Large MünsterländerCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the breed's history begins with the white or piebald bird dogs and hawking dogs of the Middle Ages, passes through the Stöberhund and the Wachtelhund and leads to the pointers of the 19th century. Together with the Small Münsterländer and the German Longhaired Pointer, it belongs to the family of German longhaired pointers, bred to plan since the end of the 19th century.

After the German Longhaired Pointer club excluded the black colour in 1909, the breeding of white and black dogs was taken over by a new club, founded in 1919. Wikipedia says the name comes from the Münsterland region, in northern Westphalia.

How the breed developed

• Middle Ages – White or piebald bird dogs and hawking dogs.
• Late 19th century – Planned breeding of German longhaired pointers begins.
• 1909 – The German Longhaired Pointer club excludes the black colour.
• 1919 – The club for white and black Münsterländer dogs is founded.
• 20 December 1954 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

It is a large, longhaired pointing dog, muscular and elegant. The head is noble and elongated, with an intelligent look and a prominent black nose.

General appearance

The coat is long and dense but smooth, neither curly nor stand-off, so that it does not hinder the dog when hunting. The hair is particularly long on the back of the legs and on the tail, and the ears are richly feathered.

There are three colour varieties: white with black patches and ticking, blue roan and solid black. The head is always black, possibly with a white spot or blaze.

The standard says its most important qualities are being obedient and easy to train and reliable when hunting, especially after the shot. It has a lively temperament without being nervous.

The AKC says it is a noble, obedient hunter that uses an intelligent nose and a firm will to search, point, track and retrieve game. The AKC gives it the top score for trainability.

Tips for effective training

• Use rewards. It learns easily.
• Give it a job. The AKC says it is happiest when hunting.
• Work in water too. It retrieves game from water with passion.
• Practise the recall. On a scent, its instinct can carry it away.

The AKC says it is a wonderful family companion, but it needs frequent exercise and stimulation. It was bred to hunt, and that is the task that makes it happiest.

Tips for a balanced life

• It is best suited to hunters and very active families.
• It needs a fenced yard.
• Dry its ears after swimming.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says occasional brushing and a bath now and then keep the coat looking good. It sheds seasonally, so in late spring and early autumn it needs more frequent grooming. The nails should be trimmed regularly.

Common health problems

The AKC says it is a robust breed. Good breeders test their dogs genetically. As with any large, active dog, this is worth watching for:

Other care

• Check the ears, especially after time in the water.
• Check for ticks after outings in nature.
• Trim the nails regularly.

The AKC says it has the same needs as any hunting dog: good-quality food suited to its age and workload.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day.
• Do not let it run right after a meal.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• Always a black head. The standard requires all dogs to have a black head.
• Saved by its colour. The breed split off when the black colour was excluded from the German Longhaired Pointer.
• Hawking ancestors. It goes back to the hawking dogs of the Middle Ages.
• Versatile. It searches, points, tracks and retrieves game.
• Named after a region. Münsterland is a region in Westphalia.

How does it differ from the Small Münsterländer?

They are separate breeds; the Large Münsterländer is bigger and always has a black head.

How big does it get?

Males measure 60–65 cm and females 58–63 cm; around 30 kg.

Is it a family dog?

The AKC says it is a wonderful companion, as long as it gets enough exercise.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 12–14 years.