A Detailed Comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Manchester Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the American Pit Bull Terrier and for the Manchester Terrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Manchester Terrier.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Manchester Terrier

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Manchester Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Manchester Terrier is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier are Terrier Dogs. This means both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Manchester Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Pit Bull Terrier to the Manchester Terrier based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier

Factor American Pit Bull Terrier Manchester Terrier
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 14 to 16 years
Height 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 15 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Weight 30 to 85 pounds 12 to 22 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1140 $1030
Price Range $400 – $1200 $725 – $1300
Temperament Score 87.4 percent 87.1 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Juvenile Dialated Cardiomyopathy
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • Xanthinuria type 2A
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Pit Bull Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Manchester Terrier. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Manchester Terrier is 74 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the American Pit Bull Terrier is a better pet than the Manchester Terrier. So, you should get the American Pit Bull Terrier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier

    Below is a list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier are most different:

  • American Pit Bull Terriers are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Manchester Terriers are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier

    The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier are most similar:

  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier are very easy to groom.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Manchester Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier.

    American Pit Bull Terriers weigh 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. American Pit Bull Terriers are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Manchester Terriers weigh 12 to 22 pounds when fully grown. Manchester Terriers are 15 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Manchester Terrier

    The lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Manchester Terriers is between 14 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Manchester Terriers is 15.0 years.

    Manchester Terriers live longer than American Pit Bull Terriers.

    Temperament of the American Pit Bull Terrier Versus the Manchester Terrier

    The American Pit Bull Terrier has a better temperament than the Manchester Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 87.4 percent while the temperament score for the Manchester Terrier is 87.1 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 87.4 percent, the American Pit Bull Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 87.1 percent, the Manchester Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 931 American Pit Bull Terriers and 62 Manchester Terriers.

    Price of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Price of Manchester Terrier

    The average price of the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is $1140. The price of the American Pit Bull Terrier typically ranges from $400 – $1200. However, the price of a American Pit Bull Terrier can be as low as $100 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 877 American Pit Bull Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Manchester Terrier puppy is $1030. The price of the Manchester Terrier typically ranges from $725 – $1300. However, the price of the Manchester Terrier can be as low as $500 and as high as $1500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 7 Manchester Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The American Pit Bull Terrier is more expensive than the Manchester Terrier.

    American Pit Bull Terrier Manchester Terrier
    Average Price $1140 $1030
    Price Range $400 to $1200 $725 to $1300

    The charts below show the price distribution for the American Pit Bull Terrier and Manchester Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many American Pit Bull Terrier puppies or how many Manchester Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Manchester Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Manchester Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy or the Manchester Terrier puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Adopting the American Pit Bull Terrier versus Adopting the Manchester Terrier

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many American Pit Bull Terriers and many Manchester Terriers are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male American Pit Bull Terrier named Junior that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable American Pit Bull Terriers like Junior on pefinder.com.

    Also, like American Pit Bull Terriers, Manchester Terriers are also available for adoption. For example, Parker is a Male Manchester Terrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Manchester Terriers like Parker that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Cowboy Litter Of 5! is the name of another American Pit Bull Terrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Bozo is an adorable Male Manchester Terrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    American Pit Bull Terriers and Manchester Terriers are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more American Pit Bull Terriers and Manchester Terriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Manchester Terrier

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Manchester Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Manchester Terriers?

    American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Manchester Terriers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Manchester Terrier

    American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Manchester Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Manchester Terrier?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Manchester Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Manchester Terrier?

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Manchester Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Manchester Terriers?

    American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Manchester Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Manchester Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Manchester Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Manchester Terrier

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Manchester Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Manchester Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Manchester Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Manchester Terrier?

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Manchester Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Manchester Terriers?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Manchester Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Pit Bull Terriers and Manchester Terriers?

    American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Manchester Terriers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Manchester Terrier?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.

    Manchester Terriers are not easy to train.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Manchester Terrier?

    American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Manchester Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Manchester Terrier?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Manchester Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the American Pit Bull Terrier:

  • American Staffordshire Terrier (76 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Manchester Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier.
  • American Water Spaniel (74 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Manchester Terrier vs American Water Spaniel.
  • German Shepherd Dog (77 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Manchester Terrier vs German Shepherd Dog.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Manchester Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Manchester Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Manchester Terrier:

  • American Hairless Terrier (79 percent match with Manchester Terrier). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier.
  • Miniature Pinscher (79 percent match with Manchester Terrier). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Miniature Pinscher.
  • Silky Terrier (79 percent match with Manchester Terrier). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Silky Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the American Pit Bull Terrier and how the Manchester Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier and of the Manchester Terrier to other breeds:

    American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Bordoodle     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Saint Bernard     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Mountain Cur     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Sealyham Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Brussels Griffon     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pyredoodle     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Mudi     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Dogue de Bordeaux     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Border Collie     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Briard     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Siberian Husky     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Samoyed     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Collie     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Plott     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shihpoo     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Black Mouth Cur     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog     

    Manchester Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Manchester Terrier versus Schipperke     Manchester Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer     Manchester Terrier versus Bernedoodle     Manchester Terrier versus Samoyed     Manchester Terrier versus Komondor     Manchester Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Manchester Terrier versus Brittany     Manchester Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog     Manchester Terrier versus Belgian Tervuren     Manchester Terrier versus Miniature Schnauzer     Manchester Terrier versus West Highland White Terrier     Manchester Terrier versus Collie     Manchester Terrier versus Lakeland Terrier     Manchester Terrier versus Yorkipoo     Manchester Terrier versus Cavapoo     Manchester Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Manchester Terrier versus Airedale Terrier     Manchester Terrier versus Boston Terrier     Manchester Terrier versus Standard Poodle     Manchester Terrier versus Spinone Italiano     Manchester Terrier versus Brittany     Manchester Terrier versus Akita     Manchester Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Manchester Terrier versus Bloodhound     Manchester Terrier versus Shiba Inu     

    Conclusion: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Manchester Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Manchester Terrier better suits you and your family.