Toy Manchester Terrier

The Toy Manchester Terrier is the miniature version of its namesake, and in some registries a separate breed rather than a size variety.

History

Victorian breeders shrank the Manchester Terrier for the drawing room, and for a period pushed it too far — the very smallest were fragile enough that the fashion collapsed, and the breed had to be rebuilt on sounder stock. British registries treat it as one breed with two sizes; American ones split it in two, which is why the same dog has two names depending on where it is registered.

Temperament

The breed is known for being bright, alert and closely bonded to its person, spirited for its size and wary of strangers.

Care and training

Exercise needs are modest and met on walks and in play. The short coat needs nothing, and a small thin-coated dog feels the cold. Training suits short, consistent sessions.

Health

Known tendencies include patellar luxation, von Willebrand's disease and the dental crowding common in very small breeds. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.