Temperament: Intelligent, Devoted, Self-Confident
- Height: 20.5-21 inches
- Weight: 40-60 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
- Group: Foundation Stock Service
The Small Munsterlander is a versatile hunting dog and natural retriever with a medium range, solid pointing instinct, and strong desire for the water. He has excellent tracking abilities for all types of work after the shot. These qualities are enhanced by intelligence and trainability.
About the Small Munsterlander
The Small Munsterlander is intelligent and capable of learning, has a full but even temperament, and is steady in character. He is alert and friendly towards people, which makes him suitable for family life; he has good social behavior and keeps in close contact with his master. His passionate, persevering predatory instinct, versatile hunting aptitudes and strong nerves and keenness for game make him an extremely adept hunting companion. During the off season, Small Munsterlanders can also be used for agility, obedience, retrieving and hunting tests or trials. Small Munsterlanders have a strong pack instinct and thrive in outdoor oriented families. In the house, they often can be found sleeping near (or on) the feet of their master. In his native country of Germany, he is the Kleiner Münsterländer.
NUTRITION The Small Munsterlander should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
GROOMING Occasional brushings will maintain the quality of the coat with the occasional bath to keep them clean and looking their best. Small Munsterlanders are seasonal shedders and as such it is important to maintain their coats more frequently in the late spring and early fall. Their nails should be trimmed regularly with a nail clipper or grinder to avoid overgrowth, splitting, and cracking. Their ears should be checked regularly to avoid a buildup of wax and debris, which can result in infection. Teeth should be brushed regularly.
EXERCISE While Small Munsterlanders make wonderful family companions, they do require frequent exercise and stimulation. The breed was born to hunt and that is the task they are happiest at. This is an all-purpose, versatile hunting breed that was developed to hunt, point, retrieve, and track game.
The breed’s hunting heritage means they have a high activity level and need appropriate outlets for their energy, including daily exercise. If you don’t hunt with your Small Munsterlander, be sure to give him other ways to tire himself out, such as going for a run or playing in a fenced area. They need to be supervised outdoors since their instinct is to hunt. If proper stimulation and exercise are not provided, they will wander and self-hunt when left to their own devices.
TRAINING This breed is relatively slow to mature: It’s not until they reach two years of age that most Small Munsterlanders are mentally adult. It’s important to be prepared for at least one year of a strong, muscular, fully grown dog with the brain of a teenager.
It is important to remember that they are bred as a hunter’s helper and also as a family member. These friendly dogs need lots of time and interaction with their human family to reach their full potential and prefer to be raised in the home. As a general rule, Small Munsterlanders are good with kids and are tolerant of a child’s unpredictable behavior. However, as with all dogs, it’s important to socialize them with children and supervise their interactions. It is never suggested to leave a dog alone with small children.
It is also important to find a way to fit your Small Munsterlander into your pastimes. This will give him the chance to spend time with you and work for you, leading to a joyful and well-adjusted companion.
HEALTH Conscientious Small Munster-lander breeders in both the United States and Europe have made a concerted effort to maintain the health of the breed. The vast majority of Small Munsterlanders are healthy dogs, and regular veterinary care and proper feeding are vital to your dog’s health. Working with a responsible breeder, those wishing to own a Small Munsterlander can gain the education they need to know about specific health concerns within the breed.