(Kleiner Munsterlander Vorstehhund) (Hiedewachtel) (Spion)

• The Small Musterlander Pointer has been assigned the Sporting Group designation.
• The Small Musterlander Pointer has been recorded in the Foundation Stock Service since 2006.
• The German word for Pointer (Vorstehhunde) was added to the names of several versatile hunting dog breeds a number of years ago. The German name of this breed was recently changed back to Small Munsterlander from Small Munsterlander Pointer. The German club, however, did not change its title.
• There are more than 10,000 FCI registered Small Munsterlanders in Germany alone, and the Small Munsterlander is the third most popular versatile hunting dog in Europe, where it is known as the Kleine Münsterländer, lying in numbers behind the Deutsche Drahthaar (German Wirehair) and slightly behind the Deutsche Kurzhaar (German Shorthair).
• The German Small Munsterlander club has over 5500 members in 16 chapters throughout Germany; there are 12 Small Munsterlander clubs throughout Europe and a new International Small Munsterlander club was formed in the spring of 2006. The Small Munsterlander is specifically listed in the breed registries of at least 23 nations.
• There are three long haired versatile hunting breeds, the Deutsche Langhaar (German Longhair), the Grosse Münsterländer (Large Munsterlander) and the Kleine Münsterländer (Small Munsterlander). Small Munsterlanders are about 2½ inches lower at the shoulders than the first two, larger breeds. German Longhairs have shades of brown and white, including solid colors, while Large Munsterlanders have only black and white coloration. Solid colors are not permitted in either Munsterlander breed.
• Small Munsterlanders typically weigh 40-60 pounds and females are about ¾ inches lower at the shoulder than males.
• Even though Small Munsterlanders don't have an undercoat they are hunted throughout the colder countries in Europe. They are used in Lapland and have been hunted in -60° (wind chill) in South Dakota.
• Small Munsterlanders have little or no doggy odor and shed relatively little.
• Small Munsterlanders are superb water dogs with great endurance and love salt and fresh water, as well as surf and rapids. Their beautiful tails are important swimming tools for these dogs.
• Small Munsterlanders are agile and athletic, and can sprint at up to 25mph. In cool weather and with ample water, a properly conditioned healthy Small Munsterlander won't tire out on an all day hunt through wooded grouse terrain, rocky chukar territory, brushy pheasant country, open partridge plains or mucky duck marshes.
• Small Munsterlanders have a strong pack instinct and thrive in outdoor oriented families. In the house they often can be found sleeping near (or on) the feet of their master or other family members.
• The integrity of this breed in Germany is maintained by a testing program administered by the JGHV. This program tests hunting performance, conformation and temperament. Similar performance tests in America are administered both by NAVHDA (North American Versatile Hunting Association) and the JGV (the American branch of the JGHV).

The Large Munsterander possesses a well-balanced conformation suggestive of easy, steady movement and drive. The breed's head is sufficiently broad and slightly rounded giving an impression of stability, even dignity. Solid black with a white snip or star is allowed. The body is white with black patches, flecked and/or ticked. An all black coat is not desirable to breeders. Brown coats do occur, but are not common. Its broad, round-tipped ears hang close to the head. They should have a scissors bite. The eyes are dark and heavy lidded. The coat is long and dense, neither curly nor coarse. It has feathers on the ears, front and hind legs, and tail. There should be no feathering on the backside of the upper feet, so that you can see the 90 degree angle. Males usually have larger heads, longer hair on the chest and more feathering than females. When the dog stands, his extended hind feet should stand in a right angle to the ground. It has firm, strong feet with ample hair between the black-nailed toes. The tail is carried horizontally and may be left intact or have a just a tiny bit of the end removed. The Large Munsterlander has an elegant gait.

