History
The Large Munsterlander is one of the several Continental Breeds of versatile hunting groups. It is also an HPR (Hunt, Point, and Retrieve) dog. Although one of the last of the German Breeds to gain an official representation by a separate breed group, the Munsterlanders were recognized as the colour variant of the German Longhaired Pointer before that time.
In early 1900’s, this breed got its first recognition by the authority of Northwestern Germany. However, the Large modern Munsterlander was introduced into North America by kart von Kleist in 1966. The combination of the Great Depression and World War II nearly caused the breed’s demise and it was revived after the War. The United Kennel Club recognized the breed in 2006.
Interesting Facts
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Grosser is a German sporting dog that hunts, points, and retrieves, working well on land and retrieving from water.
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Resembles Setter dogs, but has a broader skull that is slightly rounded.
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The breed’s coat can be mostly white or mostly black.
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In several hunting trials conducted by the NAVHDA (North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association), the Munsterlanders exhibited greater cooperation, more responsiveness, and better concentration in tracking and recovery of game birds than other versatile dogs.
Temperament & Personality
It is because of their mild and benign nature, Munsterlanders are not only considered a great hunting companion but also a good house dog. Dedicated and cordial, these dogs love to be close to their people. It remains calmed and friendly with children and other pets, but a sudden motivation can make it difficult to control them.
The Munsterlander may be calm and gentle, but it is also very lively. If the dog lacks in leadership and mental/physical exercise, it can get destructive and bark when left alone. They are not guarding dogs, so they retrieve and naturally carry things in their mouth. They will be happiest when used as working dogs and are resistant to fatigue and bad weather.
Exercise
Just like all other hunting breeds need a sufficient amount of daily exercise, the Large Munsterlander also requires an ample amount of daily activities, but not as much as the Pointers. They need to be taken on a daily brisk walk or jog. On a daily walk, the Munsterlanders must be made to heel beside the owner holding the head. This rule should be followed because, in the canine's mind, a leader leads and commands the way and the commander here needs to be a human. These dogs need to be active throughout the entire day, and if deprived of sufficient activities can become destructive. Moreover, they love the outside world more than the indoor life and whenever gets a chance to step outside, runs a wild beast.
They automatically ignite their hunting skills when they hunt and chase animals like rabbits and will search rabbits in every grassy area they come across. This breed is not for the older citizens or lazy people. Swimming is their firm favourite but the owner should ensure their safety when running loose. They are primarily a sports dog but adapts to family life provided they are given plenty of exercises.
Grooming
They have a coat which is low in maintenance. A medium length coat lies close to its body, and a long furry coat on its legs, on the tail area. The coat does not require frequent cleaning as the dirt automatically drops out when it becomes dry. They do require occasional brushing as the longer coat can catch matting. The feathers on its legs, ears, and tail need occasional tidying up.
Frequently trim the excess hair growing between its pads and brush its teeth. Bathing is only suggested when the dog gets muddy and dirty. It is also important to check the dog’s ears on a regular interval and to clean them when necessary. Too much earwax leads to an ear infection. Nails should be clipped if it gets too long. Clear the dog’s eye debris with a soft cloth without hurting it.
Health Problems
The breed is prone to a few hereditary health issues which are worth knowing. The conditions that seem to affect the most include the following:
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Hereditary Cataracts: Breeder should have the stud dog eye tested
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Hip Dysplasia: Breeders should have the stud dog hip scored
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HUU(Urinary Stones): Breeders should have the stud dog tested
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Osteochondrosis: On the shoulders particularly in male dogs
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Black hair follicular dysplasia: A condition that may affect the black areas of the coat. It leads to a type of Alopecia in which the black hair will die off and shed but the white areas of the coat will remain unaffected
Training
Munsterlander puppies have a slow mature tendency. Hence, training one satisfactorily takes “a lot more patience” than the average Gundog. The owner can train it in Basic Obedience Training as early as in their first 10-20 weeks. Extremely intelligent, their junior growth period is quite long, hence delay serious Gundog training until 12 months.
Between 9-16 months, it tends to go through a teenage rebellion phase. At three years, the dog is fit for proper work, and it just gets better every passing year, until they are eight to nine years old. The Large Munsterlander is an outstanding swimmer that likes various games in the water like tracking and retrieving.
Feeding
A high-quality dry food should also consist things like a few boiled eggs, cheese, vegetables and fruits. If the owner gets the Munsterlander puppy from a breeder, the breeder will provide with a feeding schedule and it's important to stick to the same routine. The owner can change the puppy’s diet gradually. Older dogs are not known to be fussy eaters.
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