History - Small Munsterlander

The Small Munsterlander, (SM or Kleiner Munsterlander) is a versatile hunting dog that will not disappoint for hunting, pointing or retrieving.  The breed originates from Munster, Germany, as was the Large Munsterlander.  But, the SM was developed from different breeding stock and is not related.  Small Munsterlanders resemble both the spaniel and setter but are more versatile while hunting on land and water.

Small Munsterlanders are one of the four oldest versatile breeds (thought to be over 500 years old) and were originally bred for the falconers of noble families before guns were used in bird and small game hunting.  To this day, the SM has excellent close searching and pointing drive.  The SM is an elite versatile hunter and is trained to retrieve, hunt, and track the following:  woodcock, rail, grouse, dove, partridge, chukar, quail, pheasant, duck, goose, rabbit, deer and fox.  It usually hunts close in heavier cover and ranges 100-150 yards in light cover, all to maintain a partnership with its owner.

By the 1800's Small Munsterlanders were little known, kept by a few families on farms around Munster.  By the end of the 19th century, an effort was made to re-establish the breed from the remaining lines in the Munster region.

Although still a fairly rare breed in the United States, the Small Munsterlander is gaining in popularity.  Breeders such as Lavina Grove Kennel have a strong commitment to the health of the breed and breed program selection.  The result is a treasured hunting partner and loving family companion with low instances of health conditions.

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