Overview
The Large Münsterländer is an all-round gundog from north west Germany, developed from the black and white colour variant of the German Longhaired Pointer. It is a handsome, feathered dog with a white body ticked or patched in black and a solid black head, built for a full day in the field across any terrain.
In the UK it is kept mainly by shooting and working-trial people, and that tells you most of what you need. These are affectionate, biddable, people-oriented dogs that want to be busy. They are rarely difficult in temperament, but a Münsterländer that is under-worked is a loud and restless housemate.
Exercise and walking needs
Two hours a day for a fit adult, and it should include free running where the owner permits. Hunting dogs cover ground in wide sweeps and need the space to do it. Add retrieving, scent trails or a swim and the dog will come home properly satisfied.
Puppies and adolescents need their exercise rationed while bones grow. Older dogs usually stay keen and will overdo it if allowed, so watch for stiffness afterwards.
On the walk
- Recall: Good once trained but tested by birds and ground game. A whistle recall the owner already uses is the most useful thing you can borrow.
- Water: Enthusiastic swimmers. Check exits before letting the dog in, and expect feathering that holds water for hours.
- Other dogs: Sociable and generally gentle, good company on a group walk. Watch for over-exuberance with small or nervous dogs.
- Pointing: The dog may freeze and stare at a bird in a hedge. This is work, not stubbornness. Give it a moment, then call it on.
Tips for professional walkers
- Bring a retrieving dummy or ball and finish the walk with a few throws. It uses the drive constructively.
- Choose routes with cover, water and open ground rather than pavements and small parks.
- Comb the feathering after wet or seedy walks to spare the owner a matting job.
- Check ears after swimming; the long ear leathers hold moisture.
What to ask the owner
- Is the dog trained to the whistle, and which commands does it know?
- Does the dog work or do trials, and are there cues or rules you should keep consistent?
- Any hip or elbow concerns, and is hard ball-chasing allowed?