The Large Munsterlander Association of Canada (LMAC)
LMAC commits to maintaining the Large Munsterlander (LM) as a dog for
hunters, their families and ethical hunting. The Large Munsterlander is
a long-haired versatile hunting dog, developed in Germany, which has
been bred to performance standards in North America for over 40 years.
LMCNA (Large Munsterlander Club of North America) which was founded in Alberta in 1977. It was incorporated under the Animal Pedigree Act of Canada in 1999, and its name changed to LMAC in 2014.
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Table of Contents
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This web page was first mounted in October 2011 and last updated on July 2, 2022 by Sheila Schmutz.
Newsletter The spring 2022 newsletter was emailed out on March 20, 2022. Please submit articles, photos, etc. for the Summer Newsletter to John Staley (jsmunster@gmail.com) by June 10.
2021 Zoom Discussions/Presentations
- Training Questions and Answers, Facilitated by Sheri Hallwyler, Sunday evening April 18
- Retrieving Discussion, Facilitated by Joe Schmutz, Sunday evening May 16
- First Aid for Your LM, Presented by Tracy Fisher, DVM, Sat. June 26, 7 PM Saskatchewan time
- E-Collar Advice, Facilitated by Rainer Knopff, Sunday evening July 18
- Backing, Facilitated by John Staley, Sunday August 29 evening
- Note that there will be a pause during hunting season
2022 Zoom Discussions/Presentations
- Building a Coop and Raising Pigeons, Facilitated by John Staley, Sunday evening Jan. 23 (this is the YouTube video link that accompanies this session: https://youtu.be/nJl8JXO-Gl4)
Please reply to the email sent by Sheila Schmutz, Secretary that you'd like an invitation and a few days before, the invitation link will be sent.
Feature Story
Large Munsterlander History and Origins of Long-haired Pointing Dogs
At the 100th Anniversary celebration on 29 June 20219, in Haltern, Germany, the then President of the Verband Große Münsterländer e.V., Franz Loderer, presented an overview of the Large Munsterlander’s history. This included information recorded two Centuries ago about dogs that were by all accounts forerunners of the Large Munsterlander and other black-and-white or brown-and-white, long-haired pointing breeds. The presentation was summarized in the 100th Anniversary publication:
Loderer, Franz (2019), "Zur frühen Vorgeschichte. Pp 8-9 in Egon Vornholt, Bruno Oelmann and Karl Wichmann (2019). "100 Jahre Große Münsterländer: Chronik des Verbandes Große Münsterländer e.V." 46325 Borken, Germany, 135 pp.
Loderer’s survey of available literature is novel and interesting on several fronts:
- The existence of a strong bond between dogs and humans so many centuries ago is remarkable.
- The description of the Celts’ Silk Dog, over 2000 years ago is fascinating.
- The review shows that pointing existed as a behavior among hunting dogs very long ago.
- At least two breeding / breed development strategies have been fruitful. The LM and other long-haired pointing dogs appear to have seen a rather linear development. Hunters relied on performance-based breeding of one ancestral lineage, from the Celt’s Silk Dog, via the Hühnerhund to the LM and German long-haired Pointer today. Other breeders mixed ancestral lineages, such as the Leithund and the Wachtelhund, with more or less pronounced pointing specialists from Spain, France and the UK.
- It is also noteworthy how various scientific analyses today can inform, expand upon or revise notions of the past.
Franz Loderer’s presentation invites us to think over a longer than usual time horizon. He provides thoughts that can inspire our imagination as we walk gun in hand behind a cooperative, long-haired versatile dog. Today’s valued dog-hunter partnership may include shinier guns and GPS collars on dogs, but the find-point-shoot-retrieve sequence has remained essentially unchanged.
The graphic presents a snapshot of the Loderer compilation. Information sources and explanatory notes are given below the graphic.
Literature Cited
- Arrianus, Flavius, ~95-175, was born in Greece but was based for much of his life in Rome. He’s known for several works on philosophy, geography, military matters and hunting. He is sometimes called the second Xenophon, because he considered Xenophon the authority on hunting and dogs. Arrianus expanded on Xenophon’s Cynegeticus (Kynegetikos) with his own observations.
- Corneli, R. 1884. Die Jagd und ihre Wandlungen in Wort und Bild. Ellerman and Harms, Amsterdam, 383 pp.
- Cynegeticus (or Kynegetikos)
Katechismus der Jagd, 18th/19th Century. (This book series had a long tradition of being published annually. It provided guidelines and reports for hunters. An editor, Franz Krichler, was only listed for one of the final volumes in 1902.)
