Large Munsterlander

Size
Medium (11kg - 27kg)
Exercise
40 min/day
Training
Weekly
Size of home
House with garden
Time at home
Alone with support
Grooming
Weekly
Barking preference
Moderate
Personality
Independent + affectionate

History

The Large Munsterlander is one of several continental breeds of versatile hunting dogs. They are also a HPR (Hunt, Point and Retrieve) Gundog.

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 recognised as a colour variant of the German Longhaired Pointer prior to that time. The breed first gained official recognition in the Munsterland of north western Germany in the early 1900s. However, the forerunner of the modern Large Munsterlander can be recognised in artist's representations of hunting scenes as far back as the Middle Ages.(1)

Appearance

Alert and energetic, with strong muscular body, having good movement with drive. Multi-purpose gundog, ideal for the rough shooter. Excellent nose, staying power, and works equally well on land and in water. A keen worker, easily taught. (2)

Temperament

Loyal, affectionate and trustworthy. (2)

This field dog characteristically is calm and gentle with children and well adjusted to living in the master's dwelling. The versatile characteristics of the breed provide for a reliable companion for all facets of hunting. Their long and thick coat protects them against cold and allows them to search dense cover thoroughly, but as a result leaves them more susceptible to burrs.

Sizes

Height
Dogs 60-65 cms (23.5-25.5 ins) Bitches 58-63 cms (23-25 ins) (2)

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Large Munsterlander, you may think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Large Munsterlander and its needs, and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

References

Wikipedia.org
DOGS AUSTRALIA.org.au

Image: Shutterstock.com

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 22 May 2009)

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A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

General Appearance

Alert and energetic, with strong muscular body, having good movement with drive.

Characteristics

Multi-purpose gundog, ideal for the rough shooter. Excellent nose, staying power, and works equally well on land and in water. A keen worker, easily taught.

Temperament

Loyal, affectionate and trustworthy.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull	Well proportioned to body, elongated. Skull sufficiently broad, slightly rounded, with no pronounced occiput. Strong jaw muscles, well formed black nose, wide soft nostrils, slight rise from the nasal bone to the forehead but no pronounced stop. Lips slightly rounded, and well fitting.
Eyes	Intelligent, medium size, dark brown, not deep set or protruding. No haw showing.
Ears	Broad and set high, lying flat and close to the head, with a rounded tip. Hair on the ears should be long, extending beyond the tip.
Mouth	Strong and sound, with well developed teeth, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. Upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck	Strong muscular, slightly arched, joining the shoulder and chest smoothly.
Forequarters	Chest, wide and with good depth of brisket. Shoulders laid well back, forelegs straight, pastern strong.BODY - Firm strong back, short coupled. Slightly higher at the shoulders, sloping smoothly towards the croup and tail. Wide well muscled loin. Wide croup. Ribs well sprung, deep and reaching well up to the loins. Taut abdomen, slightly tucked up.
Body	Firm strong back, short coupled. Slightly higher at the shoulders, sloping smoothly towards the croup and tail. Wide well muscled loin. Wide croup. Ribs well sprung, deep and reaching well up to the loins. Taut abdomen, slightly tucked up. Length of body, measured from point of shoulder to point of buttock should, ideally, be equal to height at withers, but may exceed height at withers by 2 cm.
Hindquarters	Hips broad. Well muscled thighs, well turned stifles, hocks well let down. Dewclaws should be removed.
Feet	Tight, moderately rounded and well knuckled with dense hair between the toes, well padded. Strong nails.
Tail	Docked: Docking of tip of tail optional.Undocked: Well set on, in line with the back. Base thick, tapering evenly towards the tip, well feathered. It should be carried horizontally or curved slightly upwards.
Gait/Movement	Free, long-striding, springy gait
Coat	Hair long and dense, but not curly or coarse. Well feathered on front and hindlegs and on tail, more so in dogs than in bitches. Hair must lie short and smooth on the head.
Colour	Head solid black, white blaze, snip or star allowed. Body white or blue roan with black patches, flecked, ticked, or combination of these.
Size	Height:Dogs 60-65 cms (23.5-25.5 ins)Bitches 58-63 cms (23-25 ins)

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog, and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.