Munsterlander

35-75 lbs
19-25"
Munster, Germany
Grosser Munsterlander Vorstehhund, Kleiner Munsterlander

The Munsterlander is a sporting breed that can be found in two different sizes: small and large. Although the Munsterlander is relatively new to the United States, he has been a favored hunting dog in Europe for decades. Both sizes require a lot of attention and training to be a well-adjusted family companion. His hunting instinct is very strong and he is happiest when he is doing a job. The Munsterlander should live in the house so he has plenty of interaction with the family. He should never be left to his own devices in the backyard or he will make his own fun and destroy your landscaping.

purpose Purpose
Point and Track
history Date of Origin
1300s
ancestry Ancestry
Pointers and Spaniels

Munsterlander Health

Average Size
Male Munsterlander size stats
Height: 20-25 inches Weight: 40-75 lbs
Female Munsterlander size stats
Height: 19-25 inches Weight: 35-75 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Hip Dysplasia
Minor Concerns
  • Cataracts
Occasional Tests
  • OFA
  • CERF
  • Physical Examination

Munsterlander Breed History

The Small and Large Munsterlander share the same the same basic breed history. Both sizes are relatively new to the United States and Canada but have been used throughout Europe since the 13th or 14th century. Within Europe the Small Munsterlander is oftentimes referred to as the Kleiner Munsterlander whereas the Large Munsterlander is referred to as the Grosser Munsterlander. The separation of the sizes actually occurred sometime in the middle of the 19th century. The Munsterlander originated in the Munsterland region of Germany as a German Spaniel. These dogs were first documented in 1870; however, it is believed that these dogs have been in existence since the 13th or 14th century. Artwork dating back the the Middle Ages was discovered. Many of these pieces had dogs depicted the strongly resembled the Munsterlander. Size was not distinguished until the early 20th century when the breed standard was set. The Small Munsterlander was outlined to be 19 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder whereas the Large Munsterlander was outlined to be 23 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder. The Large Munsterlander was officially recognized as a breed in 1919. Many researchers believe that longhaired Pointers were crossed with Spaniels of various sizes to create the Munsterlander. In the early 20th century breeders began setting a specific type for each size by only breeding dogs with certain qualities together to ensure those qualities were passed on. In 1966, the first documented Munsterlander arrived in the United States. This started a small movement of dog enthusiasts who created the Large Munsterlander Club of America and the Small Munsterlander Club of America. The United Kennel Club recognized both the Large and Small Munsterlander in 2006, allowing them to compete in all UKC sanctioned events.

Munsterlander Breed Appearance

The Large Munsterlander should have a long coat that is also dense except on his head, which should have short, smooth hairs. His coat should fit close to his body and be flat without any curl. He should also have nice, thick feathering on the back of his legs, his tail and ears. Feathering on his chest is acceptable and in conformation shows, it is desirable.The Large Munsterlander should have loose fitting skin on his body. His coloring should have a white background with black patches, roaned or ticked. His head is solid black and he can have a white blaze or spot on his forehead.  The Small Munsterlander should also have a long, dense coat. His coat should be weather resistant and can either be straight or have a slight curl or wave. He should have nice feathering on his ears, tail and back of his legs. Unlike the larger variety, the Small Munsterlander should not have excessive feathering on his chest. The skin on his body should be tight fitting. His coloring should also have a white background and can have brown patches, roaning and ticking. A blaze on his head is also acceptable as are tan points on his cheeks, above the eyes and around the anus. 

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Munsterlander eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Munsterlander nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
brown Munsterlander coat
Brown
white Munsterlander coat
White
gray Munsterlander coat
Gray
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Munsterlander straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Munsterlander Breed Maintenance

The Munsterlander does require a lot of attention when it comes to grooming. Even though his coat is ideal for hunting over different terrains, the length and feathering can cause tangles to quickly occur. He will need weekly grooming using a natural bristle brush and steel comb. You can use a de-tangler on his coat as well as a leave-in conditioner to help keep tangles to a minimum. When he has been out hunting it is a good idea to quickly brush him afterward so any new tangles can quickly be brushed out. He is a seasonal shedder and will shed his undercoat in the spring. Intact females will shed after each heat cycle. Regular brushing will keep the dead and loose hairs from gathering on furniture and clothing. The Munsterlander can be bathed about once a month if he develops an odor. Over-bathing is not recommended as it can cause skin irritation.

Brushes for Munsterlander
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Munsterlander requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Munsterlander Temperament

The Large Munsterlander is a quick learner and is highly trainable. He is sensitive and requires a light touch with plenty of positive reinforcement. Being a sporting breed, he will require a lot of exercise. This also includes games that make him think to keep him mentally stimulated. He can be somewhat independent and does require constant training. Do not leave him to his own devices for too long, he will become destructive and a nuisance to your neighbors. The Small Munsterlander is an adaptable and self-confident dog. He is best suited in a working home where he can use his skills as a hunting dog. He is affectionate and loves attention; this makes him a great family companion. Like all sporting dogs, though, he is high energy and requires a lot of exercise to keep from getting bored. Do not leave him outside with nothing do or he will become destructive. He can run for hours so be sure to provide ample opportunity for him to run. Many Small Munsterlander owners have invested in treadmills for days when outside exercise time is limited due to weather.

Munsterlander Owner Experiences

mazakeen
10 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
we got her at 10 weeks and started basic house training which took her quite a while for her to become dry at nights not until she was 6 months. we also started basic training sit, stay, wait, which she got quite easily :) she is very friendly and sociable so when out on our walks she would go running up to other dogs very fast and over long distance and would not come back to when called this was frustrating as not all other dog walkers especially people with little dogs liked it? and occasionally the other dog would attack her as she probably scared them, which was a problem but after a lot of hard work and maturity, she got that approaching other dogs carefully worked and a lot of training on her recall as eventually worked. now we can go out for walks without the worry of her running away to greet other dogs she'll wait till they get close and greets them gently. so it may seem like some things are not working but perseverance and training will work :) she is a wonderful dog who is a joy and good fun to be with :)
5 years, 5 months ago
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