The Manchester Terrier likes to please its handler and learns quite quickly. These dogs can be outstanding in activities like agility skills and catch and also do well in obedience trials. The Manchester Terrier should be thoroughly socialized when it is young to prevent potential aggression. He can be headstrong, protective and snappish. This breed needs thorough, firm training.
Sources differ on the breed's combativeness with other dogs.
Ask your breeder about this characteristic in specific lines. Manchester Terriers should not be trusted with other animals and must be introduced to children as a young pup. Some lines are prone to a blood problem called glaucoma. Also some are prone to a bleeding disorder called Von Willebrand's disease, but this is rare and wounds heal quickly. If left out in the sun for long periods, heat bumps may appear along its back.