Toy Manchester Terrier Information

The Toy Manchester Terrier came about by mixing the black and tan terrier with the Whippet, Greyhound, Italian Greyhound as well as a little Dachshund.

Up until 1959 the Manchester Terrier and the Standard Manchester Terrier were registered as two separate breeds, although interbreeding between the two breeds was permitted. Since that date they have been registered as a single breed, with two varieties-the Toy and the Standard. The Toy variety should not exceed 12 pounds, the Standard should be over 12 pounds, but not exceeding 22 pounds. Their coats are short, smooth, dense, tight and glossy. Colors should be jet black and rich mahogany tan.

Development of the Toy from the larger dog was first a matter of chance and alter a matter of selective breeding. It came about in this manner-two of the larger dogs would produce a litter in which all but one puppy attained the same size as the parents. The tiny prototype attracted attention to such a degree that breeders tried to produce even more puppies of the smaller size. The breeders mated Italian Greyhounds with their dogs to keep these dogs small. The Toy variety of this breed has naturally standing ears.

The Manchester district of England was a noted center for two "poor men's sports"- rat killing and rabbit coursing. They wanted a dog that could be used for both contests. The Manchester proved useful, and other fanciers took to them instantly.