Munsterlander

In the 1800’s bird dogs came in all shapes and sizes and every gamekeeper and member of the hunting classes had their own preferred type, with many developing their own breeds. In Germany, when the German Long Haired Pointer Club drew up it’s breed standards, they disallowed any colour other than liver and white. Black and white puppies that occurred in those litters were given away to farmers and hunters in the Munster regions, as their interest lay in working ability rather than appearance. These dogs, mixed with the other popular bird dogs of the time, fore-runners of todays spaniels and setters, gave rise to the Munsterlander type. In 1919 the breed was further refined by splitting the Large and Small types by size and colour. 

The ideal Munsterlander owner is looking for a dog that is not quite a Setter, nor yet a Spaniel, but somewhere comfortably in-between. They’ll have experience of gundogs in general, and understand how to train an active, intelligent and sensitive breed.  The Munsterlander’s ideal people love long walks and doggy activities and don’t mind mud, wet and dog hair around their home. 

Munsterlanders are active working dogs, requiring a minimum of two hours of dog exercise per day. Both Small and Large Munsterlander are excellent Hunt, Point, Retrieve dogs, although the Small Munsterlander is a little busier and more independent. Both require plenty of mental stimulation in the form of training and games or they are inclined to become unsettled and potentially destructive. If you do not intend to work a Munsterlander in the field, you’ll need to plan walks and games that involve retrieving, scent work and even swimming to keep their brains active and satisfied. 

Munsterlanders can be easily accommodated in the average home, but better suited to rural suburbs or countryside living due to the amount of walking, free running and swimming they need to do each day. A secure garden of a reasonable size is important, and space to dry off a wet muddy dog and do regular grooming would be beneficial. 

The smaller breed of Munsterlander needs to have a balanced diet including all the main nutrient groups and a constant supply of fresh water. Learn more about feeding your dog with our guide. It's also important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed him at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of his particular food. 

Being a large breed dog, the Large Munsterlander, as well as having a large appetite, benefits from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs. The breed can be prone to bloating and stomach problems; smaller, more frequent meals can help minimise this risk. 

Large Munsterlanders require little in the way of dog grooming - a weekly comb and brush over will suffice. Their feathering on the ears, front and hind legs and tail will need more frequent grooming and the occasional tidying up. Excess hair between the pads on the feet should be trimmed when necessary. They are dogs who enjoy all types of weather so be warned, mud and dirt can be a problem! 

Easily trained using positive reinforcement and the right motivation, both sizes of Munsterlander will enjoy training in its own right, so these dogs are better suited to those who enjoy training as a hobby rather than simply a means to an end. Pay attention to recall and socialisation/habituation around other animals, livestock and children. The Large Munsterlander is a little calmer and steadier, the Small a bit more active and independent, but both are happy and engaging dogs who actively want to work with you, whatever it is you are doing. 

For the active family who enjoy long country walks and outdoor, dog related activities, either size of Munsterlander may make an excellent companion. Families who are more sedentary or aren’t keen on the outdoors would be better suited with a different breed. The time these dogs need to spend outdoors, moving or actively working may rule them out for families with very small children. 

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with each other and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.