Small MünsterländerCharacteristics, history, training and care

Small Münsterländer. · Caronna / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.5. Cropped and resized.

The Small Münsterländer (Kleiner Münsterländer) is a spaniel-type German pointing dog from Münsterland, used in the field, in the forest and in water. The FCI standard describes it as intelligent and able to learn, full of temperament but well balanced, alert and friendly with people, suited to family life and very attached to its owner, with a keen and persevering hunting instinct.

Quick facts

Common name	Small Münsterländer (Kleiner Münsterländer)
Scientific name	Canis lupus familiaris
Country of origin	Germany
Official recognition	FCI, definitively since 14 February 1955 (group 7, pointing dogs; standard no. 102); the AKC lists it in the Foundation Stock Service
Lifespan	12–14 years, according to the AKC
Size (males)	54 cm at the withers (±2 cm); 18–27 kg according to the AKC
Size (females)	52 cm at the withers (±2 cm)
Coat type	Dense, of medium length, straight or slightly wavy, waterproof
Common colours	Brown and white, brown roan with brown patches
Energy level	High
Suited to an apartment?	No
Temperament	Intelligent, balanced, friendly, attached to its owner
Tendency to aggression	Low
Good with children	Good
Good with other animals	Moderate; hunting instinct
Genetic predispositions	No known breed-specific diseases; hip dysplasia, as in medium-sized breeds

Primary category:Dog breeds
Explore this animal's categories:
Dog breeds Easy-to-train dog breeds German dog breeds Hunting dog breeds Low-maintenance dog breeds Medium dog breeds Quiet dog breeds

History and origin

The FCI standard says that breeding in Münsterland, in northern Germany, has been documented since around 1870, and that the breed carries the blood of flushing and pointing dogs hundreds of years old. In 1912 an association for Kleine Münsterländer (Heidewachtelhunde) dogs was founded in Germany to preserve the breed as an independent hunting breed.

In 1921, Dr Dr Friedrich Jungklaus wrote the first standard. Wikipedia says that, despite the name, the Large Münsterländer comes from different dogs and is not closely related to it.

How the breed developed

Around 1870 – Breeding in Münsterland is documented.
1912 – The breed association is founded.
1921 – The first standard, written by Friedrich Jungklaus.
14 February 1955 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Breed rating

Feature	Stars
Training and intelligence	★★★☆☆
Easy to train	★★★★★
Intelligence	★★★★☆
Independence	★★★★☆
Stubbornness	★★★★☆
Behaviour and temperament	★★★☆☆
Affectionate with family	★★★★☆
Friendly with children	★★★★★
Good with other dogs	★★★☆☆
Good with cats and other animals	★☆☆☆☆
Loyalty	★★★★☆
Tendency to be aggressive	★★★☆☆
Tendency to bark	★★★★☆
Needs and care	★★★★☆
Shedding	★★★★☆
Needs frequent grooming	★★★☆☆
Activity and lifestyle	★★★★★
Energy level	★★★★☆
Daily exercise needs	★★★★☆
Suited to apartment life	★★★☆☆
Health and longevity	★★★★☆
Life expectancy	★★★☆☆
Predisposition to genetic diseases	★★☆☆☆
Working abilities and uses	★★★☆☆
Good hunting dog	★★★★☆
Good companion dog	★★★★☆

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.

Physical characteristics

The standard describes it as a medium-sized dog with a strong, harmonious build. The AKC says it is a versatile hunter and a natural retriever, with a steady point, a strong desire to go into water and a good ability to track wounded game.

General appearance

The coat is dense, of medium length, straight or slightly wavy, close-lying and waterproof, protecting it from the weather, rough ground and injuries. The front legs are feathered, the hind legs have “trousers”, and the tail has a long flag with a white tip.

Feature	Small Münsterländer
Size	Medium
Height at the withers	males: 54 cm; females: 52 cm (±2 cm)
Weight	18–27 kg (AKC)
Coat	Medium, feathered
Tail	Long flag with a white tip
Type	Pointing dog

The standard accepts brown and white and brown roan, with brown patches, a brown saddle or brown ticking; a white blaze is permitted. Tan markings on the muzzle, eyes, ears, tail and legs are permitted and are called “Jungklaus markings”.

Training and socialisation

The standard describes it as intelligent and able to learn, full of temperament but well balanced, alert and friendly with people, with a good team spirit. The AKC gives it the top score for ease of training.

The AKC says it matures slowly: only at around two years old does it become mentally adult, so the owner must be ready for at least a year with a strong dog with “the mind of a teenager”.

Tips for effective training

Be patient. It matures at around two years old.
Give it work. It was bred for hunting.
Use rewards. It learns easily.
Let it swim. It loves water.

Activity needs and lifestyle

The AKC says it is a wonderful family dog, but it needs frequent exercise and stimulation. It was bred to hunt, point, retrieve and track game, and it is happiest doing so.

Activity	How often	Why it matters
Running or long walks	daily	Energy
Retrieving and swimming	several times a week	Instinct
Hunting or tracking	weekly	Work

Tips for a balanced life

Suits hunters and active families.
Brush it more often in spring and autumn.
Check the ears after swimming.

Care and health

Coat and skin care

The AKC says occasional brushing and the odd bath keep its coat looking good. It moults seasonally, in late spring and early autumn, when it needs brushing more often. The nails are trimmed regularly.

Common health problems

The AKC says the vast majority of these dogs are healthy, and breeders in the United States and Europe have worked hard to keep the breed healthy. As with any active dog, it is worth watching for:

Condition	Description	Common symptoms
Hip dysplasia	The hip joint forms incorrectly and, over time, arthritis develops	Limping, difficulty getting up or jumping, hip pain
Ear infections	Infections of the ears, especially after swimming	Shakes its head, unpleasant smell

Other care

Ask for the parents' hip tests.
Dry its ears after swimming.
Trim the nails regularly.

Diet and nutrition

The AKC recommends a food suited to each life stage; formulas for sporting dogs have the protein and fat an active breed needs.

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.

Dog's weight	Calories per day (neutered)	Calories per day (not neutered)	Dry food per day (approximate)
18 kg	980 kcal	1,100 kcal	240–310 g
22 kg	1,140 kcal	1,280 kcal	280–370 g
27 kg	1,330 kcal	1,490 kcal	330–430 g

Adjust the portion to its level of effort.
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.

Reproduction and development

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.

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 dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

Interesting facts

Not related to the large one. The Large Münsterländer comes from different dogs.
“Jungklaus markings”. The tan markings are named after the author of the standard.
It matures late. Only at around two years old, says the AKC.
It loves water. It has a strong desire to go into water.
Heidewachtel. The breed's old German name.