Small Munsterlander Dog Breed Information

Group

Miscellaneous Class

Weight

18-27 kg

Height

52-56 cm

Lifespan

12-14 years

Jump To

About the Small Munsterlander

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

If you are looking for an intelligent, versatile, and overall great family companion, the Small Munsterlander could be your next best friend!

These agile and beautiful medium-sized dogs have a lot going for them, such as their friendly demeanour and their quick wit.

If this hasn’t already piqued your interest, continue reading our extensive breed guide on Small Munsterlander Pointer dogs to learn everything about their German hunting ancestry, how to take care of them, and how much attention they need!

What is the history & origin of the Small Munsterlander?

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.

What is a Small Munsterlander breed?

Regardless of what their name might suggest, these dogs aren’t at all small dogs, but rather a medium-sized breed.

They have a smooth and shiny medium-length coat that comes in many combinations of brown, white, and sometimes black colours and is feathered over the ears, chest, and tail.

Some of their main characteristics are their long floppy ears, which they got from their Spaniel parent breed, as well as their friendly and curious faces with lively eyes and a distinct muzzle. On top of that, they are known for carrying their tail horizontally almost all of the time.

Who is a Small Munsterlander 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.

Small Munsterlander Grooming & Shedding

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 Munsterlanders bark a lot?

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.

What is the average weight & height of a Small Munsterlander?

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.

Are Small Munsterlanders easy to train?

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.

How do Small Munsterlanders behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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 the leash during your walks through forests and parks to avoid them bolting off, chasing after a rabbit, or any other smaller animal.

Does the Small Munsterlander have any common health issues?

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?

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 does a Small Munsterlander need to be fed?

This breed’s dietary requirements will change throughout their 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.

How much can you expect to pay for a Small Munsterlander 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.

Small Munsterlander FAQs

Is the Small Munsterlander Pointer a good dog?

First of all, there is no such thing as a bad dog, only bad training and upbringing from an unqualified or bad owner.

Some dogs are obviously considered more favourable than others, but it all comes down to what characteristics and traits you prefer your furry friend to have.

If you are looking for a family friend that is affectionate, active, and fun to have around, then yes, the Small Munsterlander is a very good dog.

Are Small Munsterlander Pointer dogs hypoallergenic?

Unfortunately, the Small Musterlander pointer dog breed has a double coat and does shed during the season; therefore they are not suitable for people with a pet hair allergy.

Can a Small Munsterlander Pointer be left alone?

If you have started to train your Small Munsterlander Pointer puppy from a young age to be able to be left to its own devices for a little while, then yes, you will be able to leave your Small Munsterlander alone for a couple of hours when it is fully grown.

With that being said, you should never leave your dog alone for long periods, especially not dogs such as the Small Munsterlander. It is very attached to its family and will start showing signs of separation anxiety or pure boredom if not getting any mental stimulation.