There are a lot of things to love about a Small Munsterlander, but for us here at IndulgeYourPet, his affection and friendliness top the charts. But, like any dog, this one’s not perfect for everyone.
And while…
It’s difficult for us to think of a reason not to want to adopt one of these awesome dogs, the last thing that we want is for a Small Munsterlander to end up in the “wrong” home. And by “wrong” we mean one that isn’t perfectly suited for one of these loving yet very active dogs.
Which is why…
We wanted to take a moment and discuss exactly what it might be like to own one of these guys this way if you’re ever given the opportunity to make one of them your own, you’ll know right away if that’s going to be a good idea or not!
So, without further ado, let’s dive right in.
Fast Facts about Small Munsterlander Pointers
Country of Origin: Germany
Original Purpose: Help Falconers and hunters to make the catch!
Height: 18 to 23 inches at shoulder
Weight: 30 to 60 pounds
Dog Breed Classification: Not “officially” recognized by the American Kennel Club as of yet.
Lifespan: 11-15 years
Origin of Small Munsterlanders
As we’ve already stated, the Small Munsterlander is a dog breed that was originally created in Germany sometime during the early to mid-19th century. In Germany, however the breed may not be referred to as a “Small Munsterlander” rather it may go by the name of Kleiner Munsterlander. This is because, “Kleiner” simply means small in German.
Its primary purpose…
Back then was to perform as a versatile hunting dogs, capable of locating and flushing out birds as well as retrieving them on dry land or in water.
Unfortunately…
Like many dog breeds on in Europe during World War I and II, these dogs did face difficulty, but it managed to persevere rather than face extinction. In the United States, the Small Munsterlander Club of North America was created. The dog is also recognized by The United Kennel Club.
Physical Characteristics of Small Munsterlanders
Though they are called “small” they aren’t tiny like little lap dogs. They are more rightly considered mid-sized dogs. The name “small” is just in comparison to Large Munsterlanders which are bigger (though really, only by 15-20 pounds on average). Their coats are a combination of brown and white. Some appear spotted in some sections, while others are more solid colors in sections. They have long, floppy ears and a slightly bushy tail. The small and Large Munsterlander look pretty much the same aside from weight and height.
Grooming
This dog dogs have a fur coat that can shed. To keep the knots out, and to avoid excess hair fall, give your dog a good brushing every 4-8 days, depending on his activity level. If it’s the summer, you’ll probably want to do it a bit more since he’ll likely work up a bit of a sweat, thus producing more oils. In case your dog is hunting, you’ll need to do it more often.
And…
Just like many other “types” of dogs, you’ll probably want to take him or her to a professional groomer once in six months or so.
Personality and Temperament of the Small Munsterlander
These are very friendly and mostly easy-going dogs. However, they are slightly less friendly when it comes to strangers. They may be a bit standoffish in comparison to the lovey, kissy pup you’re used to.
But remember…
A Small Munsterlander puppy needs to be trained early on so that you can make sure he/she doesn’t turn into a stubborn adult dog. You can put him/her in puppy obedience school as early as 2 ½ months. Your class may want puppies vaccinated before joining, though. So check on that.
One great thing…
About the Munsterlander is they do wind up adapting pretty well. Even though this dog is one of the hunting breeds, he’s still going to be fine to be your companion chilling in front of the TV. That’s not to say you shouldn’t let him run around; but just to say he’s not going to go stir crazy.
Health Risks of Small Munsterlander
This is a breed and like all breeds, there are some health risks to watch out for. You should know all about this before getting one of your own. If you find a Small Munsterlander who follows the breeding standard for this breed, then you should avoid any major problems that this dog would normally be at risk of. Your breeder should get recognized by the Small Munsterlander Club.
Though a very low risk, your dog could develop hip dysplasia. If this happens, you will have to get a surgery for him/her.
Remember…
Genetic diseases might be controlled through proper breeding standards; however, other health issues may be unavoidable. Your dog can catch a communicable disease or injure himself while playing. There are still health risks – all of which could be expensive.
And while…
Many of these conditions may not be life threatening, they can certainly become quite expensive to deal with particularly if they become recurring issues.
This is why…
We here at IndulgeYourPet also recommend that any new pet owner take a moment and see what it might cost for you to purchase a pet insurance policy for your new animal.
Now will a pet insurance policy be right for everyone?
No, probably not. But until you fully understand what these policies “will” and “won’t” cover and how much these pet insurance policies cost, how will you know if one might be right for you?
For more information on who we feel currently offers the “best” pet insurance policies out there, we would encourage you to check out our Best Pet Insurance Policies article.