The Large Munsterlander is courageous, cheerful, intelligent and obedient. It makes a wonderful house companion dog and is very trainable. Munsterlanders are loyal and friendly dogs that are responsive to their humans. They make very good friends. If the Munsterlander is lacking in leadership and or mental and pysical exercise they can get destructive and bark when left alone in the house. They are not guard dogs. They like to retrieve and naturally like to carry things about in their mouths. The Munster does well in obedience, and is good with other animals and with children. Under exercised Munsterlanders can get too overly excited and high strung. They will be happiest when used as working dogs. Bred for training and ability to withstand the pressures involved, this dog will adapt to any terrain whether it be valleys, prairies, forest or water, and to every type of hunting. It is resistant to fatigue and to bad weather. Particularly appreciated for the sureness of its point and the precision with which it retrieves. Munsterlanders can easily learn to come and sit on command in the first six months of life. Proper human to canine communication is essential. They love water and will try to retrieve everything out of the water. They are not difficult dogs. If one has a firm hand, even a beginner can manage this breed without a problem, however they must remain firm, but calm, confident and consistent throughout the dog's life. It is a slow maturing dog, so don't "over-train" in its field work at too young an age. The breed has shown itself to be a dedicated enemy of birds of prey and they may try to attack small farm animals, however they can be trained to leave sheep and cattle alone. Although he will chase every small rodent and bird, he can't be bothered to chase cars, joggers and bikes. When he spots a bird or rabbit he will usually freeze in his motion. His head will point towards the prey and his whole body shifts slightly forward; one of the front feet will often be off the ground. The rapid motion freeze will prevent the prey from being alarmed and shows the hunter where the prey is hiding. The position can be often seen in old pictures and paintings and is typical for breeds such as pointers. Described by the German word  "Vorsteh" (hund).

As with all their hunting relatives, they require sufficient exercise, although not as much as a pointer. They need to be taken on a daily, brisk walk or jog. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. In addition, if you engage them in active play, then he will usually be tired in 20 minutes. Two to three 20-30 minute sessions a day will make this dog happy. They love to be outside and run around free. Munsterlanders will search for rabbits under every bush they can find. This is not a dog for older people or inactive people. It will do best with people who love to be in the outdoors.

  

In actuality the Llewellin Setter is not a different breed then the English Setter. This is just a gene pool that people broke out but this willful dog is actually a English Setter.

 The Llewellin Setter is a very gentle, calm dog. Friendly and excellent with children they are mild mannered, loving all the affection they can get. Enthusiastic and lively outdoors, but relatively inactive indoors. With meek owners they will become willful. Can be difficult to housebreak. Rules, structure and training should start early to prevent development of bad habits. They need authoritative, calm, but firm, confident and consistent owners, but should never be harshly treated. Needs a lot of structure and enjoys playing with other dogs. Llewellin Setters are adequate watchdogs. They like to roam and are diggers and good jumpers. Owners need to be firm, but calm, confident and consistent. Proper human to canine communication is essential.

An excellent retriever by nature and an experienced hunter on any terrain, the Spinone is robust, sociable and docile. His wiry, dense coat and thick skin enable him to negotiate underbrush and endure cold water that would severely punish any dog not so naturally armored. The coat can be solid white; white and orange; orange roan with or without orange markings; white with brown markings, brown roan with or without brown markings.

A Look Back
The Spinone Italiano, or Italian Pointer, is Italy's all-purpose hunting dog. The dog is a Pointer of the old school, that is, a rather slow-footed dog similar to those used before the era of wing shooting. It is estimated to be a cross of coarse-haired Italian Setters, bred with those left by Greek traders and others from the Adriatic coast, in addition to crosses with the White Mastiff and perhaps French Griffons.

Right Breed for You?
An active, energetic breed, the Spinone loves to romp in the field, but is happy as long as it’s with its family. As a naturally cautious dog, owners should socialize the breed and begin training early. The Spinone is the ultimate wash and wear breed and should remain in a natural state, with just occasional brushing and hand-stripping. Owners beware, however – after a drink, their wet and messy beard may leave trail of water wherever they go!

If you are considering purchasing a Spinone Italiano puppy, learn more here.

• Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 2000.
• Ranging in size from 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Hunting dog.

© The American Kennel Club, Inc.

Spinone Italiano Breed Standard

Sporting Group

General Appearance
Muscular dog with powerful bone. Vigorous and robust, his purpose as hardworking gun dog is evident. Naturally sociable, the docile and patient Spinone is resistant to fatigue and is an experienced hunter on any terrain. His hard textured coat is weather resistant. His wiry, dense coat and thick skin enable the Spinone to negotiate underbrush and endure cold water that would severely punish any dog not so naturally armored. He has a remarkable tendency for an extended and fast trotting gait. The Spinone is an excellent retriever by nature.