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
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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.
Temperament
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Affectionate
She is noted for her affectionate ways.
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Playful
She is always playing or looking for play.
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66%
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.
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Intelligent
She is among the most intelligent of dogs.
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Hunter
She has strong hunting instincts, and is adept at pointing, retrieving, and stalking.
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33%
Fearful / wary of strangers
She is not aggressive, but like all dogs she needs proper introductions.
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33%
Independent
She is very dedicated to her family, and needs regular human contact to truly flourish.
Behaviour of the Large Munsterlander
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Tolerates solitude
This happy and affectionate dog can tolerate the absence of her masters, but only if she has plenty to divert her energy and attention.
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66%
Easy to train / obedience
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.
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33%
Barking
She doesn’t bark very much.
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66%
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.
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Destructive
She may become destructive if under-exercised, kept in a confined space, or left alone for too long.
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Greedy / Gluttony
Treats are more useful for training than coercion.
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66%
Guard dog
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.
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66%
First dog
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.
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Is the Large Munsterlander right for you?
take the testLifestyle
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66%
Large Munsterlander 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.
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Need for exercise / Sporty
She needs a substantial daily run plus playtime at home. If under-exercised, this dog will become pure chaos.
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33%
Travelling / easy to transport
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.
Compatibility
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33%
Large Munsterlander and 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.
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Large Munsterlander and dogs
She is very happy with other dogs, especially those she is raised alongside.
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66%
Large Munsterlander and the elderly
The Large Münsterländer requires strength and persistence to train and exercise; any older person thinking to take her on should bear this in mind.
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.
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.
Nutrition of the Large Munsterlander
High quality food especially formulated for large and/or active dogs. One or two meals a day should be offered, depending on her activity and lifestyle.
Health of the Large Munsterlander
Life expectancy
These dogs are generally healthy, with an average life expectancy of 13 years.
Strong / robust
She is strong and hardy, and usually lives a long time in very good health.
Withstand heat
Quite well, but she benefits from playing in humid environments (marshes) during heat waves.
Withstand cold
She is designed to cope with wet or cold weather while working, and can live outside in kennels.
Tendency to put on weight
She is not predisposed to put on weight.
Common illnesses
- Hip/elbow dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Osteochondrosis