Numbers decline

Following the ban on ear cropping the breed struggled, but by 1909 there were signs that it was slowly regaining its earlier popularity. Then came the First World War.

The whole dog world was hit with regulations that restricted travel, the suspension of Dog Shows, difficulties feeding dogs and the fear of rabies. Numbers of Black and Tan Terriers dropped dramatically. The breed only survived thanks to dedicated fanciers like Colonel Dean, Miss Hopwood and Mr Hazzlewood.

Following the war numbers slowly recovered and the breed soldiered on. During the 1920’s the English Kennel Club decided that the smaller and larger types of Black and Tan Terrier were separate breeds.

Champion Prince Rufus, born in 1932. Owner/Breeder W Anstey

Champion Prince Rufus, born in 1932.
Owner/Breeder W Anstey

The smaller type is now known in the UK as the English Toy Terrier. Not all national Kennel Clubs follow this line of thought. In some countries the smaller type is classed as a Toy or Miniature variation of the same breed. In 1924 the Kennel Club officially adopted the name Manchester Terrier for the breed.

The British Manchester Terrier Club was formed in 1937, appropriately at a meeting held at Manchester Championship Show. Things were looking up for the breed, then came World War Two. Once again the breed suffered, and numbers fell alarmingly.

Information supplied by ‘H’ Hockley, the BMTC Archivist.

Read more about our history > Reviving the breed