The Large Munsterlander

Appearance

The Large Münsterländer possesses a well-balanced conformation suggestive of easy, steady movement and drive. The breed's head is sufficiently broad and slightly rounded giving an impression of stability, even dignity. Solid black with a white snip or star is allowed. The body is white with black patches, flecked and/or ticked. An all black coat is not desirable to breeders. Brown coats do occur, but are not common. Its broad, round-tipped ears hang close to the head. They should have a scissors bite. The eyes are dark and heavy lidded. The coat is long and dense, neither curly nor coarse. It has feathers on the ears, front and hind legs, and tail. There should be no feathering on the backside of the upper feet, so that you can see the 90 degree angle. Males usually have larger heads, longer hair on the chest and more feathering than females. When the dog stands, his extended hind feet should stand in a right angle to the ground. It has firm, strong feet with ample hair between the black-nailed toes. The tail is carried horizontally and may be left intact or have a just a tiny bit of the end removed. The Large Münsterländer has an elegant gait.

History

In the late 18th-century, Germany's interest in bird dogs brought countless Huehnerhunde, meaning (chicken dog), into the hands of hunters. The Large Münsterländer, also known as the Grosser Münsterländer Vorstehhund, although a German bird dog, has not been around quite that long. It evolved in Münster, Germany from its smaller cousin in the 1800's - because at that time only the liver and white dogs which were descended from the German Long-Haired Pointer were accepted. This breed then is easily distinguished from the Small Münsterländer not only by its size, but by its black and white coloring as well. Its excellent nose properly indicates the correlation to the Lower Saxon area; its similar conformation to the German Longhaired Pointer and Continental setters suggests that connection as well. The German Pointer fanciers traditionally seem to ignore black-colored progeny. This controversy occurs in the Longhaired and Wirehaired Pointers. Many insist that the Grosser Münster was once simply the black and white Longhaired Pointer. The club was formed in 1919 and hails its dog as an all-purpose hunter, capable of pointing, retrieving, and general utility work. It is becoming increasingly popular outside its country of origin. 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. In England it competes with other Continental gun dogs in the HPR (Hunt Point Retriever) Field Trials. Although there are not many around, this breed is a recognizable and valued hunter in England, Germany and Canada. They are reliable on both land and water.

Temperament

The Large Münsterländer is courageous, cheerful, intelligent and obedient. It makes a wonderful house companion dog and is very trainable. Münsterländers are loyal and friendly dogs that are responsive to their humans. They make very good friends. The dog will not run off or leave you out of his sight for a minute. They are extremely people dependent. Münsterländers have no problem driving in a car, but do not leave the dog alone in the car (if you like your car). They do not like to be alone! They get destructive and bark when left in the house. Some owners must keep them in an indoor dog kennel when they are at work. If people are working long hours then this is NOT the right dog. They are not guard dogs. They like to retrieve and naturally like to carry things about in their mouths. Owners say if they are gone for even a moment, a Münster enthusiastically greets their return by "talking" in his low rumble and bringing them "their treasured possessions." The Münster 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. They will be happiest when used as working dogs. Bred for training and ability to withstand the pressures involved, this dog will adapt to any terrain whether it be valleys, prairies, forest or water, and to every type of hunting. It is resistant to fatigue and to bad weather. Particularly appreciated for the sureness of its point and the precision with which it retrieves. Münsterländers can easily learn to come and sit on command in the first six months of life. They love water and will try to retrieve everything out of the water. They are not difficult dogs. If one has a firm hand during the first six months, even a beginner can manage this breed without a problem. It is a slow maturing dog, so don't "over-train" in its field work at too young an age. The breed has shown itself to be a dedicated enemy of birds of prey and they may try to attack small farm animals, however they can be trained to leave sheep and cattle alone. Although he will chase every small rodent and bird, he can't be bothered to chase cars, joggers and bikes. When he spots a bird or rabbit he will usually freeze in his motion. His head will point towards the prey and his whole body shifts slightly forward; one of the front feet will often be off the ground. The rapid motion freeze will prevent the prey from being alarmed and shows the hunter where the prey is hiding. The position can be often seen in old pictures and paintings and is typical for breeds such as pointers. Described by the German word "Vorsteh" (hund).

Care / Grooming

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.

Health

Some lines are prone to hip dysplasia although it is not common in this breed.

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