Large Munsterlander
Other names: Großer Münsterländer, Großer Münsterländer Vorstehhund
To all intents and purposes, the Large Münsterländer is a German Longhaired Pointer - only in black and white; this monochrome dog used to be lumped in with the GLP, but today is afforded her own category. While that special name may seem to be a warning about this creature being a giant monster, it actually refers to her homeland of Münster. In fact, what you’re getting here is more like a pumped-up Spaniel or Toller. She’s a water-loving gun dog with a lot of energy, but gentle with it. And she loves to work, but can also make an excellent pet for outdoorsy types with good local access to open land.
Key facts about the Large Munsterlander
Origins and history
Dogs resembling the Large Münsterländer can be seen in artwork reaching back to the Middle Ages. However, this particular type was not formally recognized until the early 20th century. In the meantime, the German Long-Haired Pointer thrived in Lower Saxony, and the Large Münsterländer appears to be no more nor less than a desaturated Pointer – for some reason, Pointer-fanciers do not like to count black dogs among their number. She emerged, eventually, from the city of Münster, where either it rains or the church bells ring. It is no wonder she is so content to work in the rain.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 7 - Pointing Dogs
Section
Section 1 : Continental Pointing Dogs
Physical characteristics of the Large Munsterlander
Adult size
Female : Between 23 and 25 in
Male : Between 24 and 26 in
Weight
Female : Between 62 and 71 lb
Male : Between 62 and 71 lb
Coat colour
White and black, blue roan, or black speckles. The Large Münsterländer’s head is always black.
Type of coat
Dense, long and sleek.
Eye colour
Dark.
Description
This fluffy action dog is lithe and ready for love and/or adventure. Slim but muscular, her posture is highly dignified, her nose confident and strong, her ears modest in size but lustrous in design. Her chest is broad and deep without losing its proportion to the rest of her elegant frame. Her black head is often adorned with a white blaze.
Good to know
The Large Münsterländer is a real people-dog and, even among hunting dogs of similar type, works much more closely and obediently with her human companions than do most of her peers.