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
Temperament	Affectionate Playful Intelligent High prey drive
Size	Large
Adult size	Female Between 23 and 25 in Male Between 24 and 26 in
Adult weight	Female Between 62 and 71 lb Male Between 62 and 71 lb
Coat colour	Black White
Type of coat	Long
Eye colour	Brown

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.

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

Group 7 - Pointing Dogs
Section 1 : Continental Pointing Dogs

Large Munsterlander: Characteristics

Very affectionate

She is noted for her affectionate ways.

Very playful

She is always playing or looking for play.

More or less calm

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.

High intelligence

She is among the most intelligent of dogs.

High prey drive

She has strong hunting instincts, and is adept at pointing, retrieving, and stalking.

Not fearful of strangers

She is not aggressive, but like all dogs she needs proper introductions.

Not very independent

She is very dedicated to her family, and needs regular human contact to truly flourish.

Large Munsterlander: Behaviour

Moderately tolerant of being left alone

This happy and affectionate dog can tolerate the absence of her masters, but only if she has plenty to divert her energy and attention.

Moderately easy to train

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.

Doesn't tend to be very vocal

She doesn’t bark very much.

Has a moderate tendency to run away

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.

Can be destructive

She may become destructive if under-exercised, kept in a confined space, or left alone for too long.

Moderately food motivated

Treats are more useful for training than coercion.

Not necessarily a watchdog

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

Large Munsterlander: Lifestyle

Moderately compatible with living in a flat

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.

Needs a lot of exercise

She needs a substantial daily run plus playtime at home. If under-exercised, this dog will become pure chaos.

Difficult to travel with

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

Not very compatible with cats

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.

Compatible with other dogs

She is very happy with other dogs, especially those she is raised alongside.

Compatible with children

She gets on well with children who respect her nature.

Moderately compatible with senior owners

The Large Münsterländer requires strength and persistence to train and exercise; any older person thinking to take her on should bear this in mind.

Moderately recommended for a first-time owner

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: Shedding

Average

Moderately, as the seasons change.

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.