GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: Large variety - 58-61cm (23”-24”).
Small variety 44-47cm (17½”-18½”).
Colour: Large variety — Black head with white blaze and a black body which is white ticked or flecked. Small variety - Brown head with or without tan markings, body brown with white ticks or flecks.
Coat: Smooth on the head and body coat long and dense. Gait: Free flowing, springy with fore and hindlegs reaching well out.
These workmanlike members of the gun dog group have their dark brown eyes set midway between the slightly rounded skull and a strong jaw. The high set ears hang to the side of the cheek. The slightly arched neck runs into well laid back shoulders and the topline slopes from the shoulders towards the well feathered tail. Docking of one or two joints from the tip of the tail is optional. Strong fore and hind quarters with good angulation are required and the feet should be tight and round.
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
This multi purpose German gundog with its excellent nose, is ideal for the rough shooter. They excel in staying power and work equally well in water or on land. Being loyal, affectionate, trustworthy and easily taught, they make excellent family companions. They are adaptable and live happily in either kennel or the home. In order to remain happy and healthy, they need plenty of exercise. Coat care is minimal with only periodical grooming.
HISTORY
Munsterlanders are one of the more recent pointing and retrieving gundogs in Germany. They were once known as Long Haired German Pointers and when the German Kennel Club first recognized them, only the brown and white puppies were accepted. This resulted in the rejected black and white puppies being given away.Ultimately it was found that so many of these rejected black and white dogs excelled in field trials that they had to be recognised. The Small Munsterlanders (sometimes called Moorland Spaniels) were recognised at the turn of the 20th century, following crossing with Brittany Spaniels and Long Haired German Pointers.