About the Large Munsterlander

The Large Munsterlander is one of several continental breeds of versatile hunting dogs. Although the LM is one of the last of the German breeds to gain official representation by a separate breed club, the LM was recognized as a color variant of the German Longhaired Pointer prior to that time. The LM first gained official recognition in the Munsterland of northwestern Germany in the early 1900s. However, the forerunner of the modern LM can be recognized in artist's representations of hunting scenes as far back as the Middle Ages. The Large Munsterlander was introduced to North America by Kurt von Kleist in 1966. By May, 2007, at least 78 dogs have been imported from Europe and over 1300 pups have been registered in North America.

This field dog characteristically is calm, gentle with children and well adjusted to living in the master's dwelling. The versatile characteristics of the LM provide for a reliable companion for all facets of hunting. The Large Munsterlander is a 53- to 76-pound black and white dog of medium hair length. Coat color is variable ranging from all white with dark spots and ticking to nearly all black with white spots and white ticking. Reported to be a breed of calm and stable temperament, the LM can be a companion-type housedog good with its owner’s family. In the field, the LM is described as above average in responsiveness to its handler, naturally ranging 50 to 150 yards in a methodical search for game. LMs are also well known as eager and efficient retrievers on land and in water and have a excellent concentration in the tracking and recovery of crippled game birds. solid history of tracking all types The first LMs were imported to North America in the late 1960s. The first litter of LMs in this country was born in 1970 and a breed club was formed in 1977. By recent estimates, there are around 1,000 LMs in the United States and Canada with about 250 members in the Large Munsterlander Club of North America, which is the only officially recognized registry for this breed in North America.  LMCNA uses the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association testing system to qualify its dogs for its breeding program. LMs have a 75 percent passing rate in NAVHDA Natural Ability and 70 percent in Utility, which is equal to most other breeds. To be eligible for breeding by the Large Munsterlander Club of North America, a LM must have passed the NAVHDA Natural Ability Test, be certified hip dysplasia-free, be of certified sound health and proven stable temperament and conform to the international breed standard. Likewise, any breeding must be approved in advance by the LMCNA breed warden to prevent inbreeding genetic faults and to maintain breed standards.