Manchester Terrier 05/02/2021

I asked Kev Carter (who as most are aware isn’t having a good time of it health wise at present) to give me a few lines about owning the Breed record holder (CH Digelsa Declaration), so here you go….. “In 2013, after 35 years with Salukis I felt that it was time for a change. I have always held an interest with Terriers and I struggled to narrow down the right breed for me. But I felt drawn to Manchester Terriers because of their composition, temperament and working-class origins. I fell completely in love with him on first meeting. Bought by my daughter, I chose ‘Declaration’ as a statement of my new start. Alfie, first and foremost, is my pal. He is a family pet and was raised alongside Salukis, Cocker Spaniels and Border Collies. I think this is what developed is friendly temperament. He is loyal, he has a natural curiosity and a strong independent streak. He once slipped his lead and was later found playing with some children on the beach. He is a cheeky terrier but loves cuddling up in front of the fire and eating toast crusts. He enjoys long, muddy walks which keeps him in such good muscled condition. Alfie, the record-breaking show dog, with 39 CCs is perfection. I can’t quite believe I got so lucky! He loves being shown. When he walks into the ring he transforms; his enthusiasm and joy is evident. The day that he placed 4 th in the Terrier Group at Crufts will forever be the highlight of my show career. Alfie was bouncing around in the puddles on the way back to the car, just happy to be with me. I want to thank the breed for welcoming and accepting me and Alfie. And I want to thank Mick Oxley for sharing the emotional journey of his record breaking wins. I love Manchester Terriers and I hope that Alfie’s legacy inspires the growth of their popularity in the future.” Thanks Kev, great lines.

Looking back on the Manchester Terrier breed standard issued by the KC in 1950, it leaves some food for thought and how things have moved on and developed in the past 70 years. In whole, not a lot of modification to the present day standard, just some points clarified. General Appearance- The dog shall be compact in appearance with good bone and free from any resemblance to the whippet. No mention to size, however does state that desirable weight would be dogs 18 lbs & bitches 17 lbs. This equates to approx.. 8 kgs. Colour requirements, little change. No change in coat. Ears no change, Eyes, similar, however old standard stated ‘oblong’ instead of ‘almond’ shape. No change on feet. Tail, no change. 

Nothing positive to report showing wise, with Champ shows still postponing or cancelling. BMTC confirmed February show cancelled / postponed and AGM also put back. In line with recent KC announcements, I believe the option of a ZOOM meeting AGM is been considered, I am sure there will be further news on this shortly elsewhere.

Sandy Coster reported on the Manchester Terrier Assoc (proposed) FB page, that she has found a nephrologist in Holland, who wants to assist in reviewing renal failure in the breed. She is asking for anyone who can to share reports of their dogs that were lost to this disease.

Please get in touch and send any info to myself on the breed or dog talk in general, don’t be afraid to mail me with your personal stories, think everyone likes to listen to doggy chat, whilst we remain in these more confining times.

I am readily contactable with your news by any of the following means:

Facebook / Email: mwalshaw.janmark@gmail.com / telephone: 01287 652860 / face to face at all Champ shows.

Mark Walshaw JANMARK