SMALL MUNSTERLANDER POINTER

About the Small Munsterlander Pointer

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.

• NUTRITI0N

You are going to want to feed your Small Munsterlander a formula that will cater to his unique digestive needs throughout the various phases of his life. Many dog food companies have sport formulas that contain the protein/fat levels necessary for active breeds.

The Small Munsterlander is a medium-sized breed and may have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. What you feed your dog is an individual choice, but working with your veterinarian and/or breeder will be the best way to determine frequency of meals as a puppy and the best adult diet to increase his longevity. 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 an infection. Teeth should be brushed regularly.

EXERCISE

While the Small Munsterlander makes a wonderful family companion, 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 is not provided, they will wander and self-hunt when left to their own devices.

TRAINING

Like other versatile dogs, 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 and 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

Like all breeds, there may be some small health issues, but conscientious breeders in both the United States and Europe have made a concerted effort to maintain the health of the breed. Some dogs may be faced with these health challenges in their lives, but the vast majority of Small Munsterlanders are healthy dogs. Regular veterinary care and proper feeding are vital to your dog’s health.

Yearly DHLPP vaccinations, rabies shots, a monthly heartworm preventative regimen, and, in many parts of the country, a Lyme Disease vaccination, should not be neglected. 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.

Recommended Health Tests From Parent Club

• Hip Dysplasia
• OFA Good or Excellent or PennHip number 0.50 or below to be considered for breeding