Manchester Terriers are keenly alert and very active both inside and out without being hyperactive. More loving with and devoted to family than other terriers, they thrive on attention. Athletic and agile, they do well with active families. Manchester Terriers love to play. They will play with you, with another dog, or by themselves. But they bore if left alone for long periods resorting to destructive chewing or excessive barking. With their playfulness and naturally high activity level, their exercise needs are not difficult to meet. A brisk walk twice a day and a romp outside in addition to their playtime suffices. Frequently one family member is favored over others with this person receiving special lap and bed warming services. This person is frequently an older, well-behaved child with whom the dog eagerly joins in any game the child wants to play. But great care must be taken as this tiny, fine-boned dog is easily injured. Stand-offish with strangers, they are quick to bark making them excellent watchdogs. But so easily injured, they do not have any significant protective abilities. First bred as a ratter, they will dispatch any small creature, furry or feathered. Although they prefer their own breed, they are not as argumentative with other dogs as the typical terrier. Most disagreements occur between dogs of the same sex. To avoid confrontations, avoid keeping adult dogs of the same sex together. When outside, he must be securely fenced or on-leash otherwise his curiosity and prey drive will have him miles away. Many are possessive of their food and toys and excessive barking is not unusual.

The Toy Manchester Terrier is a tiny dog standing 8-13 inches at the withers and weighing 12 pounds or less. They have prick ears that can be folded over (called button ears) but cropping a toy’s ears disqualifies him from the show ring. The only acceptable coat color is a glossy jet black with rich mahogany markings over each eye and marking the muzzle, legs, and tail. Even though their sleek, short-haired coat needs virtually no grooming they shed only lightly. They do better than most breeds in the heat but do not like cold temperatures. Use a sweater in winter and make sure their ears do not freeze.

Manchester Terrier puppies should be well socialized to prevent them from being sharp or timid. If they are to live with children, socializing them with many youngsters can prevent the dog from being overly protective. Manchester Terriers are intelligent, easy to housebreak, and quick to learn. They excel in events such as agility, rally, and obedience, where their eagerness to please comes to the fore. But an exceedingly sensitive breed, they respond poorly to physical correction. Motivation featuring praise, play, and food works much better. The Toy is more reactive and tends to bark more than the standard who has a calmer temperament. Toy Manchester Terriers are a fair choice for a first-time dog owner.