Large Munsterlander

A search shared with your dog

A field full of scents gives a Large Munsterlander plenty to investigate. It is a pointing dog, bred to find game and then hold a still position while the handler approaches. Retrieving means picking something up and bringing it back. These are parts of its working role, and both need thoughtful training.

The breed standard describes a lively dog that is easy to guide and train. With good support, those qualities can make an attentive working companion. Training should give the dog clear information: reward the behaviour you want, make a new task easy and increase the difficulty after successful attempts. With a dog interested in wildlife, small moments of cooperation are worth noticing. A glance back at you on a walk can earn a reward just as a successful retrieve can.

At home, your dog should have somewhere to sleep undisturbed after time outdoors. Children should leave it alone there and while it eats, and adults should supervise their time together. Even a friendly dog needs to feel comfortable and have room to move away.

Everyday life

The breed is developed for versatile hunting work. This includes searching before a shot and work afterwards, such as locating and retrieving shot game. Before choosing a dog, you should establish what knowledgeable training and regular working opportunities you can provide. Discussing the particular line with the breed club and breeder helps match the dog to the home you are planning.

Everyday life should combine exercise, scent work and rest. A search for a dummy, a soft object used for retrieving practice, can involve remembering where it was placed, finding it and bringing it back. Start with the object clearly visible and easy to reach. Once your dog understands, you can add a small search in straightforward terrain. Your dog practises searching attentively and bringing its find back to you.

On paths with wildlife scents, your dog should remain secured until its recall is dependable there. A long training line attached to a well-fitting harness can allow exploration while you retain control. Practise recall in quiet surroundings first and reward coming back generously. Where it is appropriate, let your dog return to sniffing afterwards. Your call then need not announce the end of every walk.

Care arrangements should cover working days and the months outside the hunting season. Introduce time alone through brief, calm absences. If your dog paces restlessly or barks persistently, make the exercise easier and seek qualified help.

Everyday dog training: recall, a loose lead and clear communication ↗

Day-to-day care

The Large Munsterlander has longer hair on its ears, legs and tail. Burrs, small twigs and grass awns can collect there during an outing. Grass awns are pointed plant parts that can lodge in the coat or skin. After walking through long grass, you should check the ears, paws and spaces between the toes in particular. Head shaking, a painful eye or persistent paw licking should be assessed by a vet.

Check and untangle the coat several times a week. When easing apart a small knot, hold the hair close to the skin to avoid pulling. After swimming, a towel and a dry resting place are useful. A short grooming session also gives you a chance to check the skin and paws. Introduce tooth brushing gradually, using toothpaste made for dogs.