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Small Munsterlander Breed Summary
Energetic, Intelligent, Happy, Calm and Active
These doggies get their name from a town in Germany, called Munster and were first developed there during the late 19th century. The creation involved crossing German Longhaired Pointers with Wachtelhunds (a type of Longhaired Spaniel). The ultimate aim was to create a dog fit for multipurpose, including pointing and tracking. It proved a success but the onset of WW2 saw dramatic decline in the breed due to food shortages. However, they were just about saved and spread from country to country, becoming highly prized and poplar due to their small size, hunting skills and well-tempered personalities. The breed became recognised in 2006.
Lifespan | 12 – 13 Years |
Height (at the withers) | Male 50cm– 58cm, Female 48cm – 56cm |
Weight | Males and Females 18kg – 27kg |
Coat | Medium length, soft coat |
Colour | Brown and Cream |
Eye colour | Brown, Hazel |
Common health issues | Hip Dysplasia,Behavioural abnormalities |
Other Names | Kleiner Münsterländer, Vorstehhund, Spion, Heidewachtel |
These doggies are very confident and adaptable to a variety of lifestyles. However, they are best suited to hunting homes due to their even tempers and affectionate ways, which makes them great companion doggies. They can be quite jumpy, especially when new people come into the house and they want to welcome them, so they must be taught to stay down. Normally though, they are very quiet and calm and after a long day of hunting with their 'hoomans' love nothing more than cuddling in next to you on the sofa. Their high energy means they need to be in a family that already lead an active lifestyle that they can easily slot into. Additionally, they need lots of mental and physical stimulation and love to play games such as puzzle toys! They are lovely doggies and overall make fantastic family pets with the ability to provide you with years of happiness!
Although the similarities in their names may cause confusion, the Small Münsterländer does not share its ancestry with the Large Münsterländer – though both originated in the area of western Germany around the city of Münster. Etchings and other evidence point to a medium-sized pointing dog of similar appearance being in existence from as early as the twelfth century, but in fact, there is no solid proof that the Small Münsterländer was developed as a breed until the late nineteenth century.