Large Munsterlander

General Information - Large Munsterlander

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History

The Large Munsterlander, evolved in Munster, Germany from its smaller cousin in the 1800's because at that time only the liver and white dogs descended from the German Long-haired Pointer were accepted. This breed then is easily distinguished from the Small Munsterlander not only by its size, but by its black and white coloring as well. It has always been used as a retrieving dog, and it tracks and points game as well. In its work, it is fearless and tireless being able to work in all kinds of terrain and weather.

Temperament

The Large Munsterlander is courageous, cheerful, intelligent and obedient. It makes a wonderful house companion dog and is very trainable. Munsterlanders are loyal and friendly dogs that are responsive to their humans. The Munster does well in obedience, and is good with other animals and with children, but may get too excited (wanting to play) with toddlers or small children. Some Munsters can become destructive and bark when left alone.

Upkeep

Like all hunting dogs, the Large Munsterlander needs daily exercise. This can take the form of a long walk or good run off leash. It can live outdoors in temperate climates, but it is a family dog and prefers to share time with its people. The coat requires grooming weekly and has a seasonal molt.

Large Munsterlander

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 careful to avoid obvious conditions and exaggerations, as well as being mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

Breed Standard - Large Munsterlander

Characteristics: The Large Munsterlander is a multi:purpose gundog, ideal for the rough shooter. He has an excellent nose, staying power and works equally well on land and in water. A keen worker, easily taught, loyal, affectionate and trustworthy.

General Appearance: Alert and energetic, with a strong muscular body, having good movement with drive.

Head and Skull: Well proportioned to the 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, faultless scissor bite and molars meeting exactly.

Neck: Strong muscular, slightly arched, joining the shoulder and chest smoothly.

Forequarters: Chest, wide and with good depth of brisket. Shoulders well laid back, forelegs straight, pasterns strong.

Body: Firm strong back, short coupled, slightly higher at the shoulder, 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.

Hindquarters: Hips broad. Well muscled thighs, well turned stifles, hocks well let down. Hind dew claws must be removed.

Feet: Tight, moderately rounded and well:knuckled with dense hair between the toes. Strong nails.

Tail: 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. Docking optional, to the first or second joint from the tip.

Gait: Free, long striding springy gait.

Coat: Hair long and dense, but not curly or coarse. Well feathered on front and hind legs and on tail, more so in dogs than in bitches. The hair must lie short and smooth on the head.

Colour: Head solid black, white blaze, snip or star allowed. Body white with black patches, flecked, ticked, or combination of these.
Weight - Dogs approximately 25 - 29.5 kg (55 - 65 lb) Bitches approximately 25 kg (55 lb).

Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness of the fault should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

DNZ No 307
Copyright Dogs New Zealand
23 Dec 2013

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.