Large Munsterlander

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Large Munsterlander should be athletic, intelligent, noble, and elegant in appearance. Its body should be the same length as its height at the withers. The dog should be muscular without being bulky. Its gait should be fluid and elastic.

The Large Munsterlander is one of several continental breeds of versatile hunting dogs. Although the breed is one of the last of the German breeds to gain official representation by a separate breed club, the Large Munsterlander was recognized as a colour variant of the German Longhaired Pointer prior to that time. The breed first gained official recognition in the Munsterland of northwestern Germany in the early 1900s. However, the forerunner of the modern Large Munsterlander can be recognized in artist's representations of hunting scenes as far back as the Middle Ages. The Large Munsterlander was introduced to North America by Kurt von Kleist in 1966.

Color

The coat is black and white with hair of medium length. This dog has been bred for many decades for hunting and not show. Hence coat colour is highly variable, ranging from predominantly white to predominantly black. Markings occur as solid white patches, or ticked or roan regions. The head is usually predominantly black and the tip of the tail white, regardless of the distribution of black and white on the rest of the body.

Coat

The coat is dense, but should be firm and sleek.

Personality

The Large Munsterlander is known as a multipurpose gundog and is ideal for the rough shooter. They have excellent nose, staying power and works equally well on land and in water. They are a keen worker and can be taught easily. They are loyal, trustworthy, affectionate and devoted to its master.

Care

The bitch has a shorter coat and will not need so much grooming. A brushing every 3-4 days should be enough. The dog has a longer coat and needs a good brushing every second day. This breed is a seasonally heavy shedder especially in the spring. Regular grooming will keep the shedding down.

Training

They are bred for training and ability to withstand the pressures involved. Positive reinforcement is best when training this breed. They will require a firm, fair and consistent trainer.

Activity

The Large Munsterlander is not recommended for apartment life. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. The Munsterlander wants to play when it is outdoors.