Manchester Terrier.

Manchester Terrier. Manchester Terrier, breed of dog, formerly called the black-and-tan terrier or rat terrier. By about 1860 the breeding of this dog, originally a cross between a whippet and a rat-killing terrier, centered in Manchester, England; similar dogs, however, were known in other parts of England. The two varieties are the standard and the toy. Until 1959 the toy was regarded as a separate breed. The only difference between them, besides size, is the shape of the ear. Standard Manchester terriers range between 5 and 10 kg (12 and 22 lb) and stand 36 to 41 cm (14 to 16 in); the ears are small, erect or button-shaped, or, if cropped, long and erect. The toy variety, standing 15 to 18 cm (6 to 7 in), weighs 5 kg (12 lb) or less and has moderate-sized ears, which are erect and not flaring; dog-show regulations forbid cropping. The coat of both varieties is close and glossy, jet black with well-defined tan markings above the eyes, along the lower jaw and throat, and on the legs up to the knees. The long, tapering head with its sparkling black eyes is set on a moderately long neck. The chest is narrow and deep, the tail of medium length and tapered. The dog is notably intelligent and companionable and, with its clean habits and short hair, makes an admirable house pet. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.