Large Munsterlander Breed Guide: Temperament and Care

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Large Munsterlander is a versatile German gundog with a glossy black head, a white body with black patches and a feathered tail. It points, retrieves and tracks, and it is friendly and energetic, a dog for people who enjoy the outdoors.

Origins and appearance

The breed comes from the Munster region of Germany, where it was developed from black-and-white longhaired pointing dogs. Large Munsterlanders are medium-large and athletic, with a long head, drop ears, a dense, slightly wavy coat with feathering and a plumed tail.

Temperament

They are friendly, intelligent and eager. They bond with family and are usually good with children and other pets when socialized. They are energetic and need a job. They can be sensitive and may be wary of strangers. They dislike being left alone.

Exercise

They need one to two hours of daily exercise, with running, swimming and scent work. Many are keen swimmers. Mental work matters. They need secure fencing, since they follow scents.

Training

They are intelligent and willing. Use positive methods, variety and early socialization. Teach a reliable recall and a steady pointing or retrieving routine if you hunt. See recall training guide.

Coat and grooming

The coat needs brushing several times a week, especially the feathering. See silky coat dog grooming guide. Clean the ears, trim nails and brush teeth.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Hip dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Epilepsy. See seizures and epilepsy in dogs
• Ear infections. See dog ear infections
• Hereditary eye conditions, with eye exams
• Hypothyroidism

Living with a Large Munsterlander

They suit active families, hunters and outdoor lovers. They do best with a yard and company. They are poorly suited to apartment life or long hours alone.

A typical day

A Munsterlander wants a long morning outing, training, a rest, play and an evening walk. Many are calm indoors once exercised.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are bouncy and curious. Begin socialization, handling and training. Provide chew toys, and avoid heavy exercise while growing. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food, grooming and vet care. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They tolerate cold well and enjoy swimming, but need shade and water in heat. They travel well when exercised.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include underexercising, leaving the dog alone, skipping coat care and not giving the dog a job.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip and eye tests, epilepsy history and the parents' working or companion lines. Meet the parents.

A versatile hunting dog

The Large Munsterlander points game, retrieves from land and water and tracks wounded birds. Pet owners can borrow these skills with scent games, retrieving and nose work.

Daily care checklist

• A long outing with room to run in a secure area.
• Training or scent games.
• Brushing the feathering and checking for burrs.
• Ear checks after swimming.
• Company and a comfortable bed.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Large Munsterlander suits active owners who want a friendly, versatile gundog and can provide a job. It may not suit sedentary households. For a related German breed, see the German Shorthaired Pointer.

Family life with a working dog

A Munsterlander living as a pet needs structure. Without a job, many invent their own: digging, chasing wildlife or barking at every sound. Scent games, retrieving, tracking classes and long hikes give the dog a purpose and help it settle at home. Teach an off switch early, rewarding calm behavior on a mat.

Water and weather

Many Munsterlanders enjoy swimming and cope well with damp weather. After a swim, dry the ears and check the coat for debris, since feathering collects mud and burrs. In hot weather, exercise early or late and carry water.

The takeaway

Large Munsterlanders are friendly, versatile and energetic, and they need exercise, work and company.