Are Manchester terriers good with kids?

Answer 1

This is a tricky one open to interpretation but the general answer is, if they are young children, no.

These dogs are very intelligent, very physical and intensely curious. However, they tend to bond only with a very small number of people and after a long period of familiarisation.

They are a breed originally bred for hunting and, sadly, they will kill cats, rabbits, hamsters and birds without question whether they are pets or not.

Around young children they can be a problem as they tend to be intensely loyal to their main owner and very protective of their own space and toys. Given this and their high energy levels they will growl at, bark at or push over a young child who strays unwittingly into their space or routines.

As a general guide, for example, there are breeders and animal sanctuaries in the UK who will not let you take one of these dogs to a home where children under 10 years live or are likely to regularly visit.