Münsterländer Breed Information and Buying advice

Why Münsterländer Puppies are great

Imagine the combination of boundless energy and abundance of happiness, you are left with this breed. Münsterländer puppies are gentle, intelligent and obedient dogs. They have a huge amount of energy that needs to be used up, but this is ideal for active individuals or families. They make for an excellent family or companion dog. Being of the Gun Dog variety, they like to retrieve things, and naturally want to carry things in their mouth. They will tend to single out one specific person in the family to latch onto but will love the whole family. They very much want to make the most of each day and hope that you do too. Some highlights:

1. Health: Münsterländer puppies are generally a healthy breed, prone to comparatively few health issues.
2. Training: Intelligent dogs that love learning – so long as you keep training positive.
3. Accommodating: They are very good with both families and other animals, making them ideal for active families, without putting a strict restriction on other pets.
4. Hardy: Münsterländer puppies have excellent tolerance of cold weather.
5. Energetic: They will not run out of energy before you do, so you can take the dog on adventures with you.

 

Things to consider when looking at Münsterländer Puppies for Sale

The exercise needs of the Münsterländer puppy is a privilege for any that like to be active with their dog, or to keep them active. However, it is quite the commitment that not all people are prepared for. People must be mindful of their training as patience is needed with some things, and harsh training is not received well. Some downsides to the Münsterländer:

1. Grooming: Coats can be quite high maintenance since it is medium length and their high activity lifestyles will likely leave them prone to getting mucky.
2. Prey Drive: Münsterländer puppies naturally go after small animals, so cats and smaller animals are at risk – especially if the Münsterländer is not socialized at an early age.
3. Space: These dogs require a lot of space to let loose and exercise. Access to a medium or large garden is advised. Additionally, access to longer walks like woods, parks or beaches is useful.
4. Needs: This dog will need exercise hail, rain or shine. They have a high tolerance for cold temperatures and love mud.

 

History of Münsterländer Puppies

Originating from the Münster region in Germany, this dog was bred as a hunting dog. There is much success when the breed is used to compete – but the breed is much more than that, of course. The Kennel Club asserts that the Small Münsterländer breed came from crossing the Large Münsterländer with a Spaniel, to maintain the working abilities of the Large, but to add more versatility to the mix. They very much still have hunting in their nature and a lot of breeders choose to place Münsterländer puppies in hunting homes.  

Appearance

How big is the Münsterländer Puppy?

A fully grown Large Münsterländer ranges from 58cm to 66cm at the withers. The Kennel Club states that this breed is a large dog. A fully grown Small Münsterländer ranges from 48cm to 56cm at the withers. The Kennel Club states that this breed is a medium sized dog.  

How heavy is a Münsterländer Puppy?

The Large Münsterländer puppy can range from 23kg to 32kg. The Small Münsterländer puppy can range from 15kg to 26kg.  

What Colour is the Münsterländer Puppy?

Münsterländer puppies can be black and white or brown and white.  

Temperament

Do Münsterländer Puppies make good guard dogs?

Münsterländer puppies are not used as guard dogs. They are more likely to welcome strangers than be suspicious of them.  

Do Münsterländer Puppies bark a lot?

Münsterländer puppies can be rather vocal. However, barking can be trained, at least to a point.  

Are Münsterländer Puppies easy to train?

Münsterländer puppies are intelligent and obedient. Like most dogs, they respond a lot better to training that is not harsh, which can even see a negative response. They mature slowly compared to some dogs, so they will drop some puppy habits a little slower – this is not due to poor training. Positive reinforcement and gentle handling where you are confident and calm get the best results. They do learn some things quickly – just be sure to keep the training loving.  

Are Münsterländer Puppies playful?

Some say that if this breed is not asleep, a Münsterländer puppy will be playing with something. Supplying toys is advised, although they do like interaction too – so play with them. Take them out to the garden with a toy for a while, this will help in using some of that endless energy.  

Are Münsterländer Puppies good with children?

Münsterländer puppies are excellent with children and families. They are gentle, cheerful and very obedient.  

Are Münsterländer Puppies good with other pets?

Münsterländer puppies get along well with other pets, especially if they experience early socialization with other animals. They have a natural prey drive so smaller animals are attractive to them, so early socialization with such animals is more important.  

Can I leave a Münsterländer Puppy Alone?

They prefer not to be left alone for long. They may develop separation anxiety as they are very sociable and loving dogs. Day Care or a dog walker may be a good option if you need to be away for long periods of time.  

Do Münsterländer Puppies like water?

They generally like to swim and paddle, and they are strong swimmers. Because of their tendency to naturally carry/retrieve things, feel free to take advantage of them being strong swimmers by repeatedly throwing a floating toy into some water.  

Health

How long do Münsterländer Puppies live?

Large Münsterländer puppies have a life expectancy of 11-13 years. Small Münsterländer puppies have a life expectancy of 12-14 years.  

How much exercise does a Münsterländer Puppy need?

The Large Münsterländer requires at least 2 hours of exercise in the day. 1 hour of vigorous exercise should suffice though. This is rather important as they can become a bit unsettled, hyperactive and even destructive if exercise needs are not met. The Small Münsterländer needs a little less, but they are dogs that need activity. They would happily both exercise for longer though.  

What are Münsterländer Puppies Common health issues?

The Münsterländer puppy has fewer health issues than many dogs. Listed below are issues that should be considered and looked a little more into should you choose to get a Münsterländer:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Cataracts
• Osteochondrosis
• Ear infections
• Injuries from exercise.

 

Care

How much space do I need for a Münsterländer Puppy?

The Large Münsterländer puppy would require a large garden ideally, the Small Münsterländer can make do with small/medium as a minimum. Not just that, but it is suggested for the Large to also have a large house. These dogs are not ideal for apartments at all.  

What should I feed my Münsterländer Puppy?

High-quality dry dog food. Due to their activity, “active breed” or “hunting formula” is very much advised. Nutrition for Münsterländer puppies requires balance so be sure to research it in more depth should it be needed.  

How much grooming do Münsterländer Puppies need?

Brush daily to keep the coat soft, to control shedding and to ensure that dirt knotting and matting is kept to a minimum. Every second day will generally suffice though. Note that males have a longer coat than females.  

Do Münsterländer Puppies shed?

Münsterländer puppies shed all year round and have heavier sheds in Spring and Autumn.  

Average costs

How much does it cost to keep a Münsterländer Puppy?

As a rough guide in pricing: Cost to buy: £500 or more for a for a well-bred Münsterländer puppy. Other costs (Vet, Food etc): £80-100 per month  

Specific Buying Guide

You can read our general buying guide here (/advice-on-buying-a-puppy/), with the most important thing being going to view your Münsterländer Puppy, seeing it with its mother, and checking the quality of the breeder. More specifically, here is some Münsterländer puppy buying advice:

1. Please be aware of the exercise requirements of the Münsterländer puppy. Not exercising them enough can lead to multiple negative effects.
2. This is a less known breed in some places, so make sure that where the breed is being bought/adopted from has a good reputation.

 

Other reading, Adopting Münsterländer Puppies and Rescue Organisations

A big thank you to the following sources who helped to shape this article: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/display.aspx?id=2041 https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/display.aspx?id=2049 https://www.largemunsterlanderrescue.co.uk/