Large Münsterländer

Also known as: Münsterländer

The Large Münsterländer comes from Germany's Münster region, its roots tracing to old long-haired German pointing dogs that came in both black-and-white and brown-and-white coats. When the black-and-white line was set apart as its own breed in the early 20th century, the Large Münsterländer was born. Males weigh around 29 kilograms, with a muscular build suited to long hunts across varied terrain. The coat is long with feathering and needs regular brushing. The breed is considered one of the most versatile of the German pointers, working both before and after the shot. Temperament runs driven and energetic, and it needs serious exercise. It bonds closely with its family. Life expectancy runs 12 to 13 years.

Browse dog food sized right for this breed

Large Münsterländer: how old in human years?

58–65 cmHeight
25–29 kgWeight
12–13 yrsLife expectancy

Bracco Italiano

FCI group: Pointing Dogs
FCI section: Section 1.1: Continental Pointing Dogs, Type Braque
FCI: 118
Country of origin: Germany

Energy level

5/5
Trainability

4/5
Family friendly

4/5
Grooming need

4/5

At a glance

Height

Males 60–65 cm

Females 58–63 cm

Weight

Males 25–29 kg

Females not specified

Life expectancy

12–13 yrs

Coat

long, black and white, feathered (long)

Temperament & Family Life

Large Münsterländer's average temperament and family-life score for this breed is moderate.

Family friendly 4/5
Good with children 4/5
Good with other dogs 3/5
Friendly with strangers 3/5
Intelligence 4/5
Trainability 4/5

Exercise, Energy & Space

Large Münsterländer's energy and exercise needs are high.

Energy level 5/5
Exercise need 5/5
Apartment friendly 1/5
Prey drive 5/5
Hunting instinct 5/5

Guarding & Alertness

Large Münsterländer's guarding and alertness traits are moderate.

Guarding instinct 2/5
Watchfulness 3/5
Barking level 3/5

Grooming & Care

Large Münsterländer's grooming needs are moderate.

Shedding 3/5
Drooling 1/5
Grooming need 4/5

Living with the Large Münsterländer

He comes back from the marsh soaked, with a reed stuck in one ear and the happiest look in the world, while you stand there with a towel thinking you'd only gone for a walk. The Large Münsterländer is a German all-round gundog, bred to search, point, track and retrieve on land and from water, and its energy reserves match that job description. It needs a lot, and every day: long off-lead runs somewhere safe, swimming, scent work, tracking or hunting.

It learns quickly and gladly, especially when tasks feel like work, and it is sensitive to your tone, so consistency and praise get you further than harshness. Its prey drive and hunting instinct are very strong, though: a hare, a bird or the cat next door can override every command in an instant, so recall takes long practice and small pets need careful introductions. A dog that hasn't burned off its energy finds its own projects quickly, and they are rarely quiet ones.

At home it is gentle, affectionate and wants to be part of the family, good with children and, properly introduced, with other dogs. It is friendly with strangers and will tell you someone has arrived, but it is no guard. A flat doesn't suit it at all; it does best with an active family or a hunter who has a garden, time, and a liking for weekends spent in the fields and by the water.

Grooming and coat

The Large Münsterländer's coat is long and black and white, with handsome feathering on the ears, legs and tail, and that feathering is the first place burrs collect and mats form. Two or three times a week, brush and comb it right down to the skin, especially behind the ears, in the armpits and on the hind legs. It sheds moderately, more at the turn of the seasons, so brush more often then.

After every outing in fields or woods, check the paws and between the toes, where thorns, seeds and clumps of mud like to lodge; the hair between the pads can be trimmed so less mud builds up. Hanging, hairy ears air poorly, particularly after a swim, so lift them weekly and look inside; redness or a bad smell is a reason to see a vet. After a dip in the pond, towel the dog down and the coat will sort itself out.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

We don't have reliable health information specific to this breed, so we don't list conditions here. Keep up regular vet check-ups, and if you are getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Food for large breeds — cheapest per kg

This list is chosen by the breed's weight (29 kg) rather than the breed itself: shops label food by dog size, so every breed of the same size gets the same list. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 350 g of dry food a day, from €19,16 a month For a neutered, normally active 27 kg dog. Calculate for your dog