Reviving the Breed ~ Part Three
After the War, in 1946 only eleven pure bred Manchester Terriers were known to exist in Britain, most of which were too old to breed. The Manchester Terrier was close to the edge of extinction.
Action to try and save the breed was initiated. During the 1950’s the Kennel Club licensed controlled cross breeding with the English Toy Terrier, which had only split from the Manchester between the wars. This had the desired effect and the breed began to rise from the ashes.
In addition, Manchester Terrier dogs were imported from the USA, notably Sir Oscar of Chatham Farms pictured below, left and Gwinney Willows Thunderstorm on the right. They added important new blood to the breed and set the seal on the breed’s recovery from the Second World War.
Sir Oscar of Chatham Farms (Eaglespur)
Sire to CH. Eaglespur Black Knight
The Manchester Terrier has survived despite the trials and tribulations of its past. To some it may seem that the Manchester Terrier has only just arrived on the scene, but clearly the breed has been with us for a very long time, and seems set to prosper for many years to come.
Gwinney Willows Thunderstorm (Eaglespur)
Sire to CH. Eaglespur Lancehead, whose picture can be seen on many early highlights (1980’s),
and many more.
Information supplied by ‘H’ Hockley, the BMTC Archivist.
Read more about our breed in > Our positive future