One of the brightest representatives of the English dog breeds is the energetic and agile Manchester Terrier. These smooth-haired dogs quickly gained love and popularity among fans of four-legged pets.
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How did the breed Manchester Terrier
Several centuries ago, a dog breed called the black and tan terrier was especially popular in the western part of Britain. The descendants of these animals are known to modern dog breeders as the Manchester Terrier. England is rightfully considered the birthplace of such breeds.
Three species of these animals became the progenitors of modern Manchester terriers:
- whippet;
- black and tan terrier;
- West Highland White Terrier.
It is interesting. At the end of the 19th century, a variety of the Manchester Terrier was bred by selection work. The new breed for its tiny size was called the Toy Manchester Terrier. However, over time, the number of standard Manchesters rapidly decreased, and the breeds were again combined into one, while two growth varieties of dogs were distinguished.
Initially, these smooth-haired dogs were bred to kill rodents, in particular rats. These dogs were ideally suited for such work. However, over time, demand for small Pied Piper fell, which did not contribute to the further development of the breed. As a result, the Manchester Terrier lost most of its hunting qualities, gradually transforming into a pet.
The official breed standard was approved in 1988.In the 30s of the 20th century in England, a club for fans of Manchester was created by enthusiasts. By breeding, the breed was saved from extinction.
Today, Manchester Terriers are rarely seen outside of England, and in the country themselves they are not very common.
Characteristics and purpose of the dog
Former Pied Piper, who, by the will of fate, became home companions, Manchester Terriers won the sympathy of people around the world and became full members of the family. These cheerful dogs are happy to keep company with children and adults while walking.
The Manchester Terrier is famous for its unpretentiousness and good health.
The description of the breed will fit in just a few words: speed and energy. Seeing the dog at the peak of its activity, it remains the impression that these animals were created specifically for outdoor fun and dog games. The modern representatives of this breed are unlikely to be caught catching rats, but they are often participants in agility - special competitions intended for small dogs. As a rule, in such martial arts, Manchesters show excellent results.
The small size of Manchester Terriers is offset by their tenacity, quick wits and obedience. Nevertheless, the sports excitement did not drown out the hunting ardor. Manchester Terriers are able to detect prey under a layer of snow, perfectly following the track and digging the ground.
It is interesting. At a time when hunting for rats was considered a kind of competition, one of the representatives of the breed Manchester Terrier destroyed about a hundred rats in just 6.5 minutes.
The main difference between Manchester and other varieties of terriers is their responsiveness and obedience.
Advantages and disadvantages
- The indisputable advantages of the breed include their observation and attentiveness, livability and friendliness. Manchesters quite peacefully coexist with other animals, which is not often seen among terriers.
- Also, Manchester Terriers are excellent, loyal and attentive companions.
- Dogs are in good health, do not require too careful care, are not picky about food.
- The reaction of the little terriers is magnificent, which is proved by the remarkable results of various dog competitions. It’s a pleasure to train such animals.
- The dog is equally well suited for living in the home, because it does not need large spaces.
- Manchester is an ideal companion for active people who love long walks. These dogs are extremely hardy.
But in the absence of proper education, Manchester is persistent and even harmful. Also, these kids are distinguished by cunning and ingenuity, which in combination with speed and mobility can play in no way in favor of the owner. Deficiencies are considered unreasonable cowardice or, conversely, aggression.
How to choose a puppy
Today it is rather difficult to acquire Manchesters in the vast European countries, and even at home this breed is considered quite small. People who want to try their hand at breeding should consider purchasing a puppy abroad.
When choosing a pet, you should pay attention to his parents. Another important aspect is the availability of testing of various diseases characteristic of the breed. A number of kennels breed only show dogs. In such Manchester hunter instinct is expressed to a much lesser extent.
Another criterion for choosing a puppy of the Manchester Terrier should be eye-catching defects of the breed. One of them is atypical color: such a dog can be regarded solely as a pet, but not the winner of the exhibitions.
