Recognized by:	FDSB - American Field Dog Stud Book, FCI - Federation Cynologique Internationale, NAVHDA - North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association, United Kennel Club.
Breed organizations:	Small Munsterlander Club of North America Canadian Small Munsterlander Club
Web sites of interest:	Jeff Turner's Small Munsterlander Info page Heidewachtel (Norwegian)
VersatileDogs listings:	Kennels, Photos and Steve Harmeyer's Sm. Munsterlander Characteristics and Breed Standard
Owner Input: On November 2nd of this year, my wife and I purchased a Small Munsterlander from a breeder in Uxbridge, Ontario Canada. We selected this breed for several reasons including its size that would fit in well with our home environment; the fact that it sheds very little; it is a very active dog that enjoys the outdoors and can tollerate all climates and most importantly its nature to please and it's terrific ability to learn. It is now November 16th and although we have only had "Winston" for a few weeks, we are in awe of how much he is meeting and exceeding our expectations. We brought him home on the tuesday, one day shy of being 8 weeks old. By the Thursday of the same week, Winston would sit for a treat. By Saturday, he would sit and lay down. Now he will sit and stay, even if we leave the room. When walking, he knows that before we leave the sidewalk and cross the street, he sits and waits for our command. This breed is truly a 'smart' breed. As a professional couple, we both work and have hired a pet sitting company to visit our pup at various times through out the day. Even the sitter (who has much experience with dogs) has commented on how well he is progressing. I could go on and on but I won't! If anyone has any questions, contact me at dynamic@ican.net Angie & Stuart Barrie, Ontario Canada Attached is a photo of our Kleiner Munsterlander. We kept the the name, Lasko, given to him by the breeder Von Der Beller Berg kennel in Uxbridge, Ontario. Lasko is about a year and a half old -- and has grown into a wonderful family pet. Surprisingly, despite the official breed characteristic of 30-40 pounds, he's a lean 65 pounds. The only negative experience we've had with Lasko was a lot of mouthing and nipping when he was a puppy. Making sure he had plenty of chew toys (like a "Kong"), helped. Now that he's full grown, Lasko needs a lot of exercise. We'd remind prospective owners that this dog was bred for hunting and will need a fair amount of room and activity. Small Munsterlanders have a lot going for them. It' true that they shed very little and are relatively clean and odor free. Lasko is very intelligent and learns quickly. He's sensitive and responds best to gentle discipline. He is great with children -- accepting the occasional tail pull and lots of extreme hugs graciously. He seems especially tolerant and protective of our 5 year old daughter. We are very happy with Lasko and would be pleased to answer any questions forwarded to "aschen@interport.net". The Aschens, Pleasantville, New York I breed and buy horses in Muensterland (the correct spelling for the u with two dots over it). Interacting with the farmers, I ran into my first klein Muensterlander in 1990. It never ceases to amaze me how wonderful they are as family pets and hunters. I imported "Sassy" last year at 7 weeks old via a cargo flight with my horses. What a bonding experience. I agree with the other comments regarding intelligence! She was sassing me at 7wk old and clearly had her own ideas. They are incredible chewers as pups; there aren't enough chew toys out there...but rolls of toilet paper, paper plates, plastic caps off of spray cans, and quarts of oil (full) or anything else they want to investigate do just as well. It was as if her mouth had to experience the world of textures, tastes and smells! Lovable, talented and intelligent are the best descriptors, you can see her cognitive powers in her expressions and memory...sometimes too smart! Children are like magnets for them. A friend's 14 mo son is afraid of her Golden Retrievers but not Sassy. He pulls her ears, tail, sits on her etc...never a nip back..just that wagging tail and smile of joy. She believes it is her right that everyone should love her, including growling, snarling dogs ready to attack her. So, she is a great "watch dog" and a rotten "guard dog." Don't consider this breed if you want a one man dog! They are extremely loyal though. No one comes on the farm without me knowing it, the rest of the time she is talking to me but reserves barking for alerting me to visitors. Physically the klein verson is medium sized...about 18-24 inches tall, with somewhat short hair (little shedding or "doggie smell") with medium length curly hair on the tail, belly, feathered legs and ears (the spaniel influence). They have webbed feet and will find the water everytime...including rapid flowing water. She out swims my friends Goldens and Lab. The gross version looks more like an Irish Setter type and has a reputation for nipping. Variety is the spice of life for her and living on a farm she loves to run, chase the birds, rabbits, coyotes (ugh) and the cows and horses if they are already romping around. And, the nose is always to the ground seeking new smells, alias adventure. She occasionally brings me "gifts" of wild duck, marmots, rabbit, snake etc; however, she sleeps with the two cats curled in her belly. She even lets a stray cat come in the cat window without notice. A great hunter and family dog in one! You've got to love them once you meet one! Rita Chriss RidgeCrest@aol.com