Manchester Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison

Manchester Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed ComparisonBoth American Staffordshire Terrier and Manchester Terrier are originated from United Kingdom. American Staffordshire Terrier may grow 18 cm / 8 inches higher than Manchester Terrier. American Staffordshire Terrier may weigh 23 kg / 51 pounds more than Manchester Terrier. Both American Staffordshire Terrier and Manchester Terrier has almost same life span. American Staffordshire Terrier may have more litter size than Manchester Terrier. Both American Staffordshire Terrier and Manchester Terrier requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Terrier dog
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United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Height Male:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
Height Female:
40 - 47 cm
15 - 19 inches
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 27 kg
39 - 60 pounds
2 - 4 kg
4 - 9 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 23 kg
33 - 51 pounds
2 - 4 kg
4 - 9 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
2 - 4
Size:
Large
Small
Other Names:
Staffy • Staffie • Stafford • Staff • Am Staff • Amstaff • American Staffy
Gentleman's Terrier, the Manchester
Colors Available:
BlackBlueBrindleBrownWhiteYellow
Black and Tan
Coat:
smooth, Single
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

american staffordshire terrierThe American Staffordshire Terrier is a part of all the confusion surrounding the group of “pit bulls”. The American Staffordshire Terrier is directly related to the English Bull Terrier and English Terrier. The breed of the English Staffordshire Terrier was bred in the early 19th century in the West Midlands. It was not until later that the breed came from Staffordshire. These English Staffordshire Terriers are also the source of contention by breeders who insist it was the Fox Terrier, White English Terrier, Tan and Black Terrier that are the ancestors of the English Staffordshire Terrier.

These terriers (AKA pit bull terrier) came to the United States in the mid 1800’s. By the late 1890’s they were accepted by the United Kennel Club (UKC)as the American Pit Bull Terrier – a new and distinct breed. There were also some that were accepted into the AKC as the Staffordshire Terrier. In England they were still known as the American Staffordshire Terrier. When the AKC accepted the breed in 1936 they were given a new standard, new purpose and new group – the terrier. In 1969 the American Kennel Club recognized these dogs as American Staffordshire Terriers and refused to recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier. The name was changed to move the breed away from its characterization as a bull fighter and to distinguish it from the smaller English Staffordshire Terrier. All American Staffordshire Terriers are directly related to the American Pit Bull Terriers.

manchester terrierLooking 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.

Description

american staffordshire terrier puppy - descriptionThe American Staffordshire Terrier is a strong, powerful dog – stocky, muscular and graceful. At one point in time the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier were considered to be the same breed. Even today there are those that make that argument, but they have been recognized outside the AKC as separate breeds. The AKC only recognizes the American Staffordshire Terrier and not the APBT. However – even though there have been decades of separation in breeding the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier are the very same dogs genetically.

The American Staffordshire Terrier has a broad skull, high set ears and pronounced cheek bones. Their ears should not be cropped by AKC standards and their eyes are far apart, round and dark. With a medium sized muzzle and a heavy muscular back, they are as powerful as they look, if not more so. Most have black noses. The AmStaff has a broad, deep chest with wide set forelegs and compact feet. The tail is short and tapered and it should not be docked.

manchester terrier puppy - descriptionThe 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.

Characteristics

american staffordshire terrier dog - characteristicsThe American Staffordshire Terrier is a loving, gentle dog that wants nothing more than to be with and please his people. Contrary to his reputation as a “killer”, this dog is actually a lover. They are great with children and want to be a part of the family. They even think they are lap dogs, regardless of their size. They are never going to be aggressive toward people and even though they are not one-person dogs, they are loyal, and they are devoted to the family and the “leader of the pack”.

This breed can tell who is their friend and who is not. They are not aggressive, but they will protect their own. They are courageous, confident, attentive, bold and strong-willed. The AmStaff gets along with other dogs most of the time, but they will never back down from a challenge and should never be left unsupervised with another dog. They should not be loose in a neighborhood or at a dog park. No matter how much you trust your American Staffordshire Terrier they can be killers in any fight with another dog.

In addition to this you must socialize and train your AmStaff. You need to be the pack leader and be in control. The AmStaff wants to please you so for a strong leader they will respond positively to positive training. They are intelligent and pick up quickly on what you want them to do. However, they are incredibly strong physically so training them to heel and walk with you obediently is a must. A well trained and exercised American Staffordshire Terrier is a happy dog and a loyal family dog.

manchester terrier dog - characteristicsThe 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.

Health Problems

american staffordshire terrier puppies - health problemsFor the most part the American Staffordshire Terrier, like most of the “pit bulls” is a hearty, healthy dog. They have a few tendencies that breeders should test for including hip dysplasia, allergies, and heart issues. They can test for Cerebellar ataxia, which has affected the AmStaff with a progressive decline in their ability to control their muscles and coordination.

manchester terrier puppies - health problemsThis 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.

Caring The Pet

american staffordshire terrier dogs - caringfeed You can feed your American Staffordshire Terrier either commercially purchased food or food you make yourself if the quality is high, nutrition is good, and the amount eaten is determined by the owner. Do not free feed. The AmStaff has the tendency to become obese. Its ok to use treats for training and rewards, as long as its use is controlled.

Health issues

As previously mentioned the American AmStaff Terrier has a tendency toward a few health issues. Hip Dysplasia – this condition causes a lot of pain and disability. It leads to different types of arthritis and degenerative joint disease. Cardiac Issues – Congenital heart disease consists of vessel malformation and lesions.

Allergies

Thyroid Issues

The AmStaff can be susceptible to Autoimmune Thyroiditis. This is a form of hypothyroidism developed by dogs. It is usually seen between 2 and 5 years of age. Continual retesting is recommended.

Cerebellar Ataxia

This is the most dangerous disease possibility that the American Staffordshire Terrier faces. There is a test for this condition which causes the AmStaff to display an inability to control their muscles and a loss of balance, to the point of falling. This is a progressive disease that often leads to euthanasia. The Staffordshire Terrier Club of America suggests that AmStaffs carrying the NCL genes should never be bred.

Exercise and games

The American Staffordshire Terrier is an energetic, and athletic dog that loves to play and needs plenty of exercise. This breed is oriented to people and should never be left alone in the yard all day as a way for her to exercise. She needs you to play with her. If you cannot do this, then you should not own this breed of dog. This breed also loves to play canine sports. They thrive on games like dock diving, agility and obedience competitions. They excel at search and rescue. These are competitive dogs that want nothing more then to please their people.

Grooming:

manchester terrier dogs - caringLow 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.

Comparison with other breeds

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  4. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. American Staffordshire Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. American Staffordshire Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. American Staffordshire Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
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  17. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
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  26. Manchester Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Manchester Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Manchester Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Manchester Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Manchester Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Manchester Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Manchester Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Manchester Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Manchester Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Manchester Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Manchester Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Manchester Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Manchester Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Manchester Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Manchester Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Manchester Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Manchester Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Manchester Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Manchester Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Manchester Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Manchester Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Manchester Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Manchester Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Manchester Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Manchester Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison