Breed
The Manchester terrier is perhaps the sleekest and raciest of all terriers, with a smooth, compact, muscular body, slightly longer than tall and a slightly arched topline. The combination of power and agility enables the breed to course and kill small game and vermin. Its gait is free and effortless, not hackney. Its expression is keen and alert, and its coat is smooth and glossy. Manchester's have been described as "catlike," being impeccably clean, independent, reserved with strangers, yet sensitive. It is more responsive than many terriers and is generally a well-mannered house dog. It is devoted to its family, and enjoys napping at its special person's side. Otherwise, it is busy, ever nosing around for adventure or a game. Some tend to dig. Thay are a alert and active breed can have its exercise needs met with a moderate walk on leash, good romp in the yard or an off-lead foray in a safe area. This is not a breed that should live outdoors, although it appreciates access to a yard during the day. It likes a warm, soft bed. Coat care is minimal.

Overall, Manchester Terriers are a very healthy breed. As they are not overly popular they have not been indiscriminately breed just for profit. Most Manchester Terrier breeders are in it for their love of the breed and definitely not for making a profit.

Health

Although they are susceptible to a few genetic problems, these problems are quite rare. Specifically, Manchester Terriers have been associated with von Willebrand's Disorder (a bleeding disorder), thyroid disease, and leggs calves perthes (a bone disorder). Descriptions of each of these problems are listed below.

• Major concerns: lens luxation
• Minor concerns: none
• Occasionally seen: epilepsy, skin fragility
• Suggested tests: eye
• Life span: 15-16 years

VWD: Von Willebrand's disease is a bleeding disorder common in a number of breeds, including Manchester Terriers (both standards and toys), Doberman Pinschers, Scottish Terriers, and Shetland Sheepdogs. Affected dogs can bleed to death from relatively minor injuries because their blood does not clot properly as a result of a deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor (vWF), a plasma protein. The prevalence and severity of the disorder depends on the breed of dog. Little information is available that deals specifically with Manchester Terriers, but they do not appear to be as severely affected as some other breeds. Information provided by VetGen (a company that provides tests for vWD) indicates that approximately 59% of the Manchester Terriers genetically tested to date are clear of vWD, 35% are carriers and 6% are affected with the disorder. vWD is a genetic disorder and the gene responsible has recently been identified. Prior to this discovery vets used to offer blood tests to diagnose the disorder. The blood test (which is still available) is cheaper, but the results can be affected by a number of factors (e.g. hormonal cycles). A genetic test is now available from VetGen. The genetic test only needs to be done once and is conclusive. The test tells you if your dog is affected (has the disorder), a carrier (does not have the disorder but does carry the gene and could create affected puppies if breed with another carrier) or clear (does not have the disorder or carry the gene responsible for the disorder).

Leggs Calves Pethes: Legges-Calves-Perthes is known by a number of names including legges perthes, and aseptic necrosis. It is a condition that results in degeneration of the femur. This condition is common to many small breeds and it has been suggested that Legges Perthes is the small dog's hip dysplasia. Legges Perthes results from a lack of blood to the femur head. As the femur head does not receive an adequate supply of nourishment the bone begins to die. The condition generally appears between the ages of 6 and 9 months. Often, but not always, an injury occurs just before symptoms appear. Generally, the first symptoms are licking the rear leg, the dog becoming peevish (as a result of being in pain) and obvious pain while walking. If any symptoms are evident animals should be brought to their veterinarian for diagnosis. A x-ray will reveal whether or not the condition is present. In most cases only one joint is affected, although in approximately 10-15% of cases the damage is bilateral. Surgery is the treatment of choice for animals afflicted with the condition. The femur head and all affected bone matter is surgically removed. This generally halts the progression of the necrosis. Once treated, dogs can continue to lead relatively normal lives. There is some suggestion of a genetic basis for Legges Perthes, although inheritance of the disorder is likely complex and is not well understood, and therefore affected dogs should not be used for breeding purposes.

Thyroid & other conditions: Manchester Terriers are also prone to thyroid problems. The thyroid is a gland that produces hormones that help regulate body functions including weight and hair growth. A simple blood test can be performed to determine if the dog's thyroid is producing adequate (neither too much nor too little) thyroid levels. Breeders should test breeding stock regularly to ensure thyroid conditions are not being passed on to offspring. Manchester Terriers frequently have sparse amounts of neck hair and there is some suggestion that thyroid problems may be involved in some cases.

Manchester Terriers have also been reported to occasionally display wool allergies. Therefore, owners would be wise to ensure that all bedding is free of wool fibers.

Some have suggested that Manchester Terriers have relatively weak immune systems, although this claim has not been widely documented. Therefore, Manchester Terrier owners should be sure to keep their animals in peak condition by providing good quality food, sufficient levels of exercise and appropriate veterinary attention.