These dogs are well-known for their high-spirited and bouncy energy! They are also very loyal pooches and once trained and socialised correctly, they make a very well-mannered breed. Because of all the energy they have, they need lots of mental and physical stimulation to stop them from getting bored, as well as lots of exercise and walks. For this reason, they are better suited to a family that already lead an active lifestyle, that they can easily slot into! Additionally, they make fantastic watchdogs due to their high alertness. One thing to watch out for with these guys is that they are prone to developing separation anxiety if left alone for too long. For this reason, they need someone to be around most of the day.

The history behind these dogs is essentially a bit of a mystery to all, however, the earliest records we have are of a black and tan terrier-like dog documented in a manuscript from the 15th century, which would make the breed one of the oldest Terriers to date. Their ancestors were highly prized during Tudor Times, owned by Queen Elizabeth and described as fantastic ratters. They were also talked about in a book published in the 1790s, called 'The General History of the Quadrupeds'. During the 1800s, a similar Terrier called Jack Black was famous on the streets, known for his fantastic ability to catch rats! It was during the 1800s that a breeder, named John Hulme, decided to develop the breed further to create a dog in the North West of England that was quicker on its feet. He did this by crossing black and tan terriers with snap dogs resulting in a dog similar to the Manchester Terrier that we see today. They were additionally used in the creation of the Doberman! Nowadays, they are a fairly rare breed and anyone wanting to share their home with one would need to be put on a waiting list.