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course suiting dogs and handlers alike.
Magpiebank Teal the day she won the Bitch CC at
Richmond Ch Show 2017. Judge Miss F Freer.
Photo Alan Seymour.
Mantrailing – Even though all dogs can smell
up to 1000,000 times better than us, ratting
required a highly developed ‘nose’ to search
out the nests of the vermin, so Manchesters are
also very capable of finding a whole human. In
2020 Carol Wicker’s Jazz (Mimbre Bombette)
gained her Level 1 Assessment.
Obedience – Whilst those prepared to put the
effort in have proven that Manchesters can
be successful in KC Obedience classes, in
recent years we have had great success with
two ‘Obreedience’ Teams, the Ratcatchers and
Manchester Reunited. Both Teams have won
heats on their journey to the Finals at Crufts
where they have both competed on more than
one occasion.
Racing – As a high prey driven breed that
loves to build the adrenalin (typical terriers)
Manchesters love to race. They are surprisingly
happy to relinquish the chase when the ‘prey’
(lure) has gone out of sight, unlike the earth
terriers who just want to find it and hang on to
it. Manchesters happily charge back to their
handlers after the race for a lovely treat before
the lead is clipped back on. As well as Ash’s
success at Weston Park, Linda Walkers Sheldon
(Eaglespur Marcus Maximus) won the Racing
at the Bath and West County Agricultural Show
in 2019.
Rally – Manchesters compete successfully in
Rally, the calm atmosphere and challenge of the
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K9 NEWS DIGITAL / MAY 2021
Scent Work – As with Mantrailing this taps
into their ability to sniff out prey both on the
ground and in the air. Working closely with
your Manchester replicates the relationship
these above ground vermin hunters have had
with their owners since the 1500’s. In 2020
Maureen Richardson’s Edna (Llygota Edna by
Rattustrap) and Carol Wicker’s Blue – (Mimbre
Bombadier) gained their Level 1 Assessment.
Trickdog – Learning to work your dog is very
rewarding, and intelligent Manchesters are fun
to train with. This is a relatively new activity
which all family members can become involved
with no need to travel from their own home. In
2020 both Jenny Hough’s Gilpin (Barleydust
Harvestmoon) and Judy Thurlow’s Tilda
(Erkenwyne Silver Seraph) gained their
‘Expert’ title.
Working – The only professional Ratcatcher
using Manchesters is Martin Kirkbride with
his team of Izzy (Querceti Isadora for
Dobermation (ShCM)) and Drake (Brockenella
Destroyer). There are however still plenty
of ‘amateur’ vermin controllers in the breed
keeping a healthy link to the past in this most
devoted yet discerning of Terrier Breeds.
Manchesters Reunited won the Lune Valley Obree-
dience Heat 2019. L to R Ann Harrison with Ch
Magpiebank Ash, Chris Harrison with Magpiebank
Teal, Brenda Harrison with Larkswing Belle Star at
Rosadyva, Sue Pinkham with Pinkadees Ebony Chai.