🐾 Small · England

Manchester Terrier: Size, Weight & Temperament

An elegant black-and-tan English terrier, alert and agile, originally bred for ratting and still highly driven today.

~ Some experience
Manchester Terrier dog breed portrait
Photo: Wikimedia Commons · GPL · Wikimedia Commons
Weight male6–10 kg
Weight female5–9 kg
Shoulder height36–41 cm
Size classSmall (under 12 kg)
Fully grownat approx. 12 months
Life expectancy14–16 years
Activity levelHigh
OriginEngland
ClassificationFCI Group 3, Section 1 (Large and Medium-sized Terriers)
Temperament & character

The Manchester Terrier is attentive, clever and deeply loyal to its family, while showing reserve toward strangers. Its typical terrier stubbornness calls for clear, patient training.

Exercise & stimulation

It needs adequate daily exercise and occupation; dog sports such as agility or earthdog work suit it very well. Its pronounced prey drive makes it unsuitable for households with small pets.

Grooming

The short, smooth coat is low-maintenance and needs only occasional brushing. Because of its thin coat, it chills quickly in cold weather.

Suitable for beginners?

Manageable for committed first-time owners who are prepared for terrier independence and train consistently but lovingly.

Health & common problems

The breed is generally considered robust, though von Willebrand disease, patellar luxation, and occasional eye conditions occur in some bloodlines.

Good with: active owners without small pets in the household

Is your Manchester Terrier at a healthy weight? Calculate the ideal weight and the right portion size for free in the Souldog app.

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This information is for general guidance and does not replace veterinary or breeder advice. Temperament and health vary individually within every breed.