Large Munsterlander

The origins of the Large Münster Spaniel go back to parti-colored bird dogs of the Middle Ages, trained for falconry. Methodical breeding of this German pointing dog began around the end of the 19th century in the city of Münster. Gordon Setters may have been used in the breed selection. In the early 20th century, the German Langhaar club decided to remove from the standard all black and white dogs. The struggle to preserve this bloodline, based on excellent hunting results, led to the creation of this new breed. The selection of the Large Münster Spaniel was distinct from that of the Small Münster Spaniel, although they share the same geographic origin and use of the Langhaar.

The FCI standard describes the Large Münster Spaniel as a docile dog with great powers of assimilation, lively without being nervous. It is a pleasant companion dog that can adapt to city life provided it gets long daily walks.

The Large Münster Spaniel is a powerfully built and muscular spaniel, with pure lines. The length and height of its body are ideally equal, though sometimes its length may be about 2 cm greater than its height. The tail is carried horizontally or slightly higher. The head is elongated with the muscles of the lower jaw region strongly developed. The stop is not prominent. The eyes are dark in color. The broad ears fall well against the skull, the tip of the ear is rounded. The coat is long and dense, smooth, neither curly nor open. The hair forms fringes on the rear of the front and back limbs, on the tail and on the ears. The coat is white with black patches and ticking or grizzling. The head is black, possibly with a small white spot or line.