Manchester Terrier
The Manchester Terrier is described by the AKC as bright, spirited, keenly observant, a member of the Terrier Group, originally from England.
Last updated: October 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Height | 15-16 inches [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 12-22 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 15–17+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Bright / Spirited / Keenly Observant [1] |
| AKC group | Terrier Group [1] |
| Origin | England [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 131 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Active, swift, and athletic, the Manchester will require a couple of good walks with his human every day to maintain his mental and physical health. He can enjoy relaxing on the sofa with his owner but will be equally eager to go outside and chase a few tennis balls or run around and play vigorously. [1]
Grooming
The Manchester is a very easily maintained, 'wash and wear' kind of dog. An occasional bath with a shampoo formulated for dogs is all that is necessary to keep him looking quite dapper. Wiping him down weekly with a damp towel or a hound glove will give the coat a healthy shine. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Lovers of the Manchester Terrier around the globe are currently banding together to develop a genetic test for juvenile cardiomyopathy, a deadly disease that can affect the breed (and several others). If your Manchester ever requires surgery, remind your vet that the breed should be given anesthesia with the same caution as their Greyhound ancestors. Also, like some small dogs, the Manchester can be affected by 'loose knees,' or patellar luxation. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation, Von Willebrand Disease I (VWDI) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a small dog (median $508) | $273 – $1,110 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, small dog | $352 – $1,258 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, small dog | $435 – $1,484 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Manchester Terrier in 1887. [1]
- It ranked No. 131 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 137 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Manchester, the Gentleman¿s Terrier.” [1]
- The AKC lists England as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 4 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 4/5)
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 2/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Close neighbors or thin walls: AKC rates barking 4/5
Common questions
How long do Manchester Terriers live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 15-17 years.
How big does a Manchester Terrier get?
AKC breed information lists height 15-16 inches and weight 12-22 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Manchester Terrier?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For small dogs like the Manchester Terrier, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.