In America, Manchester Terriers are divided into two types, the toy and the larger standard, but in Britain, these are regarded as two entirely separate breeds. The standard sized dog is a Manchester Terrier, while their smaller counterparts are English Toy Terriers (Black and Tan).

Rats had all but overrun England in the 19th century, and professional rat catchers had good trade. They relied on the tenacity of their dogs, and many of them were the standard sized Manchester Terriers that had became popular in England during the 19th century. These effective and relentless vermin hunters worked in the ports and wharves of England’s central and northern areas, as well as mines and farms, but the Manchester district of England in particular was considered “breed central” for these dogs, and for that reason, they acquired the name, Manchester Terrier, sometime between the 1860 and the 1890s.

Manchester Terrier by Bowwowsketch is available as a print here.