Large Münsterländer

The Large Münsterländer is a German pointing breed in black and white — a versatile gun dog expected to point, retrieve and track rather than specialise.

History

It comes from the Münster region and was, for a long time, simply the black-and-white colour of the German Longhaired Pointer, which was standardised as brown only. Breeders who valued the colour organised separately in 1919, which is how a colour became a breed.

Temperament

The breed is known for being even-tempered, loyal and eager to work, sociable with people and other dogs and calm indoors once its exercise needs are met.

Care and training

It needs substantial daily exercise and real work — this is a hunting dog and it is unhappy without a job. It trains readily. The medium feathered coat needs regular brushing and the ears want checking.

Health

Generally robust, with hip dysplasia among the known tendencies. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.