The Large and Small Munsterlander

The Munsterlander dog can be found in two sizes, the Large Munsterlander and the Small Munsterlander and both are considered to be sufficiently different in size and function that they are considered to be “close cousins” in the Munsterlander family, but are bred separately. The Munsterlanders originated in Germany, where they were bred and used exclusively as a hunting, pointing and retrieving game dog.

The Large Munsterlander is slower to mature and needs sufficient time in training to become useful as a hunting companion. He is used on both land and water and once trained is absolutely focused and fearless. He much prefers to be with people and is a strong and faithful companion, not making a good kennel dog at all. When he is young he needs close bonding with his human master and will become completely loyal and affectionate as he matures. He is strong willed, needing good obedience training as a basis for his hunting skills. He is an active and alert breed that has a lot of energy and needs plenty of exercise.

The Small Munsterlander is used in the dense woodlands and is quite good at hunting deer and hare. It is also a pointing and retrieving dog. The small Munsterlander is considered to be much easier to train than his larger cousin, having a temperament that is more likely to be biddable. He is an alert and intelligent dog.

Both dogs are excellent swimmers and retrievers on both land and water. They have made a mark for themselves in Germany and are registered in the gun dog group of the F.C.I. Although little known outside of northern Europe, they do have a definite following amongst hunters.

The coat of the Large Munsterlander is spotted black and white or blue roan, the head always being a solid black. The coat is more heavily “feathered” than that of his smaller cousin, especially on the breeches and needs regular grooming. He is a square in appearance, being 23-24 inches tall and having a length of back approximately the same.

The color of the Small Munsterlander is dapple brown and white, or roan and the coat is that of a spaniel type, being feathered slightly on the legs but not overly thick. It is a coat that needs to be groomed regularly but is not so excessive as to pick up a lot of burrs and tangles , quite similar actually to the coat of the Brittany Spaniel. The dog appears longer of back than his larger cousin.

Both of the breeds are “people dogs” with gentle natures, loving to be with people, enjoying the home life and being quite mannerly as adults. At heart the Munsterlanders are also excellent gun dogs, with strong hunting abilities, being considered efficient and very effective in deep woods and dense thickets.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Dogs

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