Large Munsterlander
Male: 28-34 kg, Female: 23-30 kg
Male: 60-65 cm, Female: 58-63 cm
12-14 years
Germany
About the Large Munsterlander
The Large Munsterlander is a versatile and elegant German gundog, distinguished by its striking black and white coat and noble bearing. Originally developed in the Munster region, this breed emerged as a distinct variety when the German Longhaired Pointer club decided to only recognize liver-and-white dogs, leading enthusiasts of the black-and-white strain to form their own breed society in 1919. They are renowned for their ability to transition seamlessly from a tireless worker in the field to a calm and devoted family companion in the home. Structurally, the Large Munsterlander is an athletic dog of substance, possessing the stamina to work through thick cover and the intelligence to solve complex retrieving tasks. Their expressive dark eyes and feathered ears give them a gentle, wise appearance that belies their intense drive when working. As a highly social breed, they thrive on human companionship and are best suited to active families who can provide them with the physical outlets and mental engagement they crave.
Breed Standard
Key characteristics from the breed standard
In the show ring, the Large Munsterlander is a picture of balanced power and refinement, characterized by a firm, level topline and a deep, well-sprung ribcage. Their movement is a standout feature—effortless, ground-covering, and rhythmic, demonstrating the efficiency required for a day's hunting.
In Australia
In 1978, the first pair was imported from the United Kingdom by the Large Munsterlander Club of Australia to establish the breed locally.
Bred For
Multi-purpose gundog for hunting, pointing, and retrieving on land and in water.
Temperament
Intelligent, loyal, and affectionate; possesses a strong work ethic and a gentle, stable disposition at home.
Health Conditions Reported in the Breed
, , Hyperuricosuria (HUU), and ().
Exercise Needs
Exercise needs vary by age, health, fitness, body condition, weather, temperament and the individual dog. Most dogs benefit from a daily walk plus free movement and mental engagement. Adjust intensity and duration to suit the individual dog.
Grooming Needs
Moderate; requires weekly brushing of the long feathering on the ears, legs, and tail to prevent mats, and regular ear cleaning.
Living Suitability
Not suited for apartments; they require a medium to large yard and thrive on acreage where they can explore and run freely.
Good with Kids
Excellent; they are typically patient and gentle with children, though their size and energy mean supervision is best with toddlers.
Good with Other Pets
Generally good with other dogs; their high prey drive may require careful socialization with smaller household pets like cats or rabbits.
Trainability
Highly trainable and eager to please, though they require consistent, positive reinforcement and can be sensitive to harsh corrections.
Coat & Colours
Long and dense, straight and close-lying with pronounced feathering on the back of the legs and tail.. Black and white; can be solid black patches on white, flecked (roan), or ticked, with a characteristic solid black head.
Exercise needs vary by age, fitness, health, weather and individual temperament. Consult your veterinarian for an exercise plan appropriate for your dog.
Things to Consider
Every breed has its quirks — here's what to know
Prospective owners should be aware that Large Munsterlanders are predisposed to Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, so choosing breeders who perform health screening is essential. Their deep chests make them more likely to experience Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)—this isn't a certainty for every dog, but feeding smaller meals and avoiding vigorous exercise immediately after eating is a wise precaution. The breed is also prone to Hyperuricosuria (HUU), a genetic condition that can lead to bladder stones; while manageable with diet and hydration, it is something to monitor. Their beautiful drop ears can trap moisture, making them more likely to develop ear infections, so weekly cleaning is a must. Owners should also be prepared for their high prey drive and need for mental engagement; without a job to do, they may find their own 'work' through digging or exploring fences. However, for an active family, their devotion and versatility make these quirks a small trade-off for such a capable companion.
Feeding Guide for Your Large Munsterlander
Healthy Weight
25-32 kg
Daily Feeding Amount (general starting estimate)
625-800 grams
Adult Large Munsterlanders should be fed approximately 2-3% of their ideal body weight in fresh food daily. Some owners use smaller divided meals and avoid strenuous activity immediately around feeding. These steps cannot guarantee prevention of gastric dilatation-volvulus. Seek urgent veterinary care if bloat is suspected. Fresh feeding helps maintain lean muscle mass and provides the bioavailable nutrients necessary for their high activity levels.
Feeding quantities are general starting estimates only. Individual needs vary with body condition, weight trends, age, health and activity. Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition — consult a veterinarian for individualised dietary guidance.
Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition. Seek veterinary or qualified canine nutrition guidance for individualised dietary advice. Raw feeding, specific proteins or fresh foods should not be presented as preventing, treating or managing breed health conditions without veterinary diagnosis and supervision.
Majestik's Recommended Feeding Approach
Breed Diet Notes
A high-quality, high-protein diet tailored for active working breeds, favoring fresh whole foods over high-carbohydrate fillers.
An ideal Majestik raw diet for a Large Munsterlander features lean proteins like Kangaroo or Beef to support muscle health without excess weight. Incorporate 10% organ meats (liver and kidney) for vital nutrients, and 10% edible bone for dental health and calcium. Adding seasonal greens and omega-3 rich fish oils can help maintain their lustrous black and white coat. Since they are prone to urinary stones (HUU), ensure constant access to fresh water and monitor purine intake if a genetic predisposition is confirmed.
These are general breed-level notes only. The appropriate food and serving amount depend on the individual dog's age, health, body condition, activity and tolerance.
Majestik Recommendation
Majestik BARF meals follow our practical 70/10/10/10 approach: approximately 70% quality meat and protein ingredients, 10% edible bone, 10% vegetables and 10% offal. This gives customers a convenient fresh-food option without needing to source and portion every ingredient themselves.
Our Beef, Lamb and Roo BARF meals provide convenient fresh-food options, with suitable proteins chosen or rotated according to the individual dog.
Suitable for different needs
- Healthy adult: Majestik adult Beef, Lamb or Roo BARF meal.
- Puppy: Majestik Premium Puppy.
- Senior: Majestik Senior Blend.
- Working or highly active dog: Suitable Majestik adult meal with quantity adjusted to workload and body condition.
- Protein trial: One Majestik protein at a time.
Recommended Majestik BARF Meals
This is a practical starting recommendation for healthy dogs. Individual needs vary with age, health, body condition and activity.
Large Munsterlander Feeding Calculator
Personalised raw and cooked feeding recommendations based on your dog's profile
Ideal — Ribs palpable without excess fat. Visible waist. Abdominal tuck present.
Have a question about your Large Munsterlander? Dog Health AI
Why Majestik?
Fresh, raw pet food made with integrity in South Australia
Australian Made
Made in Two Wells, South Australia
Freshly Prepared
Real meat, organs, bone & wholefood ingredients
No Fillers
No cheap fillers or artificial preservatives
Family Owned
Locally owned and operated
Local Delivery
Delivery across Adelaide & selected areas
Secure Checkout
Secure payment via Shopify checkout
Subscribe & Save on Large Munsterlander Meals
Get your Large Munsterlander's fresh and raw meals delivered every two or four weeks. Small subscriptions are combined into a four-week box. Pause, skip or cancel anytime.
Breed Records & Facts
Average Litter Size
5-10 puppies
Large Munsterlander Owner Feedback
Real experiences and tips from Large Munsterlander owners
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your experience with this breed
Other Large Breeds
References & Sources
Breed information verified against recognised breed authorities and veterinary evidence.