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| Small Munster-lander Pointer |
These dogs were first bred in the Munster area of Northern Germany. Not much is known about their origins.
The SM has been used in Germany and other parts of Europe since the 1200s, primarily to flush bird and small game for falconers. Because they were used mostly by the nobility, there were not many of these dogs around, and the breed almost went extinct. Then changes to the governmental, social, and legal structures within Germany in the 1800s made it possible for regular people to have more leisure time to hunt. They adopted the use of the Small Munster-lander and realized it was able to perform many duties like finding, pointing, tracking, and retrieving. It was also used to hunt boar and deer.
They were well known for being able to assist a hunter to take food home to his family. At the end of the 1800s, people worked to increase the numbers from the existing stock in the Munster area. Part of their appeal was their personality as companion animals in addition to their hunting abilities.
Care
Grooming requirements are fairly simple. They need to be brushed once a week to remove any dead hairs, and to ensure the feathering does not get tangled. They are moderate shredders.
They require monthly nail trimmings as necessary and weekly tooth brushing and ear cleaning. It is best to start these practices when the dog is a very young pup, to acclimatize it to regular grooming habits.
This breed needs at least one hour of vigorous exercise each day. They make wonderful companions for people who like to jog, bike, or Rollerblade. They also enjoy hiking, swimming, and camping.
Health
Careful breeding will ensure no health issues crop up. Hip dyspepsia may occur in some dogs so make sure to obtain a Small Munster-lander from a reputable breeder.