Notes
- 1 From Valla, R.F. et al. Eynan (Ain Mallaha), 2017, In Quaternary of the Levant, Cambridge Univ. Press, 337-346 pp.
- 2 The Celts are well known for their industrious nature, trading amber, iron, zinc, salt and other resources from the land, and breeding a variety of livestock. The Celts travelled long distances to far away markets. In a recent study using DNA and isotopic analyses, a woman born in her Celt homeland in today’s southern France had been buried in a grave near today’s Dover, UK. She was buried 2900 years ago with two lambs in her lap and chalk in her hand. A copper-tipped cow horn lay nearby. Given the Celts mercantile culture, it is plausible that the Celts’ dogs also became part of far-away cultures in Europe.
Gibbons, Ann (2021). "Early migration from France may have brought Celtic languages to Britain. Science (News) 374(6575): 1549.
- 3 Molecular-genetic studies by Jörg T. Epplen and colleagues at Ruhr University in Germany, showed promising DNA variants on chromosome 22 in six of seven pointing breeds. These variants were absent in herding breeds and hence assumed to be related to pointing. However, the authors also suggest additional avenues of study to confirm the connections to pointing behavior. The genes for pointing have not yet been identified to our knowledge. Nonetheless, the results are consistent with the interpretation that even within versatile breeds, there were two routes through which the pointing behavior was advanced, a long-haired and short-haired branch of hunting dogs. The short-haired branch includes the German Shorthaired Pointer, possibly derived from the Leithund, a hound-like dog initially used for tracking. The long-haired branch included the Weimaraner which can be long- or short-haired, Large Munsterlander, German Long-haired Pointer and English-, Irish- and Gordon setters.
The results of Epplen et al. are reminiscent of R. Corneli’s suggestion. The black-and-white or brown-and-white, long-haired pointing dog of the Celts may well have become part of hunting dog populations in the various European countries where they were then given different breed names. The DNA study could not provide insight as to how long ago pointing dogs diverged.
Epplen et al. also included the German Wachtelhund in their studies. The Wachtelhund, as can be expected, did not share the presumed pointing variants of the pointing breeds. The Wachtelhund is a flushing breed that excels in work after the shot. The Epplen study appeared not to include Small Munsterlander. The historic accounts within the German hunting fraternity indicate that the Small Munsterlander was first derived from the Wachtelhund, hence the SM's early name Heidewachtel. Pointing was later strengthened in the Small Munsterlander by introducing French pointing breeds.
Akkad, D. A., Wanda M. Gerding, Robin B. Gasser and Jörg T. Epplen (2015). "Homozygosity mapping and sequencing identify two genes that might contribute to pointing behavior in hunting dogs." Canine Genetics and Epidemiology DOI 0.11816/s40575-015-0018-5.
- 4 Koshyk, C. (2011). "Pointing dogs, Volume One: The continentals." Dog Willing Publications, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; 365 pp.
- 5 Uhde, H. (2020). "Das Jagdgebrauchshundwesen: 120 Jahre Jagdgebrauchshundverband e.V. (JGHV)." Verlag J. Neumann-Neudamm GmbH, Melsungen, Germany.
- 6 Franz Loderer’s literature review showed that in the Medieval period, the names of long-haired pointing dogs changed repeatedly. In what is now Bavaria, the name Canis acceptorius seu or Habichthunt (Goshawk-dog) was common. In Frisian legal statutes simply Canis acceptorius. Vogelhunt (Bird-dog) was used from 900 to 1300. After 1300, Hühnerhund (Chicken/grouse/partridge-dog) prevailed until pure-breeding began in earnest and the dogs were given different names in different ountries or regions.
- 7 Vornholt, E. (1994). "75 Jahre 1919 - 1994." Verband Große Münsterländer e.V., Borken, Germany, 108 pp.
Profile of a Large Munsterlander
Eagle Rock's Alpine pointing a Blue Grouse
The Large Munsterlander is one of several continental breeds of
versatile hunting dogs. It gained breed recognition in the Münsterland
of northwestern Germany in 1919. Although this makes the LM the last of
the German breeds to gain official representation by a separate breed
club, the LM was recognized as a black color variant of the brown German
Longhaired Pointer going back to its breed club formation in 1878. Even
before that time, the forerunner of the modern LM can be recognized in
artists' representations of hunting scenes as far back as the Middle
Ages.
