The Great Munsterlander is a versatile large-sized dog breed, known for its elegance and abilities in hunting and working. It originates from Germany and is noted for its athletic appearance and spotted coat.
General details
The breed has a medium to large size and a muscular body. The height in males is between 60 and 65 cm and in females between 57 and 62 cm. The weight is approximately 29.5 kilograms. Their life expectancy is 10 to 12 years. The Great Munsterlander belongs to Group 7 of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which includes pointers.
Breed history in brief
The Great Munsterlander is a breed of pointing dog originating from Germany, more specifically from the Munster region. Its history dates back to the 19th century, when pointers began to be bred and selected in the region for use in bird hunting. The Great Munsterlander is believed to be the result of a mixture of several European pointers and hunting dogs, such as the Pointer, Setter and Spaniel.
Over the years, the Great Munsterlander has been prized for its hunting ability and its versatility to work both on land and in water. Its ability to find and point birds has made this breed a valuable companion for hunters, and its friendly, easy-to-train temperament has also made it a popular pet in many homes.
Breed characteristics
Its body is muscular and well proportioned, with a noble and expressive head. It has medium to large, dark brown eyes and medium length ears that hang on the sides of the head. Its tail is long and with long fur.
Their coat is dense and water-resistant, with a smooth outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat that protects them from the cold. The typical color of the Great Munsterlander is black and white, with black spots well distributed on a white background. This color combination is known as "mantel" and is a distinctive characteristic of the breed.
In terms of temperament, the Great Munsterlander is known to be a friendly, intelligent and balanced dog. They are loyal to their owners and have a loving nature. They are active and energetic dogs, which makes them suitable for hunting and for participating in various outdoor activities. They are obedient and easy to train, which makes them good working and family companions.
Common health problems
Some of the conditions that can affect this breed are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism and progressive retinal atrophy.
Do you still not know the true nature of your dog?
Unlock the secrets of your pet's DNA with our two ranges.
