Small Munsterlander

Feed your Small Munsterlander a high-quality, age-appropriate food, whether commercially made or homemade with a veterinarian's supervision and approval. Many makers offer sport formulas with the protein and fat levels active breeds tend to need. What you feed is an individual choice, and working with your veterinarian or breeder is the surest way to set meal frequency as a puppy and the right adult diet.

Monitor how much your dog eats and adjust to keep them at a healthy weight. Reduce portions as needed, and count treats toward daily calories.

• Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories.
• Keep clean, fresh water available at all times.

The Small Munsterlander has a medium-length double coat that needs only occasional brushing to stay in good shape, with the occasional bath to keep it clean. These dogs are seasonal shedders, so brush more often in late spring and early fall.

Trim the nails regularly with a clipper or grinder to avoid overgrowth, splitting, and cracking. Daily activity wears them down some, but still inspect for splits or cracks and trim as needed.

Check the ears regularly for wax and debris that can lead to infection. Brush the teeth regularly and pair an at-home routine of brushing and dental chews with professional cleanings, since good dental hygiene matters for long-term health.

The Small Munsterlander has a high energy level and needs frequent exercise and stimulation every day. Without enough of it, these dogs will wander and self-hunt when left to their own devices, so supervise them outdoors.

If you don't hunt with your dog, offer other ways to burn off energy: long walks, hikes, a run or play in a fenced area, and backyard sessions throwing tennis balls or frisbees to retrieve. Give them plenty of room to run, since they can sprint up to 25 mph.

Meet mental needs with canine sports like field trials, tracking, agility, and obedience. For a true outlet, take them for a swim, as these dogs love splashing around.

Small Munsterlanders mature slowly, and most are not mentally adult until two years of age. Expect an adolescent dog to have adult size and strength for at least a year.

These dogs are intelligent and easy to train, but they need consistent training and short sessions to reach their full potential. Bred as both a hunter's helper and a family member, they need plenty of time and interaction with their family and prefer to be raised in the home. Include the dog in regular activities that provide family interaction and structured work.

As a rule, Small Munsterlanders are good with kids and tolerant of a child's unpredictable behavior. Still, socialize them with children, supervise interactions, and never leave a dog alone with small children.