The Small Münsterländer Pointer is a flexible dog. This dog breed can help hunt, point and retrieve. It originates in Münster, Germany. It’s a medium size breed. Small Münsterländer Pointers have excellent tracking skills, intelligence and train-ability. They are an expert hunting companion!
This dog is friendly to human and has a unique connection to his owner. This breed might be hunting dog but he also great as family dog, a kid-friendly dog and generally friendly with other pets. Small Münsterländer are healthy dogs and can live up to 12 to 14 years.
The Small Munsterlander Pointer History
People also know The Small Münsterländer pointer as the following:
- Small Münsterländer
- SM
- Kleiner Münsterländer in Germany.
Historians believe this breed to have been over 500 years old. However, the perfect breed first appeared in 1921. The breed was little known by the 1800s. Farmers kept this breed on small farms in and around Münster Germany. This dog became important when farmers relied on hunting to feed their families. People in the region knew the breed well as the long-coated ‘Wachtelhunds’ (German Spaniels) by 1870.
At the end of the 19th century breeders made an effort to reestablish this dog breed. This dog came from two breeds that were known for their agility, energy, and intelligence. This dog was designed to hunt and prey of any size, to retrieve and track.
Where did the Small Munsterlander Pointer Come From?
A flexible hunting, pointing and retrieving dog breed called Small Münsterländer, originates from the Munster region of Germany back in the middle 19th century. At that time, the numbers of hunters and hunting was increasing after German Law was change and the breeding of new German Pointing dogs began. Historians believe that in 1906, the famous poet name Hermann Löns and his brother Edmund Löns created the Small Münsterländer by crossing the German long haired Pointer and long haired spaniels known as Wachtelhunds. Besides from the Löns brothers, Baron of Bevervördelohburg also helped with breeding efforts. In another region a teacher name Mr. Heitmann in Burgsteinfurt successfully created his own line. Breeders finally founded The club for Small Munsterlander Pointing dogs in March 17, 1912 to bring the breeders together. In 1921 Mr. Friedrich Jungklaus created a breed standard for the dog.
What Were They Bred For?
Breeders developed the Small Münsterländer to hunt, point, retrieve and track. Because of their personality, this dog also became a great family companion and one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Hunters love this dog because they are extremely good at hunting, pointing and retrieving. They can be difficult to get. They also have a great scent of smell. Breeders typically favor hunters to sell their Small Münsterländer puppies to over people looking for a companion.
Are They a Pure Breed?
Yes
Small Munsterlander Pointers at a Glance
[table “SMP” not found /]Small Münsterländer Pointer Physical Traits
This is a strong medium sized dog. This breed has a medium length coat that is wavy, thick, and glossy. As with most pointers it has ears that fold down and are floppy. The front legs are feathered and the back legs are breeches. The tail is long with long hair. It has colrs of white over most of the body with dark brown or tan markings and a tipped white tail.
Breed Standard
Small Münsterländer Pointer Size
- Male: 20-22 inches
- Female: 19-21 inches
Height measurements are always from the ground to the highest point of a dog’s shoulder blades.
Weight
- Male: 45-60 pounds
- Female: 35-50 pounds
Grooming
These dogs are fairly easy to take care of. They need the occasional brush to keep them clean. They shed during the shedding season and will need more brushing during this time. Make sure to check their ears for wax and debris regularly. Especially check after hunting and clean of necessary. Also make sure to check their nails and clip or trim if needed.
Do They Drool?
No
Best Climate for the Small Munsterlander Pointer
Small Münsterländer Pointer can handle both warm and cold weather.
Small Münsterländer Pointer Temperament
This dog is intelligent, trainable and capable of learning. This dog is friendly towards people. It has good social behavior and very attentive to their master. These dogs are passionate, determined, and have a predatory instinct.
How Easy are They to Train?
Small Münsterländers are slow before they get fully mature. Mentally they reach adulthood when they reach 2 years old. They are a trainable hunting breed. They will learn fast with reliable training and easily follow commands. Using positive reinforcement helps to train this dog. They are very suited to hunting and companionship. This dog would not make a good Frisbee dog. They sometimes need to be trained to bring objects back when playing fetch. These dogs mostly love to roam and chase. They are also very good at pointing when they find game.
Do They Tolerate Other Pets?
The Small Münsterländer is hunting dog but they are also friendly with other pets.
Are They Good for Families?
Small Münsterländer is a happy and affectionate with family and other pets. They are friendly and gentle with kids. In Their breed was not created to harm but just point out prey. This carries through with how they interact with children. They also need a lot of stimulation and like a yard to roam in.
Do They Have a Strong Prey Drive?
Small Münsterländer is great hunting dog and it’s in their instinct to find, capture and prey. They can easily chase and catch small animals. Because of this they have a strong prey drive.
Are They Social With Other People?
Small Münsterländers love and enjoy being around people, kids, and other animals. They don’t like being left alone.
Is The Small Münsterländer Pointer Good for New Owners?
The Small Münsterländer can have a stubborn personality. New owners will need to make sure they have a large area to roam and can provide lot of stimulation. New owners can train these dogs but they need to be patient during training.
Health
The majority of Small Münsterländers are healthy dogs with regular care and proper feeding. The average lifespan of this breed is average for a breed of its size. However, this breed is prone to certain health issues and some of it are ear infections, skin problems, and hip dysplasia.
The Small Munsterlander Pointer Lifespan
12 to 14 years
Health Issues
Small Münsterländers is hunting dog and may experience health problems like ear infections, skin problems, and hip dysplasia during in their lifetime. When getting one of these breeds it’s recommended to have some health test for Hip Dysplasia (for older dogs) and OFA Good or Excellent or PennHip.
Exercise
Small Münsterländers require frequent exercise and stimulation. Small Munsterlanders is a hunting dog breed. They have a high activity level and need suitable outlets for their energy and that it includes exercise. If you do not hunt be sure to give it some other vigorous activity daily. This dog needs to be supervised because of their instinct to hunt.
