Large Münsterländer
The Large Munsterlander (Großer Münsterländer) is a breed of gun dog originally from the Münster region in Germany.
The Large Munsterlander is one of several continental dog breeds of versatile hunting dogs. Although the LM is one of the last of the German dog breeds to gain official representation by a separate breed club, the LM was recognized as a color variant of the German Longhaired Pointer prior to that time. The LM first gained official recognition in the Munsterland of northwestern Germany in the early 1900s. However, the forerunner of the modern LM can be recognized in artist's representations of hunting scenes as far back as the Middle Ages. The Large Munsterlander was introduced to North America by Kurt von Kleist in 1966. By August 14, 2003, at least 56 dogs have been imported from Europe and 1039 pups have been registered in North America.
This field dog characteristically is calm, gentle with children and well adjusted to living in the master's dwelling. The versatile characteristics of the LM provide for a reliable companion for all facets of hunting. A recent comparison of the scores of 82 LMs with 104 other versatile breeds entered in North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) tests showed that the Large Munsterlander is a versatile dog with a difference. On average, LMs work closer and are more responsive to the handler than other breeds although the LM's pointing instinct matures later. The LM displayed greater cooperation than other breeds and an excellent concentration in the tracking and recovery of crippled game birds. During search for game, most LMs range 50-150 yd, depending on cover. Their long and thick coat protects them against cold and allows them to search dense cover thoroughly.
Appearance
The Large Munsterlander should be athletic, intelligent, noble, and elegant in appearance. Its body should be the same length as its height at the withers. The dog should be muscular without being bulky. Its gait should be fluid and elastic.
The Large Munsterlander is one of several continental dog breeds of versatile hunting dogs. Although the LM is one of the last of the German dog breeds to gain official representation by a separate breed club, the LM was recognized as a color variant of the German Longhaired Pointer prior to that time. The LM first gained official recognition in the Munsterland of northwestern Germany in the early 1900s. However, the forerunner of the modern LM can be recognized in artist's representations of hunting scenes as far back as the Middle Ages. The Large Munsterlander was introduced to North America by Kurt von Kleist in 1966. By August 14, 2003, at least 56 dogs have been imported from Europe and 1039 pups have been registered in North America.
This field dog characteristically is calm, gentle with children and well adjusted to living in the master's dwelling. The versatile characteristics of the LM provide for a reliable companion for all facets of hunting. A recent comparison of the scores of 82 LMs with 104 other versatile breeds entered in North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) tests showed that the Large Munsterlander is a versatile dog with a difference. On average, LMs work closer and are more responsive to the handler than other breeds although the LM's pointing instinct matures later. The LM displayed greater cooperation than other breeds and an excellent concentration in the tracking and recovery of crippled game birds. During search for game, most LMs range 50-150 yd, depending on cover. Their long and thick coat protects them against cold and allows them to search dense cover thoroughly.
Appearance
The Large Munsterlander should be athletic, intelligent, noble, and elegant in appearance. Its body should be the same length as its height at the withers. The dog should be muscular without being bulky. Its gait should be fluid and elastic.Size
Large Munsterlander should be 60–65 cm (24–26 in) at the withers for males, 58–63 cm (23–25 in) for females. It should weigh approximately 30 kg (66 lb).
Coat and Colour
The LM is black and white with hair of medium length. This dog has been bred for many decades for hunting and not show. Hence coat color is highly variable, ranging from predominantly white to predominantly black. Markings occur as solid white patches, or ticked or roan regions. The coat is dense, but should be firm and sleek.
Breed Standard
The UK Kennel club standard for the dog breed is:
- General Appearance
- Alert and energetic, with strong muscular body, having good movement with drive.
- Characteristics
- Multi-purpose gundog, ideal for the rough shooter. Excellent nose, staying power, and works equally well on land and in water. A keen worker, easily taught.
- Temperament
- Loyal, affectionate and trustworthy.
- Head and Skull
- Well proportioned to body, elongated. Skull sufficiently broad, slightly rounded, with no pronounced occiput. Strong jaw muscles, well formed black nose, wide soft nostrils, slight rise from the nasal bone to the forehead but no pronounced stop. Lips slightly rounded, and well fitting.
- Eyes
- Intelligent, medium size, dark brown, not deep-set or protruding. No haw showing.
- Ears
- Broad and set high, lying flat and close to the head, with a rounded tip. Hair on the ears should be long, extending beyond the tip.
- Mouth
- Strong and sound, with well developed teeth, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
- Neck
- Strong, muscular, slightly arched, joining the shoulder and chest smoothly.
- Forequarters
- Chest, wide and with good depth of brisket. Shoulders laid well back, forelegs straight, pasterns strong.
- Body
- Firm, strong back, short coupled, slightly higher at the withers, sloping smoothly towards the croup and tail. Wide, well-muscled loin, wide croup, ribs well sprung, deep and reaching well up to the loin. Taut abdomen, slightly tucked up. Length of body, measured from point of shoulder to point of buttock should, ideally, be equal to height at withers, but may exceed height at withers by 2 cm.
- Hindquarters
- Hips broad. Well muscled thighs, well turned stifles, hocks well let down. Dewclaws should be removed.
- Feet
- Tight, moderately rounded and well knuckled with dense hair between the toes, well padded. Strong nails.
- Tail
- Docked: Previously, docking of tip of tail was optional; Undocked: Well set on, in line with the back. Base thick, tapering evenly towards the tip, well feathered. It should be carried horizontally or curved slightly upwards.
- Gait/Movement
- Free, long-striding, springy gait.
- Coat
- Hair long and dense, but not curly or coarse. Well feathered on front and hindlegs and on tail, more so in dogs than in bitches. Hair must lie short and smooth on the head.
- Colour
- Head solid black, white blaze, snip or star allowed. Body white or blue roan with black patches, flecked, ticked, or combination of these.
- Size
- Height: dogs 60–65 cm (24–26 in); bitches 58–63 cm (23–25 in)
- Faults
- Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.
- Note
- Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
