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.
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Life expectancy |
The Large Munsterlander has a life expectancy of between 12 and 14 years |
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Temperament |
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Size |
Large
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Adult size |
Female
Between 23 and 25 in
Male
Between 24 and 26 in
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Adult weight |
Female
Between 62 and 71 lb
Male
Between 62 and 71 lb
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Coat colour
White and black, blue roan, or black speckles. The Large Münsterländer’s head is always black. |
Black
White
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Type of coat
Dense, long and sleek. |
Long
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Eye colour
Dark. |
Brown
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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.
More details about the Large Munsterlander
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.
Physical characteristics of the Large Munsterlander
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.
FCI classification of the Large Munsterlander
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Group 7 - Pointing Dogs
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Section 1 : Continental Pointing Dogs
Large Munsterlander: Characteristics
She is noted for her affectionate ways.
She is always playing or looking for play.
With the right training and the setting of clear rules (i.e. calm in the house, free outdoors) this dog can learn to be calm when appropriate.
She is among the most intelligent of dogs.
She has strong hunting instincts, and is adept at pointing, retrieving, and stalking.
She is not aggressive, but like all dogs she needs proper introductions.
She is very dedicated to her family, and needs regular human contact to truly flourish.
Large Munsterlander: Behaviour
This happy and affectionate dog can tolerate the absence of her masters, but only if she has plenty to divert her energy and attention.
She is slow to mature and thus training can take a while. She will be physically fully grown before her education is complete. Training should start early, and be warm and consistent to allow this sensitive and intelligent dog to achieve her full potential.
She doesn’t bark very much.
Although she is very loyal and loving to her family, she has an enormous drive for work and adventure and may slip away through a compromised garden fence if bored or under-exercised.
She may become destructive if under-exercised, kept in a confined space, or left alone for too long.
Treats are more useful for training than coercion.
This creature does not suit watchdog work as she does not like to be left alone; and although she may use her voice to draw attention to intruders, she is not aggressive enough to bring them down.
Training a Large Munsterlander
She is slow to mature and thus training can take a while. She will be physically fully grown before her education is complete. Training should start early, and be warm and consistent to allow this sensitive and intelligent dog to achieve her full potential.
Large Munsterlander: Lifestyle
The Large Münsterländer can adapt to life in an apartment only if she is able to exercise outdoors for a long time every day. A rural environment is much prefered.
She needs a substantial daily run plus playtime at home. If under-exercised, this dog will become pure chaos.
This dog is a bit much for public transport and, regarding private transport, needs to be accustomed to car travel very young if she is to enjoy it. However, she will more than gladly follow you on your bicycle or on a run.
Breed compatibility Large Munsterlander
It is in her nature to chase small furry things, and a cat fits the profile. She may do better with a cat alongside whom she is raised.
She is very happy with other dogs, especially those she is raised alongside.
She gets on well with children who respect her nature.
The Large Münsterländer requires strength and persistence to train and exercise; any older person thinking to take her on should bear this in mind.
All in all, as adorable as she is, the Large Münsterländer needs a family who are aware of her training needs, and can offer her the appropriate level of stimulation and exercise. First time owners may manage, but should bear this in mind.
Large Munsterlander: Purchase price
We do not have enough data to give an average price. However, you can expect to pay upwards of £500 for a well-bred puppy.
Looking after a dog of this size typically costs between £80 to £120 a month, including food, medical/insurance, and incidental expenses.
Large Munsterlander: Grooming
Her long coat can quickly get tangles, so two-three brushing sessions per week and occasional bathing should do the trick to avoid having to shave knotty areas.
Large Munsterlander: Health
These dogs are generally healthy, with an average life expectancy of 13 years.
She is strong and hardy, and usually lives a long time in very good health.
Quite well, but she benefits from playing in humid environments (marshes) during heat waves.
She is designed to cope with wet or cold weather while working, and can live outside in kennels.
She is not predisposed to put on weight.
- Hip/elbow dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Osteochondrosis
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