Large Munsterlander - German Gundog

April 17, 2020

The Large Munsterlander, as the name suggests is from Munster region of Germany. It is a variation of German Longhaired Pointer but because of its white-black color it didn’t get recognition and later got recognized as a separate breed.

The dog is noble, intelligent and elegant in appearance. The dog’s high level of endurance and tenacious hunting skills makes it popular hunting dog in Europe. It can work in wet and dry climate and in any kind of terrain. This breed is born for tracking, pointing and retrieving.

It should be given opportunity to pursue its talent otherwise it is a waste to have such dog as pet. The dog makes wonderful family companion provided you fulfill its exercise requirements. It is also a people oriented dog which means that it shouldn’t be left alone in the backyard with no human presence. The dog is highly trainable and excels at agility related competition and obedience commands.

Large Munsterlander Origin

The Large Munsterlander is a 20^th century breed of Munster region in Germany. This breed is a result of cross mating German Longhaired Pointer with various Spaniel breeds. The resultant breed was black and white in color and club of German Longhaired Pointer refused to register this breed.

Because of its supreme hunting abilities, it got popular inn America and UK. United Kingdom registered this breed in 2006. This breed can work on land and in water. It has extra-ordinary skills in hunting, pointing, retrieving and tracking. It is also even tempered and makes wonderful family companion.

Large Munsterlander Characteristics

The breed belongs to Germany and is a gundog.
It lives around 11-13 years.
It is a fierce, courageous, intelligent and obedient breed.
Height of the dog is 58-65 cm.
It weighs around 23-32 kg.
Average price of the puppy is $400 - $500 USD.
The dog is highly adaptable and can work in extreme conditions.
It is an energetic breed and not recommended for apartment because it needs yard to express and live freely.
It is not so vociferous. It barks occasionally when it suspects any danger and wants to convey something.
This breed is not suitable for non-canine animals and cats.
It is a suitable breed for kids. The dog is playful and cheerful around kids.
It has the pack mentality which means that it can co-exist peacefully with other dogs.
This breed requires moderate grooming. It sheds averagely throughout the year.
It makes wonderful watchdog but not effective guard dog as they lack aggression in their behavior.
The breed is easy to train.
It is not a hypoallergenic breed.

Appearance

Large Munsterlander is a beautiful, average sized breed with an athletic looking body. The dog’s body is covered in wavy and little feathered kind of hair. It has wedged shaped head with long muzzle. The dog has brown nose and thin hanging ears.

The neck of the dog is well carved and the topline is leveled. The dog has deep and strong chest. Tail of the dog is thick and is carried upward in a gentle fashion. Overall expression on its face is keen, alert and friendly.

Size and Weight

Male stands at a height of 60–65 cm and female at 58–63 cm. Male breed weighs around 23–32 kg and female breeds weight is slightly lower.

Coat and Color

The breed has magnificent looking, black and white color coat. It is double coated and like other dog its topcoat is coarse and wavy while undercoat is soft and dense. Feathered hair is present on its tail, front legs and back legs. Female tends to have shorter coat than male ones.

Grooming and Caring

The breed sheds averagely and requires moderate grooming. Regular brushing will ensure mats and debris free body. It will also reduce the amount of dead hair. Bath the dog once a month because it is fond of getting itself dirty in mud.

Check its ears for any signs of ear infection and allergy. Brush its teeth daily to avoid any dental related problems. Trim the dog’s nails if it doesn’t wear it naturally.

Large Munsterlander Temperament

Personality - It is the most versatile gun dog. According to study conducted by organization, it is proved that the Large Munsterlander is more responsive, exhibit greater cooperation and better concentration than any other gundog. It is a reliable, affectionate and obedient dog. They love to be a part of family activities. They are best for people who have work from home kind of job or there’s one person who stay at home. Work keeps the dog happy. Hunting is their first love and that is what it was born for. Apart from tracking, retrieving and pointing, it can work as search and rescue dogs too.
Behavior - They are very social in nature. They are even sweet with strangers. The dog is patient and is suitable for toddlers They do best with other dog companion inside home. This will also alleviate their problem of separation anxiety. They love humans and will greet owner by wagging their tail and kissing their face. It is truly an honor to have this dog inside home. They make perfect companion to hunters because of their extraordinary hunting skills. These dogs remain puppy like even after one year. They are active and bouncy so your home should have yard inside home.
Activities Requirement - The dog is full of energy and will not settle inside home. You need to give it enormous amount of exercise because they were bred for hunting and working. Occasionally take the dogs to hunt so that it can make use of its gifted talent. You can also take the dog for swimming.
Training - They are breeze to train. Be gentle on your dog because harsh behavior can affect their mental growth. You can train the dog almost anything. They are smart and quickly pick up skills.

Feeding

Feed the dog raw diet. “Barf” diet is meant for them. Their food should be rich in proteins and fats. Do not keep food always on their plate because they tend to overeat. Keep water around their place of eating.

Lifespan

Life expectancy of this breed is 11-13 years.

Health Issues

It is not hypoallergenic breed. The breed is not prone to suffer from any serious health issues. They are healthy and hardy dogs. Only few lines of dogs are prone to hip dysplasia.