Large Munsterlander
- Large
- Foundation Stock Service
The Large Munsterlander is a versatile German gun dog, built to point, track, and retrieve in field, forest, and water. At home, this intelligent, affectionate worker turns calm, loyal, and devoted to its people.
- Height
- 23 to 26.5
- inches at the shoulder
- Weight
- 50 to 70
- pounds, adult
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14
- years, median 13
- Senior from
- 9.8
- years, about
Senior starts in the last quarter of a breed's expected lifespan, following the 2019 AAHA canine life stage guidelines. Individual dogs vary.
About the breed
- Temperament
- Intelligent, affectionate, self-confident
- Coat
- Wavy, long
- Origin
- Germany
The Large Munsterlander is a versatile gun dog from Germany, built for work in field, forest, and water both before and after the shot. It applies an intelligent nose and a determined will to search, point, track, and retrieve upland birds, waterfowl, and furred game.
This is a large breed, standing about 23 to 26.5 inches and weighing 50 to 70 pounds, with a long, wavy coat. Most live 12 to 14 years.
That desire to please carries into the home. There, the Large Munsterlander is self-confident yet calm, loving, and loyal to its people.
Temperament and needs
Scored 1 to 5 for the breed overall. Individual dogs vary.
- Affectionate with family4 out of 5
- Good with young children4 out of 5
- Good with other dogs3 out of 5
- Openness to strangers4 out of 5
- Playfulness3 out of 5
- Watchdog and protective nature3 out of 5
- Adaptability3 out of 5
- Trainability5 out of 5
- Energy level4 out of 5
- Mental stimulation needs4 out of 5
- Barking level2 out of 5
- Shedding3 out of 5
- Grooming frequency1 out of 5
- Drooling2 out of 5
Care
The routines that matter most for this breed. Open one at a time.
Nutrition
Feeding plans for Large Munsterlanders should reflect each dog's individual needs. A veterinarian or breeder can help determine how often a puppy should eat. Their guidance can also help select an appropriate adult diet as the dog matures. Clean, fresh water should remain available at all times.
Grooming
The long, wavy coat stays in good shape with occasional brushing and the occasional bath to keep your dog clean. Large Munsterlanders are seasonal shedders, so brush more often in late spring and early fall. The long hair attracts burs, which you should pick off after a day spent hunting in thick cover.
Their nails wear down during daily activity. Inspect them regularly for splits or cracks, and trim with a clipper or grinder as needed to maintain length.
Check the ears regularly and clean away wax and debris. Pair professional dental cleanings with at-home teeth brushing and dental chews or treats.
Exercise
Large Munsterlanders make fine family companions, but they need frequent exercise and stimulation. The breed was born to hunt, point, retrieve, and track game, and that heritage means a high activity level with a need for daily outlets. Without enough activity, they may wander and self-hunt when left to their own devices.
If you do not hunt with your Large Munsterlander, give them other ways to stay active. Long walks, backyard play sessions, a run in a fenced area, and trips to the lake for a swim all work well.
Large Munsterlanders can participate in field trials, tracking, agility, obedience, and retrieving games.
Training
Training should begin immediately, with rules established early and applied consistently. Play and learning sessions need variety, and formal puppy classes provide a useful setting for both dog and handler.
Socialization should expose a Large Münsterländer puppy to a wide range of situations and stimuli. Limited periods alone need to be introduced gradually. Early control work should teach the puppy to attend to the handler, stop on request, and stay both on and off lead so its hunting urge can be managed.
For gundog work, the handler should seek a trainer experienced with hunt-point-retrieve dogs and their distance, search pattern, and use of the wind.
Health conditions
1 condition is documented for the Large Munsterlander.
A predisposition is not a diagnosis. Ask your vet which screenings make sense for your dog's age.
- Urate Kidney & Bladder StonesUrinary & Reproductive
Sources
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