The LM is a black and white dog with hair of medium length. They
weigh 50-75 lbs with males about 60-67 cm and females 58-63 cm at the
shoulder. In its German homeland and some other countries, this dog has
been bred for over a century for hunting and not show. Hence coat color
is highly variable, ranging from predominantly white to predominantly
black. Markings occur as solid white patches, or ticked or roan regions.
This field dog characteristically is calm, gentle and intelligent,
and therefore also valued as a family dog. The versatile and cooperative
characteristics of the LM provide for a reliable companion for all
facets of hunting. It is well suited for a variety of game, including
the tracking of big game as practiced by some owners. On average, LMs
search well outside of gun range in open country but are still
responsive and not independent. LMs excel as bird finders before and
after the shot due to excellent noses and a purposeful searching style
with good coverage, rather than speed. Many LMs point with intensity
from puppyhood on, and many honor naturally. Given their passion for
retrieving, steadiness needs to be encouraged through training,
especially in the exuberant youngster. LMs tend to be strong in the
water. The LM's long and thick coat protects them against cold and
allows them to search dense cover thoroughly. Even so, their coat is a
compromise well suited for temperate climates. Short-haired breeds may
be better suited for upland hunting in the hot South, while the oily and
dense coat of retrieving specialists makes them better suited for
prolonged water work in the late-season North.
The Large Munsterlander was introduced to North America by Kurt von
Kleist of Pennsylvania in 1966. By May, 2007, at least 78 dogs had been
imported to North America from Europe. The first LMs were brought to
Canada in 1973. There have been 368 pups born in Canada, from 55
litters.
Available Pups
The best method of obtaining a pup of your choice is by reserving
from a breeder who plans a litter. Most pups are born in spring
or early summer. Occasionally pups are available immediately.
LM breeders, see below, will place pups only in hunting homes for
several reasons. Breeders rely on progeny performance data when
planning future breeding - a dog that is not hunted/tested is in that sense
lost. Although LMs make good companions, their insatiable hunting instinct
can lead to frustration for non-hunters when their dog insists on chasing
nearly everything - even the squirrels during a picnic in the park.
We encourage potential owners to do their homework, including meeting
an LM owner and dog where possible. Even "retired" breeders may be
willing to show their dogs and answer questions about the breed. Most
breeders encourage continued contact with puppy buyers/owners.
All sires and dams have earned at least a Prize III in the NAVHDA
Natural
Ability test or a Fair in the VHDF HAE test or a Pass in the VJP test.
Their total test scores and accompanying ratings are shown below. Most
dogs have also run in intermediate level hunt tests, such as NAVHDA UPT
or VHDF AHAE, or JGHV HZP. Some have also run in the highest level
tests, such NAVHDA UT or the VHDF PE test or the JGHV VGP test. All dogs
were judged to be of
normal temperament in their test. They have all been certified HD free and are free of elbow dysplasia. Some dogs have received Progeny Performance Awards when at least four of their pups from a single litter have passed first level tests.
The early litters born in North America were registered with the Verband Grosse Munsterlander in Germany. From 1983 to 2011, all LMs born in North American were registered
by the Large Munsterlander Club of North America (LMCNA®), and since that time all litters born in Canada were registered by LMAC.
Such registration implies that both parents have met breeding
eligibility criteria, which include passing a test of hunting
performance and certification free of hip dysplasia. ALL litters listed
below are bred under the guidance of the Animal Pedigree Act of Canada.
The Large Munsterlander Association of Canada
has been formed to foster the continued breeding of LMs in Canada and
by like-minded U.S. breeders. LMAC registered dogs will have a "C" at
the beginning of their individual tattoo in their ear.
Litters Expected in 2022
No more litters are expected in 2022, at this time. However there are litters being planned for early 2023. More information about these will be posted in fall.
Litters Born in 2022
Sunnynook Kennel, J2 Litter (1977-
- Josef & Sheila Schmutz, R. R. 2 Site 202 Box 123, Saskatoon, Sask. S7K 3J5 306-382-8964 e-mail
joe.schmutz@usask.ca or sheila.schmutz@usask.ca
- Dam = Krokus von Kleinenkneten
- VHDF Hunting Aptitude Evaluation 65 (Very Good)
- VHDF Advanced Hunting Aptitude Evaluation 132 (Good)
- Hips Good-Excellent & Elbows Normal
- Conformation: Body Very Good, Coat Very Good
- Sire = Aiko von Sundorph
- VHDF Hunting Aptitude Evaluation 56
- VHDF Advanced Hunting Aptitude Evaluation 134 (Good)
- VHDF Performance Evaluation 144 (Good)
- VHDF Blood Tracking Test (4 hr) Passed
- Hips Good-Excellent & Elbows Normal @ 18 months
- Conformation: Body Very Good, Coat Very Good
- 3 females and 7 males were born on June 4, 2022
- All are spoken for.
