Small Munsterlander Pointer Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Small Munsterlander Pointer?

This dog breed can be traced back to the early 1900s, originating in the surrounding area of Münster in Germany, where its name is derived from.

Probably mixed from German Spaniels and large Munsterlander or other hunting dogs, this versatile hunting breed has been mainly used for hunting sports but also as a loyal family dog.

After being introduced to the UK, the United Kennel Club recognised this versatile hunting dog as a Gun Dog group member in the early 2000s and it has been recognised by the American Kennel Club as part of their Foundation Stock Service.

Who are Small Munsterlander Pointer dogs best for?

The Small Munsterlander requires lots of time and attention from its family members and is a very affectionate dog, making it a great family dog.

They are versatile hunting dogs too and can therefore adapt to different environments easily, but should definitely get their fix of daily exercise due to their high energy levels.

Despite its friendly nature and eagerness to please, this dog is not really recommended for first-time owners though. This is because they tend to mature very late and therefore require a long and consistent training phase for up to two years, so they need an owner with lots of patience and a strong will.

How much grooming does a Small Munsterlander Pointer need?

Their coats will need to be brushed and washed only occasionally, as they aren't heavy shedders and just shed seasonally. When they are shedding, you might have to brush them a bit more often to maintain the health of your dog's coat and avoid having dog hair all over your furniture and clothes!

More focus should be given to the dog's ears, as they should be checked for debris and or excessive wax in order to avoid ear infections.

As with other dogs, you should ensure that their nails are clipped as if they get too long, they could cause pain when walking or start splitting and cracking.

Do Small Munsterlander Pointer bark much?

The Small Munsterlander Pointer is not known to be a particularly yappy dog, but they do occasionally bark to signal something to their owners.

Generally, barking shouldn't be seen as problematic, unless it becomes excessive, as this is one of the main ways of communication for a dog.

Do Small Munsterlander Pointer bite?

Like most hunting breeds, Small Munsterlanders have a high predatory instinct and therefore enjoy a good hunt. But they aren't in any way considered to be aggressive dogs and don't have a tendency to bite other animals or even people without reason.

Without reason is important to mention, as any dog has the ability to bite if provoked or treated badly as a means of defending themselves or simply communicating that they do not enjoy the situation.

It is therefore important to always socialise your dog under supervision and never to leave any dog alone with small children, strangers, or other animals.

What is the temperament & personality of a Small Munsterlander Pointer?

Small Munsterlander Pointing dogs are very friendly dogs and affectionate towards their human family and have a very lively nature. Thanks to their high intelligence they are very trainable throughout their lifetime and their loyalty will bring you and your family a great amount of joy.

The high intelligence level of Small Munsterlanders does mean they require a lot of mental stimulation, therefore you shouldn't leave your dog alone for too long. If you have to, at least ensure that they have a toy to play with around, so their boredom doesn't turn into destructive behaviour or barking.

They have a strong prey drive due to being a hunting dog breed by nature and you might want to keep them on a leash during your walks through forests and parks to avoid them bolting off, chasing after a rabbit, or any other smaller animal.

What is the weight & size of a Small Munsterlander Pointer?

Small Munsterlanders are lean dogs, which can grow between 52 to 56 cm in height once they're fully grown and weigh between 18 to 27 kilos. This varies mostly between females and males, with females being the smaller of the two.

How much training does a Small Munsterlander Pointer need?

Thanks to their highly intelligent nature and their eagerness to please, training your Small Munsterlander can be a very fun and successful project for both you and your dog.

These animals require constant mental stimulation and will respond very positively to tricks and tasks that you might ask them to perform. On top of that, the Small Munsterlander Pointer will definitely excel in dog sports and any pointing exercises, thanks to its hunting abilities.

As with other dogs, socialising your Small Munsterlander puppy and introducing it to a variety of situations and other pets at a young age is key to having a happy, open, and friendly dog at a later stage in life.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Small Munsterlander Pointer?

Small Munsterlander Pointers are generally healthy dogs, but this particular dog can suffer from health issues such as hip dysplasia. You should always contact a reputable breeder to find out if there are any other genetic health problems to watch out for before you commit to this breed.

What is the lifespan of a Small Munsterlander Pointer?

If you take care of your Small Munsterlander Pointer, get it routinely vaccinated, and do regular health checkups while maintaining a healthy diet and enough exercise, you will see this versatile hunting breed has a life expectancy of between 12 and 14 years.

How much should you feed a Small Munsterlander Pointer?

This breed's dietary requirements will change throughout its lifetime, therefore it is important to talk to your vet about which food is the best to give to your Small Munsterlander Pointer in the particular stage it is in.

Generally, however, it is recommended to try and feed your dog a highly nutritious and healthy diet with a regular feeding schedule. You can avoid overfeeding by dividing the food into smaller but more frequent portions, and by being stingy with the treats to avoid unnecessary weight gain which can cause health problems.

What is the price of a Small Munsterlander Pointer in Australia?

You should be able to acquire a Small Munsterlander from a reputable breeder for between $400 and $600.

Even though there aren't many Small Munsterlander breeders in Australia, you should still check your local shelter for this hunting dog, as there might just be a Small Munsterlander waiting for its second chance at a loving family.