Munsterlander
Munsterlanders are Two Distinct Breeds, Small & Large, but Share Excellent Hunting Skills and Wonderful, Loving Temperaments
You wouldn't know it by looking at their names, but the Small Munsterlander and Large Munsterlander actually are two completely different dog breeds. Both share ancestry from the town of Munster, Germany, hence the similarity in names. The Small Munsterlander is the older of the two breeds, while the Large Munsterlander made its appearance in the late 19th to early 20th century.
Despite the fact that they are different breeds, they share other similarities besides their town of origin. All Munsterlanders are natural hunters with lots of endurance and energy. Regardless of size, these dogs are extremely affectionate with happy personalities. Excellent as companions, they thrive on interaction with their families, are quick to learn and eager to please. All have gentle souls but need gentle discipline with firm boundaries.
About the Small Munsterlander.
History
Originating in Munster, Germany, the Small Munsterlander dates back to the Middle Ages when it was used for small-game hunting by noble families prior to the advent of the gun. While it was once a coveted prize of the nobility, those noble privileges to the breed came to an end in 1919 when the Weimar Constitution recognized all Germans as equal under the law. As gun use became commonplace in hunting, the Small Munsterlander became a breed that could work equally well in the field and in water. It nearly disappeared during World War II because of food shortages, but was rescued from extinction in Germany. It ultimately made its way to other countries, where it was admired for its relatively small size, ability to hunt, and friendly, calm nature. Recognized in 2006 by the United Kennel Club, the Small Munsterlander Club of North America continues the Small Munsterlander's development in this part of the world. The number of available puppies is relatively low in the United States, however, so breeders often reserve puppies for families who hunt. With intelligence often compared to that of the extremely smart Border Collie, the Small Munsterlander has been described as an integral part of the hunting team, with hunter and dog acting almost instinctively in unison. While still relatively rare in the United States, with only some 2000 dogs in existence here, it remains an excellent breed for tracking and pointing with reliable precision.
Currently, the Small Munsterlander is listed within the American Kennel Club’s Foundation Stock Service directory, which is a first step toward full registration.
Appearance
A relatively small, lean dog, the Small Munsterlander weighs 35 to 60 pounds in adulthood. It has a wavy coat with feathering on the back and front legs as well as its tail. Its head is flat, with a long muzzle, brown nose, dark brown eyes and hanging ears. The chest is deep and the tail is long and thick. The overall effect is one of agility and elegance. The coat color is usually solid white or ticked background with large patches of brown.
Personality
Loyal, loving, incredibly intelligent and devoted, the Small Munsterlander is an excellent hunting dog as well as a gentle, accommodating companion. Eminently obedient and trainable, the breed is praised for its noble temperament and proud carriage. Although an exquisitely well-behaved dog, the Small Munsterlander can become frustrated if left alone for extended periods and will become destructive as a result. Make sure you keep your companion close, and you should have no problems.
Health
The Small Munsterlander is an exceedingly healthy breed, with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. The very selective breeding program used for the Small Munsterlander has meant that the breed has few health problems.
Grooming
The medium length coat usually requires just a weekly brushing to minimize shedding. Trim nails and keep ears dry and clean. Brush teeth with a vet-approved toothpaste on a regular basis, daily if your agreeable pet will allow it.
About the Large Munsterlander
History
The Large Munsterlander was not formally recognized until 1919, although it probably got its start in the late 1800s. The German Long-Haired Pointer was crossed with a variety of Spaniels to arrive at the modern Large Munsterlander. This was a popular hunting dog throughout Europe until the Great Depression and World War II, at which point it was brought back from near extinction. The first Large Munsterlanders to arrive in America came here in 1966; the Large Munsterlander Club of North America sees to its continuing development, with the United Kennel Club recognizing the breed in 1966.
Appearance
The Large Munsterlander most often has black patches on a white, flecked, or ticked background. The coat is dense and long, not coarse or curly, with feathering on the front and back legs, ears, and tail. Males have more feathering than females and longer hair on the chest. In adulthood, Large Munsterlanders weigh between 50 and 70 pounds and stand 23 to 25 inches at the shoulder.
Temperament
Cheerful, courageous, intelligent and obedient, this breed is a wonderful companion dog and is quite easy to train. Excellent as a hunting dog, if you don't give your pet enough exercise, it may become destructive and high strung. Keep your pet busy and it will respond with a calm, happy, cooperative demeanor. This dog is a joy to train and can be taught simple commands from the time you first bring it home. Unlike most hunting breeds, the Large Munsterlander is not a car chaser but will take off after small prey animals which is a deeply ingrained instinct.
This dog needs your love and uninterrupted companionship to be at its best. Although it needs a lot of exercise, snoozing in front of the television or fire at night is a perfect end to a busy day.
Health
As with the Small Munsterlander, the Large Munsterlander, too, is also very healthy; although some lines may be prone to hip dysplasia and cataracts, this is not particularly common. Life expectancy is 12 to 13 years.
Grooming
Female Large Munsterlanders have shorter coats that don't need much grooming, with a brushing every 3 to 4 days sufficient. Males have longer coats that will need to be brushed thoroughly every second day. Both males and females shed seasonally, especially in the spring. Keep nails trimmed and ears clean and dry, and brush teeth frequently with a vet-approved toothpaste which contributes to overall health.
References
Large Munsterlander.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_Münsterländer.
Retrieved September 12, 2015.
Large Munsterlander.
http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/large-munsterlander.
Retrieved September 12, 2015.
Large Munsterlander Dogs.
http://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/Large_Munsterlander.
Retrieved September 12, 2015.
Large Munsterlander (Grosser Munsterlander Vorstehhund) (Large Munsterlander).
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/largemunsterlander.htm.
Retrieved September 12, 2015.
Small Munsterlander.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_M%C3%BCnsterl%C3%A4nder.
Retrieved September 12, 2015.
Small Munsterlander.
http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/small-munsterlander.
Retrieved September 12, 2015.
Small Munsterlander Dogs.
http://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/Small_Munsterlander.
Retrieved September 12, 2015.
