FUNCTION
THE BREED STANDARD FOR THE LARGE MUNSTERLANDER INDICATES THAT IT IS
a “versatile, useful multi-purpose gundog”. And that “his strength is in his work after the shot”. Field Search LMs are medium speed, close to medium range workers. Their usual gait is a medium gallop with occasional periods of trotting. On average, they range out from 50 to 150 yards in open terrain but naturally work in closer when the cover is heavy.
Pointing All of the LMs I have seen have been excellent pointers. Some were natural backers. An analysis of NAVHDA’s Natural Ability Test scores for Large Munsterlanders shows that: In the 1990s the largest difference was that LMs were below the average in pointing (down 0.6) but above by the same amount in tracking. This is consistent with the reputation the LM held and still holds in Europe; a sound all-around 6 Sheila
dog but excelling in work after the shot. However, when scores for the Utility Test were reviewed, the difference in pointing between LMs and other breeds disappeared. This would seem to indicate one of two things. Either the pointing instinct in the breed develops somewhat slower than other breeds or that LMs, like other breeds that excel at tracking, need time to find the right balance between working with a high nose (pointing) and a low nose (tracking). 6
Retrieve The breed is known to have a strong natural inclination to retrieve. Most Large Munsterlanders start to retrieve at a very early age. According to most of the breeders I have spoken to, hard mouth is not unheard of in the breed, but is rarely an issue.
Tracking The breed has a good reputation as an excellent tracker of game. In Germany, many Large Munsterlanders are used to hunt deer and boar in the forest. Giving voice on track and/or on sight is a valued trait and is a requirement for breeding in that country. In North America, the breed’s tracking talents are used more for the recovery of game birds, waterfowl and small game.
Water Work Large Munsterlander breeders on both sides of the Atlantic place a great deal of emphasis on selecting dogs for water work. As a result, LMs are generally strong swimmers that take to water early on. The long coat is said to provide good protection and warmth while working in colder water.
and Joseph Schmutz, The Large Munsterlander Club of North America, Thirty Years, 19-20
The continentals aa