Manchester Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison

As a working dog, the Border Terrier comes from the border country between England and Scotland. To be more specific, the dog originates from the rough hill country in the areas on both sides of the border between England and Scotland – an area known as 'The Border Country'. The breed was developed by the farmers, using the Terriers to help contain the fox population.

It is believed that they are related to other kinds of terriers which also came from this region such as the Bedlington- and Dandie Dinmont Terriers. The first Border Terrier was registered in 1913 with the British Kennel Club. Later, the Border Terrier Club was also formed. A club for these dogs was also registered in the United States in 1930.

Looking much like the Black and Tan Terrier, the Manchester Terrier is a dog that was actually developed from the Black and Tan, which is the oldest known breed of terrier.

In the United States there are 2 varieties of the Manchester Terrier — the Toy and the Standard but in the UK the 2 sizes are classified as different breeds - the English Toy Terrier and the Manchester Terrier.

The dog was first bred in the 19th century to wipe out rats and mice, originating from Manchester, England. This is an old dog breed, gaining the nickname of the Gentleman's Terrier because of its dignified looks and personality.

After the 2nd World War, the numbers of the dog dropped and this spurred the kennel club to list it as a vulnerable native breed, in danger of extinction. It was in 1937 that the British Manchester Terrier Club was formed.

The Border Terrier is a small to medium sized dog, weighing roughly between 5- and 7kg and standing at anything between 28 and 40cm in height. With his dark brown eyes and keen, alert expression, and with ears dropping forward, people describe the head as being like that of an otter. He is a courageous worker and a loyal companion but some people may not take kindly to him wanting to dig under-, or climb over barriers to get out to follow a scent or to go exploring.

The Border Terrier is a rough coated dogs of medium size with narrow build. The dog’s height is slightly greater than the dog’s length. The coat can be tan and black or dark grey. Sometimes the coat is described as grizzle - dark tipped hairs which give an overlay of color to the tan or red coat. You can also possibly find some white on the muzzle or chest. He has a double coat, with the outer coat being short, dense and wiry. The tail is of medium length and the ears drop forward toward their cheeks.

The Manchester Terrier is a small, smooth haired dog with a black and tan coat and a head with a fairly long muzzle, small bright eyes, largish erect ears and a deep chest.

The body is lean and muscular and the tail, where once docked, now tends to be left long. In the toy sized dog you will find him standing at roughly 25 – 30cm in height and he will weigh between 2 to 4kg. The standard sized dog will be slightly taller and heavier and weigh in the region of 8kg.

You can expect between 2 – 4 puppies from a breeding pair.

Temperament:

Feisty, energetic, alert and intelligent are some of the words which describe the Manchester Terrier. Like any other dog, training and socialization will make him a splendid pet, obedient and amicable among people.

He is loving and loyal, courageous and feisty and guaranteed to make you an eager-to-please pet. He can adapt to life in the city or countryside, but is going to need plenty of exercise wherever you keep him as a pet.

A Border Terrier is a dog that has to be part of the family. You can’t just stick him in your back yard as he will just pine away with unhappiness. Boredom and loneliness will cause him to bark and he has a loud bark. He’ll become destructive – characteristics that aren’t his fault because he didn’t ask to be bought and just stuck away.

Train and socialize your Border Terrier so that he becomes the great dog he is intended to be. He gets on well will children who have been taught to be kind to animals and he will get along with other pets in the home. The Border Terrier is an affectionate, sensitive dog and once trained he is willing to obey your commands.

The Border Terrier isn’t the greatest guard dog but is best known for his loving, devoted and loyal nature. He loves his food, and if you feed him well, provide him with a warm, dry place to sleep and provide him with lots of attention and exercise, you’ll have the most devoted and loving friend for life.

The Manchester Terrier has so many good qualities that make him such a good pet. Low maintenance, he is clean and well groomed to look at. He is also a healthy dog breed, nice and active and low maintenance.

This little dog is willing to come into your home and heart. He will make you a wonderful pet and friend for as long as 15 years if you take special care of him.

Border Terriers are a healthy breed and with good food and plenty of love and attention, they can reach 14 years of age. It is to be noted with this dog breed that he doesn’t show signs of pain or sickness easily so you want to watch him closely.

Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome - This is a disease which can be evident from 7 months of age already. The disease was once known as Spike's Disease, and its an hereditary disease of Border Terrier dogs. The cause of the disease is unknown but it is similar to canine epilepsy. It is thought that a contributing factor can be gluten, so a gluten-free diet will be recommended.

Heart defects can also affect Border Terriers, one of which is pulmonic stenosis. This is a narrowing of the valve which separates the right chamber of the heart from the lungs. It can ultimately lead to arrhythmia to congestive heart failure. He’ll have difficulty with breathing, suffer from abdominal distension and won’t be able to exercise properly.

This dog breed is fairly healthy and can reach a good age if looked after well. Every dog though, can be affected by a number of inheritable genetic disorders.

Glaucoma is a common genetic condition in Terrier breeds, including the Manchester Terrier. Secondary glaucoma, which is known as lens luxation is brought about when there is excessive pressure in the eyeball. The lens of the eye is put out of alignment. Most times surgery is the solution.

Von Willebrand's Disease is a blood disorder that affects the clotting process. A dog with this disease will have bleeding gums, continuous bleeding after surgery and sometimes blood in the stool. It’s a disease which can’t be cured but it can be managed with treatments.

Grooming

Because the topcoat of the Border Terrier is dense and harsh with a thick undercoat, he will require moderate grooming. He doesn’t shed too much. Brush your Border Terrier twice a week to remove dead hair and keep your dog’s coat healthy. As part of his grooming, keep his nails clipped as well as his teeth checked and brushed at least twice a week. Make use of specialized dog toothpaste and brush.

Diet

The Border Terrier can quickly put on weight so it is important to feed him according to the instructions on the packaging if you’re going to be feeding him with commercially manufactured dog food. Make sure its a quality brand and one which caters for his energy requirements.Dogs are individuals, and they don’t all eat the same amount. As a responsible dog owner, it is up to you to monitor your pet and understand his unique requirements.

Grooming:

Low maintenance, the Manchester Terrier will only require a brushing once or twice a week. Check his eyes and ears for infections, clip his nails and brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week.

Diet:

The Manchester Terrier is a lean, muscular dog and you want to be sure to keep him that way. If you feed him commercially manufactured food, make sure that it is one of the high quality brands – food which is packed full of vitamins and minerals to ensure the health of your dog.

Any packaged food you buy should be appropriate to the dog’s age and his activity levels. You won’t be doing your dog a favor by feeding him treats that you enjoy such as chocolate, coffee, peanuts, raisins, grapes and onions.

Dogs want simple food that don’t change much. Keeping things simple prevents upset stomachs. Give him some wholesome home-made food occasionally to add into his dry kibble. This can be boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some cooked or raw vegetables such as potatoes, carrots and spinach. Some raw meat added in from time to time can also do wonders for your dog. Make sure he has access around the clock to fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

The Manchester Terrier wants lots of exercise, and apart from him having his regular daily walks, he will need runs off the leash in the park. If you go cycling for instance, he will readily run beside you.