriers have been screened by OFA to determine
an accurate frequency. Reported at a frequency of 1.17% in the
Manchester Terrier Health and Genetics Survey.
Elbow Dysplasia: Polygenically inherited trait causing elbow
arthritis. Too few Manchester Terriers have been screened by OFA to
determine an accurate frequency.
Disease Predispositions
Missing Teeth: Reported at a frequency of 18.37% in the Manchester
Terrier Health and Genetics Survey. Unknown mode of inheritance.
Hypothyroidism: Inherited autoimmune thyroiditis. 8.9% positive
for thyroid auto-antibodies based on testing at Michigan State
University. (Ave. for all breeds is 7.5%).
Anal Gland Disease: Anal sacculitis and anal gland infection.
Dorn reports a 2.92x odds ratio in Manchester Terriers versus other
breeds. Reported at a frequency of 3.40% in the Manchester Terrier
Health and Genetics Survey.
Cryptorchidism: Can be bilateral or unilateral. Reported at a
frequency of 3.21% in the Manchester Terrier Health and Genetics
Survey.
Demodicosis: Demodectic mange dermatitis has an underlying
immunodeficiency in its pathogenesis. Reported at a frequency
of 2.53% in the Manchester Terrier Health and Genetics Survey.
Unknown mode of inheritance.
Seasonal Flank Alopecia: Bilateral, symmetrical hair loss affecting
the flank, dorsum and tail. Dorn reports a 10.55x odds ratio in
Manchester Terriers versus other breeds. Reported at a frequency of
1.85% in the Manchester Terrier Health and Genetics Survey.
Umbilical Hernia: Congenital opening in the body wall from
where the umbilical cord was attached. Correct surgically if large.
Reported at a frequency of 1.75% in the Manchester Terrier Health
and Genetics Survey. Unknown mode of inheritance.
Deafness: Congenital sensorineural deafness can be unilateral
of bilateral. Diagnosed by BAER testing. Reported at a frequency
of 1.46% in the Manchester Terrier Health and Genetics Survey.
Unknown mode of inheritance.
Cataracts: Too few Manchester Terriers have been CERF eye
examined to determine an accurate frequency in the breed.
Reported in 3.81% of Manchester Terriers presented to veterinary
teaching hospitals. Reported at a frequency of 1.36% in the
Manchester Terrier Health and Genetics Survey.
Diabetes Mellitus: Sugar diabetes. Caused by a lack of insulin
production by the pancreas. Controlled by insulin injections,
diet, and glucose monitoring. Dorn reports a 8.81x odds ratio in
Manchester Terriers versus other breeds.
Juvenile Cardiomyopathy: Several Manchester Terriers under the
age of one year have died in heart failure with a post-mortum
diagnosis of juvenile cardiomyopathy. Research at Prince Edward
Island and the University of Pennsylvania is looking into the cause
of this disorder.
Other Ocular Disorders: Too few Manchester Terriers have been
CERF examined to determine an accurate breed frequency of ocular
disorders.
Cleft Lip/Palate, Cutaneous Asthenia, Hydrocephalus, Lens
Luxation, Oligodontia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and
Retained Primary Teeth are reported.
Isolated Case Studies
X-linked Myotubular Myopathy: Three male Manchester Terriers
presented at 2 months of age due to weakness and failure to
thrive. Other males in the dam's previous litter showed similar
symptoms. Muscle biopsy revealed a myotubular myopathy, and
genetic analysis found a mutation in the MTM1 gene on the
X-chromosome.
Genetic Tests
Tests of Genotype: Direct test for vWD is available from VetGen.
Tests of Phenotype: CHIC Certification: Required testing includes
hip radiographs, thyroid profile including autoantibodies, and
genetic test for VWD.
Recommend patella evaluation, elbow radiographs, CERF eye
examination, and cardiac examination.
Miscellaneous
- Breed name synonyms: Toy Manchester Terrier, Black and Tan
Terrier (historical), Toy Black and Tan Terrier (historical), English
Toy Terrier, Gentleman's Terrier (historical)
- Registries: AKC, CKC, UKC, KCGB (Kennel Club of Great Britain),
ANKC (Australian National Kennel Club), NKC (National Kennel Club)
- AKC rank (year 2008): 107 (404 dogs registered)
- Internet resources: American Manchester Terrier Club:
http://clubs.akc.org/mtca
Canadian Manchester Terrier Club:
www.canadamt.com
British Manchester Terrier Club:
www.british-manchester-terrier-club.co.uk
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