Of no small importance is the weight of the animal, and since tracking it in puppies is quite problematic, the dimensions of the parents should be clarified. Weight indicators should not be more than 10 and less than 6 kg.
Also very important are the behavior of the dog. You should not choose an unfriendly and aggressive pet.
Healthy terriers are playful, well-fed, courageous and inquisitive.
Nicknames for Manchester Terrier
In the case of acquiring a puppy with the necessary documents, the task of choosing a nickname is simplified - the animal already has a name. If the owner does not like it, the dog can be called, as he pleases. Nevertheless, in all documents the name entered in the metric will appear.
For boys, the nicknames Vincent, Maxwell, Aizik, Badzhik, Ronnie, Keks, Radik, etc. are suitable.
Manchester girls can be called Cora, Jackie, Aisha, Bessie, Laurie, etc.
Features of care and maintenance
It is not particularly difficult to take care of the Manchester Terrier: these dogs do not need the services of a groomer, various hairbrushes and other attributes necessary for grooming.
- These animals almost do not fade, it is enough to wipe their fur coat with a damp cloth in order to cleanse the hairs and give them shine.
- A special rubber brush is suitable for combing.
- The eyes, ears, mouth of the Manchester should also be kept in exemplary order.
- Once every 3 months, the pet needs to cut its claws.
- Once a week, the dog needs to clean its ears.
Short hair, no doubt, has a lot of advantages, but is not able to protect the animal from the cold. For this reason, in the cold season, walking with Manchester should not be too long. It is also recommended to purchase a special hat and jumpsuit for the pet.
The dark color of the wool attracts the rays of the sun, so in the heat of Manchester can get a heat stroke. In the summer, it is better not to allow the pet to overheat and try to spend more time in the shade.
Walking with Manchester should be daily - the pet needs to "release" the accumulated energy. This variety of terriers is difficult to adapt to life on the street, it is best to keep them in the house.
Puppy and adult dog food
Feeding Manchester Terriers is permissible with both ready-made dry food and natural food.
- The first option includes all the necessary substances and vitamins, in addition, feed manufacturers take into account all the needs of four-legged pets.
- The natural menu includes products prepared by the owner himself. This may include lean meats (chicken, turkey, veal, beef) cereals, fruits, vegetables, greens.
Tip. It is not recommended to give the pet pork and river fish. Potatoes should be excluded from vegetables. The use of sweets or smoked meats by the terrier is not allowed.
Manchester puppies can be fed 4 times a day. An adult can eat twice or thrice a day at the same time, preferably after the end of the promenade.
Manchester Terriers love to eat yummy, especially banned. In order to prevent overeating, and subsequently obesity of the dog, it is necessary to strictly regulate the volume of servings.
Characteristic breed diseases
Although this breed is famous for its health, small Manchesters can still be susceptible to a number of diseases, including:
- von Willebrand pathology (is a high risk of thrombosis);
- dislocation of the patella and joint disease;
- glaucoma;
- epilepsy;
- cataract;
- infectious diseases (prevented by timely vaccination).
In the presence of the slightest deviations in the appearance or behavior of the pet (limping, loss of appetite, fever), you should immediately show the dog to the veterinarian.
Pet training and education
Manchester Terriers are intelligent animals with excellent memory and innate hunter instincts. For this reason, it is useful to train them hard and prepare them for competitions in the already mentioned agility. The programs of such sports are designed specifically to meet the needs of dogs, distinguished by agility, briskness and dexterity.
When training, the owner of the Pied Piper Terrier should be moderately tough, and most importantly - persistent and patient. Representatives of this breed can be wayward and stubborn, but with proper education, this trait can be eliminated. Properly executed teams are an excellent occasion to encourage a pet, both in words and in various “goodies”. Patience and understanding in the process of training small rat-catchers is the key to the successful formation of the dog’s personality.
Miniature terriers, named after one of the famous parts of England - Manchester - are distinguished by good-natured disposition and selfless loyalty to the owner. These animals do not require particularly difficult care, but suggest some rigidity of training.
