LARGE MUNSTERLANDERS AS PETS

Like all gundogs, Large Munsterlanders are "people" dogs and nothing makes them happier than being able to please you. They are attractive to look at and definitely turn heads wherever they go, but their novelty value is NOT a good reason for wanting to own a Large Munsterlander.

They are big dogs - a full-grown Large Munsterlander can reach your shoulders when standing on his hind legs, and weigh in at around 65lbs (that's nearly five stones in English reckoning!) - and need plenty of exercise to keep them fit and happy. They also eat a fair amount of food, although it is better to keep them slightly on the lean side as a fat dog is neither happy nor healthy.

They are also not the quietest of dogs to have around: Large Munsterlanders have a tendency to "vocalise" and like to make themselves heard (although on the plus side, you shouldn't have any problem with burglars!) and they are disinclined to just sit around quietly, especially when young. Their wonderful two-coloured coat has a remarkably quality : they will shed white hairs all over your dark-coloured clothes and the black hairs will stick like glue to your pale furnishings!

If, however, the thought of having a large, hairy, noisy, playful dog around the house doesn't put you off, they have many wonderful qualities which make tham lovely family pets.

Large Munsterlanders love children : whether they love children for themselves or because children are a source of biscuits, sweets, crisps and ice-cream (all of which Large Munsterlanders also love!) it is hard to say, but equally, children love Large Munsterlanders. They are big, cuddly, soft dogs, and as patient as you could wish for when being hugged and cuddled by a small child. For older children, they are fun companions as they will happily join in with ball games and chasing around, and have enough energy to keep going all day if necessary, but will also sit snuggled up to their young master (or mistress) and listen to all his troubles. The older members of the family will have a faithful companion to accompany them on those health-giving walks and keep their feet warm at night - all in all, the perfect family dog. The Large Munsterlander also gets on well with other pets, be they more dogs or cats, as they are a socialble breed, but I wouldn't like to trust them with your rabbit or chickens as then their hunting instincts may be too deep-seated to overcome!

Compared with such breeds as the Afghan Hound and the Old English Sheepdog, the Large Munsterlander is a "low-maintenance" dog - just keep him clean and give his coat a daily brushing to keep tangles at bay, and there is no trimming, clipping etc. required - the large Munsterlander is a "natural" dog. So natural, in fact, that if you can give him the country runs and open spaces a dog this size needs, he will fill his coat with "natural" decorations - twigs, burrs and mud, so you will HAVE to groom him daily!

So, I haven't put you off? You really want a Large Munsterlander for a pet? then CLICK HERE!!

Breed history	Breed Standard	Showing	Gundogs
My Own Dogs	Gallery	Rings & Links	Home