Kleiner Munsterlander

The Small Munsterlander is a medium-sized dog breed noted for its versatility in hunting and its excellent searching and retrieving ability. It is known for its elegant and athletic appearance, as well as its friendly and loyal temperament.

General details

The Small Munsterlander is a medium-sized breed of dog. Males are between 52 and 54 centimeters tall, while females measure around 50 to 52 centimeters at the withers. In terms of weight, males usually weigh between 18 and 20 kilograms, and females between 16 and 18 kilograms. Life expectancy is estimated at 12 to 14 years. The Small Munsterlander belongs to FCI Group 7, which refers to pointers or hunting dogs.

Breed history in brief

It is a breed of pointers originating in Germany. Its history dates back to the 19th century, when it was developed from selective crosses between different medium-sized pointers. The aim was to create a versatile hunting dog, capable of tracking, pointing and retrieving prey both on land and in water. Throughout its evolution, the Small Munsterlander has been widely used as a hunting dog in its region of origin, mainly in the Westphalian area. Its ability to work both on land and in water, its excellent sense of smell and its ability to adapt to different types of terrain make it an ideal companion for hunters. Although initially recognized as a variant of the Large Munsterlander, in the 1920s it was established as an independent breed.

Breed characteristics

Its appearance is characterized by being athletic and well proportioned, with a muscular and compact body. Its head is proportional to the body, with medium-sized, expressive and generally brown eyes. The tail is of medium length and its ears are droopy and well covered with hair. The coat is dense and weather resistant, providing protection during work in difficult terrain. It has a smooth or slightly wavy outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat that provides insulation. The most common colors in this breed are white and brown, with characteristic markings and spots on different parts of the body, such as the head, ears and body. The Small Munsterlander is an intelligent, friendly, and well-balanced dog. They are very loyal and affectionate dogs with their family, but can also be reserved with strangers. They are known to be versatile and passionate hunting dogs, with a great working ability and an excellent nose.

Common health problems

Some of the diseases that have been most frequently associated with this breed are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, Von Williebrand's disease and metabolic copper storage disease.