Let's talk Small Munsterlander Pointers
The Small Munsterlander Pointer breed was originally prized in their native Germany for their versatility and stamina as hunters’ companions. In fact, in many cases these brown-and-white bundles of energy, with all-weather waterproof coats, still fulfil that role today. Charming, compact but sturdy Small Munsterlander Pointers also make great companion dogs, however. They may be up for adventures, on land or in water, but as long as they get enough exercise, they are calm at home and you can’t ask for a more affectionate pet.
Official name: Small Munsterlander Pointer
Other names: Kleiner Münsterländer, Small Munsterlander
| Drooling tendencies |  |
Warm weather? |  |
| Shedding level | |
Suited to apartment living? | |
| *Energy Level | moderate | *Friendly pet? |  |
| Compatibility with other pets | |
*Can stay alone? | |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behavior. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socializing your pet as well as covering their basic welfare needs (and their social and behavioral needs).
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
Contact your breeder or veterinarian for further advice.
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51 - 53 cm
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18 - 27 kg
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51 - 53 cm
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18 - 27 kg
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| Baby age | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age | 2 to 12 months |
| Adult age | 1 to 7 years |
| Mature age | 7 to 10 years |
| Senior age | From 10 years |
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Get to know the Small Munsterlander Pointer
All you need to know about the breed
Small Munsterlander Pointers are a breed originally developed as hunting dogs, prized for their energy and versatility: they can point and retrieve, on land and in water. They thrive on variety – swimming, chasing, retrieving, pointing are all in a day’s work for these unflappable canines, which are protected from the elements by wonderfully waterproof brown and white coats.
But their affectionate natures and close bond with their people – their traditional role meant keeping in close touch with their human companion – mean they also make great pets, as long as they get enough exercise. Once trained – and with a dog as intelligent and eager-to-please as this one, that should be a breeze – Small Munsterlander Pointers get on well with children. However, like any other breed they should not be left alone with them.
Not to be confused with the Large Munsterlander Pointer (it seems the breed’s developers put more effort into breeding excellent dogs than they did into naming them), the Small Munsterlander is a compact, medium-sized dog with boundless energy and an adaptable, eager nature.
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2 facts about Small Munsterlander Pointers
1. Pointer poise
Small Munsterlanders, like their fellow pointers, have a special skill. As the name suggests, they have been bred to freeze, standing stock still to “point” out anything of interest to their human companions.
2. Wild swimming
Small Munsterlander Pointers are a breed renowned for their swimming skills. Splashing through freezing water to retrieve a ball is all part of a good day for these dogs. That and curling up with their humans once they’ve exhausted themselves. Make sure you clean and dry their ears once they’re home, to reduce the risk of infections.
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History of the breed
Small Munsterlander Pointers owe their development as a breed to a change in German hunting law in the mid-19th century, which sparked an increased interest in the sport and a renewed focus on developing pointing dogs.
The Small Munsterlander Pointer’s exact origins are not clear, but the dogs may count Wachtelhunds (German Spaniels) and dogs known at the time as Heidewachtels (Heath Spaniels) among their direct ancestors. What is certain is that they hail from the rural and sparsely populated area around Münster. Their more distant forefathers were probably the hawking dogs used in Medieval Germany.
The Small Munsterlander Pointer Club was established in the early 20th century, aiming to promote the breeding of this hardy and adaptable local pointing dog while a breed standard was finally drawn up in 1921. The Large Munsterlander Pointer is a separate breed which also emerged at around the same time.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Small Munsterlander Pointers
1. Coat
Brown and white waterproof coat.
2. Body
Medium-size muscular build.
3. Ears
Broad, high-set pointy ears with feathering.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Small Munsterlander Pointer
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Caring for your Small Munsterlander Pointer
Grooming, training and exercise tips
Although not among the most high-maintenance dog breeds, Small Munsterlander Pointers do need regular grooming to keep those lovely brown and white coats in good condition. They shed seasonally too, so brushing will keep that under control. Regular tooth brushing is important for good dental hygiene too – daily is ideal. Their nails also need regular clipping. These hardy, outdoorsy dogs need exercise – and plenty of it. They’re not really suitable pets for city dwellers. Long walks and chances for runs (or swims) off the lead will keep them in good condition. Just make sure that they’re in a safely enclosed space, as their prey drive is still strong. Loyal, intelligent and eager-to-please Small Munsterlander Pointers are straightforward to train. Just make sure that you adopt a patient, consistent approach (starting early) and take any food rewards out of their daily rations to avoid them becoming overweight.
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All about Small Munsterlander Pointers
No dogs are hypoallergenic. While many people associate dogs that shed little with a lower risk of triggering allergies, in fact it is dogs’ dander (skin flakes), not their hair, that triggers human allergies. (As it happens, the SMP sheds seasonally.)
Although Small Munsterlander Pointers thrive on human company and make affectionate pets, they also need plenty of exercise as well as mental stimulation. Dog sports such as agility or obedience could fit the bill, as well as one of their favoured pastimes: swimming.
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Read more on this topic
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Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/