How to Groom Toy Manchesters

The toy Manchester terrier is a small intelligent, eager-to-please breed whose coat is very easy to care for. The toy Manchester needs very little grooming, except for an occasional bath, regular brushing to remove dust and debris from its coat, nail trimming and cleaning its teeth. Unlike many other short-haired breeds, the toy Manchester sheds little to no hair.

Things You'll Need

  • Bristle brush
  • Cotton balls
  • Shampoo
  • Ear cleaner
  • Nail clippers or grinding tool
  • Toothbrush
  • Canine toothpaste
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Give your toy Manchester terrier a bath as needed with a mild shampoo designed for dogs. Once a month or every other month is sufficient, unless the dog is dirty. Brush the dog before bathing and place cotton balls in its ears to keep water from getting into them. Lather the dog and rinse well. Avoid leaving soap residue in the toy Manchester's short coat; it can irritate the skin.

    • 2

      Use an ear cleaner for dogs to gently clean out your toy Manchester's ears at least once a month. The Manchester's erect ears tend to collect dirt. Keeping them clean will avoid irriration and infections.

    • 3

      Brush your toy Manchester weekly with a bristle brush. This will keep the dog's naturally shiny coat healthy, distribute oils from the skin and maintain the shine.

    • 4

      Trim the dog's nails regularly with a grinding tool or nail clippers for dogs. Teach the dog to have its nails trimmed as early as possible. Sit on the floor with the dog on its back, braced between your legs. This allows easy access to the paws without the dog squirming. If you're using nail clippers, avoid cutting the quick, which will bleed. Keep some styptic handy in case you need it.

    • 5

      Brush your toy Manchester's teeth several times a week. Use a toothpaste for dogs that doesn't need to be rinsed. Never use human toothpaste. A small child's toothbrush can be used for this purpose. Accustom the dog to this gradually and as early as possible so it's used to having its teeth brushed.