The Manchester Terrier
An Analysis of the Breed Standard (Part I)By Rodney Herner
The Ratter's Review, February 2004We are extremely pleased to be able to present the first in a series of articles written by Mr. Rod Herner (Renreh Kennels) regarding the Manchester Terrier. In this series, Mr. Herner will describe and elaborate on key characteristics of the Manchester Terrier. Mr. Rod Herner has been a Manchester Terrier fancier for over 40 years. During this time he has produced many wonderful examples of the breed, in particular in the toy variety, including the only Toy Manchester Terrier ever to win the Toy Group at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Mr. Herner is also a well-respected AKC judge.
We all have our own mental picture of the per4fect Manchester Terrier, albeit this specimen will undoubtedly elude us forever. This image is conceived by our own personal interpretation of the standard of perfection. Since we are only mere humans, interpretation will vary among us. After owning and breeding Manchesters for over 40 years and judging the breed for over 10 years, I have developed a precise image, at least in my mind, of the perfect Manchester Terrier. the standard of perfection for the Manchester Terrier serves as the blueprint of my mind's image. It was requested that I share my interpretation of the Manchester standard with you via The Ratter's Review newsletter. I'll attempt to divide the discussion into three sections to be published in three consecutive issues, inasmuch as the Canadian Kennel Club standard and the American Kennel Club standard are--how should I put this using diplomacy--not the same. The CKC provides two separate standards for the Toy Manchester and the Manchester Terrier. It appears that they are considered two separate breeds. Suffice to say, my discussion will be an elaboration of both the Canadian and American standards.
When I chaired the Breed Standard Revision Committee for the AMTC back in 1991, the standard took on a whole new format. Since then this outline has been followed by all breed standard revisions at the request of the AKC. This change has resulted in a favourable continuity that includes not only the description of the conformation desired, but also addresses general appearance and movement, two very important topics that were not included in the previous AKC standard of the Manchester. I have found that general appearance and movement play a large part in my decision of placement while judging. I'll explain more about that during the discussions to follow:
In this issue I will discuss those sections of the standard that describe General Appearance, Size, Proportion, and Substance.
General Appearance
The CKC Standard has no mention of General Appearance for the Toy Manchester, but does state that the Manchester Terrier is "calculated to take his own part in the rat pit and should not be of the whippet type." Although only one sentence is used here, it does conjure up thoughts of a dog with a muscular body that possesses great power and agility, both prerequisites for getting the job done in the rat pit, barn, house, etc.
Except for size, the Toys and Standards should have the same general appearance. The very first thing I look for when a Manchester Terrier, either Toy or Standard, enters my ring is a dog that is sturdy yet elegant. He should not be so massive as to appear coarse. I want to see the sleek, clean look of an athletic dog that can excel in both killing vermin and in coursing small game. The coat should be full and lustrous; the dog should be in optimum weight with no hipbones showing. If these conditions are lacking, the entry already has two strikes against him.
Size
Basically, the CKC and AKC agree that the Toy Manchester should not exceed 12 pounds. CKC disqualifies any entry over that limit. AKC asks for an oversize Toy exhibit to be excused from the ring. Since the AKC considers the Manchester Terrier one breed with two varieties, that dog weighing over 12 lbs, may be later entered as a Standard Manchester Terrier and carries any points already earned towards his championship [Editors: The same is true in Canada]. Only the AKC calls for any Standard Manchester over 22 lbs to be disqualified. I urge any judge to take the time to weigh any exhibit that appears to be oversize. Remember that dogs should be shown in optimum weight. Dogs exhibited under optimum weight may weigh in, but they would not be in optimum condition. No preference should be given to size alone, however, is all things are nearly equal (a condition that rarely occurs) the dog of more moderate size should be rewarded.
Proportion
The CKC standard does not address substance.
The AKC Standard calls for bone and muscle to be of sufficient mass to ensure agility and endurance. Bone should be neither too fine nor too coarse. Of course, the Toys will have smaller bones that the Standards, but they should still have substance. Adequate bone should be evaluated proportionately to the size of the dog.
Substantial muscling should be felt in the thighs, but keep in mind that coarseness would impede both agility and endurance.