Small Munsterlander Pointer

Characteristics

Health & Longevity

Average Life Span: 12-14 years
The Small Munsterlander Pointer (SM) is a very healthy breed, and this can be attributed to highly responsible breeding practices. The following health issues rarely occur in this breed.

Extremely rare incidents of hip dysplasia have occurred in the Small Munsterlander Pointer. Hip dysplasia results when a malformed hip joint does not allow the thighbone to fit properly into place, leading to pain, discomfort, and limping. In the most severe cases, arthritis or even lameness can result; these cases may require surgical correction. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not bred, so ensure your puppy’s parents have no history of the condition. Although it is hereditary, hip dysplasia can be triggered by rapid weight gain or injury, like falling on a slippery floor. While your SM is still a pup with developing joints, do not allow him to jump or run on floors that may cause slippage, and be sure he is not over exercised.

Some Small Munsterlander Pointers may be prone to dry skin, particularly in colder climates. They may also develop ear infections due to water being left in their ears, so be sure to dry ears thoroughly any time your SM takes a bath or goes for a swim.

The Small Munsterlander Pointer is an extremely healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12-14 years.

Temperament & Train-ability

The Small Munsterlander Pointer (SM) is a hunting dog first and foremost. He is extremely skilled at hunting, pointing, and retrieving, but water retrieving is his specialty. He is active, loving, loyal, and affectionate. When he receives proper physical and mental stimulation, he is calm, gentle, quiet, and well-behaved.

The smart and active Small Munsterlander Pointer needs plenty of physical and psychological stimulation. He is happiest in a home where he can put his hunting skills to good use or can utilize these talents through activities like hunt testing, retrieving, tracking, or search and rescue work. The Small Munsterlander Pointer’s love for hunting is so great that many breeders will not place this breed in a home where he will not be able to hunt. Whether he hunts or not, the SM needs a minimum of 60 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. The ability to run freely several times a week is a must, and the Small Munsterlander Pointer is not built for apartment life. He needs access to a large, securely fenced yard. The SM is strong with excellent stamina and has the ability to run for hours, making him a good companion for someone who likes to run, jog, or hike. He also loves swimming and can swim long distances. Remember that the Small Munsterlander Pointer needs mental stimulation as well, and stimulate his mind with puzzle toys, games, and training.

Although he is active and outdoorsy, the Small Munsterlander Pointer dearly loves his family and would be happiest living indoors with them. He is extremely loving and loyal to all members of his family, but the SM tends to develop an exceptionally strong bond with one member of the family, typically the family member who takes him hunting or swimming. If he receives adequate physical and mental stimulation, the Small Munsterlander Pointer can be very quiet and well-behaved in the home, although he will need to be trained not to jump exuberantly on people. Some Small Munsterlanders bark quite a bit, while others seem to bark only when necessary. Either way, he can make an excellent watchdog for his family, and excessive barking can be curbed with training.

The Small Munsterlander Pointer loves children, but he may be too rowdy for very young children and toddlers. He tends to jump and potentially roughhouse a bit when he is excited, so he should be supervised with small children. The SM can get along well with cats if they are raised together, but he will typically view small animals as game and give chase. The Small Munsterlander Pointer is usually calm and good-natured with other dogs. They are friendly with strangers as well, although proper socialization is always recommended to ensure appropriate behavior with strangers, children, dogs, and other pets.

The intelligent Small Munsterlander Pointer is highly trainable, although he may take advantage of an inexperienced trainer. Gentle handling with positive reinforcement is recommended because the SM will only become stubborn in response to harsh or unfair techniques. Keep sessions challenging and varied to prevent boredom and to continue mentally stimulating your Small Munsterlander Pointer.

Grooming

The Small Munsterlander Pointer sheds moderately, and weekly brushing is adequate unless he has been hunting. If he has been hunting, you should brush his coat soon after to remove dirt and debris.

This breed should be bathed roughly every six weeks and toenails should be trimmed as needed. Check his ears regularly for signs of infection like redness, tenderness, and odor. Also ensure that there is not an excessive buildup of wax, dirt, or debris. Dry his ears thoroughly any time he bathes or swims to prevent bacteria from developing. Brush his teeth at least 2-3 times weekly to ensure healthy gums and prevent bad breath.

Diet

On average, the Small Munsterlander Pointer should consume 2.5-4 cups of high-quality dry dog food daily. The ideal type and amount of food for your individual dog depends on variables like weight, metabolism, activity level, and age. Do not leave food out at all times, but divide it into smaller meals each day.

The Small Munsterlander Pointer can become a picky eater, so do not overfeed him treats or human food, and do not give in to his demands for alternative food choices. Be sure that he has access to clean, fresh drinking water at all times.
 

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Cost

This is a rare breed, with only about 1500-2000 Small Munsterlander Pointers total in the United States. This breed can be particularly challenging to acquire if you are a non-hunter.

If you can purchase a Small Munsterlander Pointer, prices range from $800-$1,200 on average.

Paws ‘N’ Pups Ranking

Paws ‘N’ Pups ranks every breed out of 4 with 1 being easiest to integrate into your life and 4 being the toughest – The lower the ranking the better.

Ranking takes into account a few basic factors including cost, skill level needed, high vs low maintenance and how critical regular training is to success. The Small Munsterlander Pointer ranks a 3. He is exceptionally healthy, is good-natured and well-behaved, and he has fairly low maintenance grooming needs. However, he needs a great deal of both physical and mental stimulation, and he is unlikely to be truly happy unless he can hunt and swim. He is also very rare and can be difficult to acquire.

 

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