Manchester Terrier

Despite its long history, the Manchester Terrier has maintained its good physical condition and is considered a robust breed today. Breed-specific diseases are rare but do exist. One exception is the genetic defect “von Willebrand Type 1”, which causes a blood clotting disorder. Symptoms can include nosebleeds, gum bleeding, prolonged bleeding after injuries or surgery, and blood in the stool. Certain medications or pre-operative measures can reduce the associated risks. Additionally, Manchester Terriers are prone to kidney issues and a condition known as “Roll-Lid” (entropion).

What to Look for When Buying a Manchester Terrier

The best protection against diseases, as with all purebred dogs, is responsible breeding that strictly excludes sick or genetically burdened animals from breeding. If you’re interested in a Manchester Terrier, you should definitely ask the breeder to show you the health test results. A DNA blood test should confirm that parent animals and puppies are not affected by von Willebrand Type 1.

If the breeder cannot provide test results, it’s best to avoid purchasing from them. Also, be cautious if the breeder offers puppies without papers at a “bargain” price (below £1,500). Reputable breeders cannot afford low prices due to the high costs of necessary health tests and vaccinations.

Of course, your dog’s health doesn’t solely depend on the breeder from whom you purchased your puppy. As a responsible owner, you can do a lot to ensure your Manchester Terrier stays healthy and vibrant. Nutrition is the most crucial factor here. While terriers are known to be “omnivores”, they need balanced and healthy food that provides all essential nutrients. Their needs vary based on age, weight, activity level, and health status, which can be precisely calculated by your vet. A healthy adult dog needs about 100g of meat and about 100g of vegetables daily. Always follow the daily doses recommended by your vet or breeder and do not exceed them. Even if your dog looks at you pleadingly with its loyal eyes, stick to two portions per day.

Health Issues Due to Wrong Feeding

The good appetite of some breed members can lead to overweight issues, which in turn can cause various health problems. Be cautious with rice and potatoes as they can cause skin, fur, and gastrointestinal issues for some terriers. Many kidney problems can also be traced back to the consumption of too much grain. If you feed your dog dry food, make sure to choose high-quality food with a clearly visible ingredients list that avoids grain, sugar, chemical preservatives, and artificial flavour enhancers. The increasingly popular raw feeding (BARFing) is also suitable for the Manchester Terrier, provided the food is of good quality and has the right ingredients.

Coat Care

The coat care of the Manchester Terrier is relatively easy. Its short, smooth fur sheds little and does not need cutting or trimming. Usually, a damp cloth is sufficient to clean it after a wet, muddy walk in the woods. To remove dead hair and maintain the sheen, you should brush their fur once or twice a week. Occasionally, you should also remove the fur between the paw pads. Like all dogs, the coat care routine should also include checking nails, teeth, and ears regularly and cleaning or trimming (nails) them as needed.

With its easy-to-care-for fur that sheds little, the Manchester Terrier is even ideal for people with allergies. It adapts easily to almost all living situations. Therefore, keeping a Manchester Terrier in a smaller city apartment is possible as long as its owner ensures it gets plenty of exercise in nearby parks. A house with its own fenced garden is ideal for such an active dog. However, a garden cannot replace the daily walks in nature that you should enjoy with your active dog. Owners of a Manchester Terrier should share their pet’s love for exercise and sport.

How Much Time Does the Manchester Terrier Require?

To make sure your dog gets enough exercise and is challenged both mentally and physically, it requires a lot of time. People who work full-time are not ideally suited to own such a lively terrier. Despite being easy-to-care-for, the Manchester Terrier needs a lot of attention. Excursions into nature, diverse walks, and participating in dog sports are essential parts of life with this dog.

Is Attending a Dog School Worthwhile?

For novice dog owners, attending a dog school should be mandatory. It’s crucial not to underestimate the independent nature and hunting instinct of these intelligent dogs. When choosing a dog school, seek experienced trainers and manageable class sizes. You and your dog should feel comfortable and enjoy the time spent together at the school.

Playmate and Sports Companion

Those who give their Manchester Terrier plenty of attention, exercise, and stimulation, understand its ‘terrier traits’, and train it consistently from the start, will find this dog to be a truly loyal and pleasant partner. A Manchester Terrier can be a loving playmate for children, an enduring sports companion, and a fearless watchdog, always ensuring the safety of its loved ones.