LMAC Breeders
Some of these kennels have not breed a litter recently, or have retired from breeding, but are shown here so that owners of pups in the past have their current contact information.
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- Bear Hills Kennel (2008-2015)
- Byron and Kaley Pugh, British Columbia as of summer 2018
- Cariboo Kennel (2006-2013)
- Gerhard Loeffeler, Canim Lake, British Columbia, Canada 250-397-2826
e-mail gerhard@loeffeler.org
- Dogwood Hill Kennel (1982-1989)
- The late Helmut and Rita Merkel of Vancouver Island, BC
- Eagle Rock Kennel (2016-
- John & Janice Staley, 338 Green River Circle, Evanston, Wyoming 82930 801-725-3689 e-mail jsmunster@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jsmunste
- Jägermatt Kennel (1987-1991)
- Ilse and Mike Vallee of Quebec
- Manapi Kennel (2009-2010)
- Clint & Colleen, RR3, Prince Albert, SK 306-764-1892 e-mail c-r@sasktel.net
- Muddy Waters
Kennel (2002-
- Rick & Sheri Hallwyler, 12401 S Casto Rd, Oregon City, Oregon 97045
503-651-1884
e-mail
hooch@teleport.com
- Northwind Kennel (1998-2002)
- Francois Messier of Saskatoon, SK
- Prairie Fire Kennel (2018-
- Tracy Fisher and Rick Espie, Regina, SK 306-530-7797
e-mail sturm1@sasktel.net
- Prairie Sky Kennel (2003-
- Lynn Oliphant & Rhonda Shewfelt, Box 80 Site 60 RR6, Saskatoon,
SK S7K 3J9 306-374-1068
e-mail rhonda.shewfelt@usask.ca or lynn.oliphant@usask.ca
- SaskElkana Kennel
(2004-2007)
- Vance Lester and Sue Echlin, Box 32, Perdue, Sask. S0K 3C0
306-290-1693 cell e-mail
vlester2@yahoo.com
- Sunnynook Kennel (1977-
- Josef & Sheila Schmutz, R. R. 2 Site 202 Box 123, Saskatoon, Sask. S7K 3J5 306-382-8964 e-mail
joe.schmutz@usask.ca or sheila.schmutz@usask.ca
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Registration Criteria
Performance Requirements for Breeding LMs
All LMs in North America that were eligible for breeding in LMCNA® as of Dec. 31, 2011 will continue to be eligible to breed until they are 10 years of age (see list of eligible sires) in LMAC. From January 1, 2012 to June 30, 2020 LMs registered by LMAC could be registered in the standard fashion or in the Original Stream.
Based on the LMAC Bylaws of July 1, 2020, to be eligible to breed a dam or sire:
- is a Large Munsterlander registered by LMAC, or if imported to North America, registered by a breed association that, in the judgment of the Board, employs registration requirements similar to the Association's, including performance requirements intended to maintain the breed's versatile hunting traits
- has participated in a recognized test (e.g. JGHV, NAVHDA, VHDF) of a young dog's (1.5 years old or less) natural aptitude to search, point, and track upland birds and to swim
- has qualified in a test of advanced subjects including work before (e.g. search, point) and after the shot (e.g. track, retrieve) on land and water (e.g. HZP of JGHV, UPT or Utility Test - UT of NAVHDA, or AHAE of VHDF) or equivalents approved by the Board.
- is free of genetic defects that are highly heritable and/or carry with them a significant burden to the dog or its owner, and has been certified free of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia by radiographic assessment
- is of normal temperament and not gun shy, as assessed in the young dog's test
- has passed a conformation test carried out by LMAC-trained and -approved judges that ensure that the dogs conform to the breed standard and possess a body form (e.g. smooth gait) and coat (e.g. protective) that enables optimal hunting function in fall and winter on land and in water, or passed a conformation test deemed equivalent by the Board
Sire owners are welcome to contact the LMAC Registrar, Sheri Hallwyler
to inquire about females eligible to breed and have pups registered by
LMAC. If you have a male or female that you want to have recorded as
eligible to breed, please email the TDP Keeper for a form and instructions.
Please direct general questions about the content of this page to:
e-mail
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