The Toy Manchester Terrier (also known as the English Toy Terrier in the United Kingdom) has a small but not frail muscular body with erect ears and a short, glossy shedding coat. This breed has a similar behavioral profile as the Standard Manchester Terrier, with some minor differences. He is an attractive, intelligent, high-strung, very busy little game dog that is loyal, and very intuitive. The Toy Manchester Terrier is relatively healthy, easy to keep clean, odorless and the female is an easy whelper if you decide to breed. Though he is very affectionate with his owners, he tends to be a one-person dog and very suspicious of strangers. Because of his terrier instinct, this breed may show aggression toward other dogs and will have a high prey drive toward small animals, which makes him good at expelling vermin. He is a skilled watchdog, though it may bark and dig incessantly if left in a yard for too long. Like most toy breeds, this dog needs correct handling and socialization to develop his natural amazing personality. He may become aggressive and excitable if spoiled or poorly handled. He is harder to housebreak than the Standard Manchester Terrier and is also more sensitive to extremes in temperature. He will appreciate a sweater on cold days.
Size: The Toy Manchester Terrier stands 8-13in at the shoulder and weighs between 7 and12lb.
History and origin: The Toy Manchester Terrier was developed in 18th and 19th century England and is a smaller version of the Manchester Terrier. This breed was used as a ratter and descended from the old Black and Tan Rough-haired Terrier while their athletic body came from the Italian Greyhound and the Whippet. He began in England under the name Toy Manchester Terrier and was later known with various names such as Toy Black and Tan, and Miniature Black and Tan. He was finally recognized as English Toy Terriers by the British Kennel Club in 1962.
Feeding: Recommended feeding for the Toy Manchester Terrier would be 1/3 – ½ can (13.3oz size) of high quality meat product with added biscuit in the same amount or 1-1 ½ cups of a complete dry food. Occasionally substitute lightly cooked minced beef mixed with biscuit. Lean meat scraps makes for a great treat.
Exercise: The Toy Manchester Terrier adapts well to apartment living as long as he is walked several times a day.
Grooming: This breed has a short, glossy, shedding coat that needs daily brushing. His coat can be massaged to maintain his shiny appearance. You may also add a teaspoon of cod liver oil in his food once a week.
