Pointing gundog Large size 25-32 kg

Grand Munsterlander

A handsome, biddable pointing gundog that bonds closely - great for an active outdoorsy owner, restless without a real outlet.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Large
Size
25-32 kg, 60-65 cm
High
Activity
High stamina; needs a long daily run or hike
Low
Alone-time tolerance
Pack-minded; dislikes long hours alone
Easy
Trainability
Willing and quick with consistency
Moderate
Coat care
Dense or rough coat; regular brushing and trimming
Good
Fit with kids
Good with kids given supervision
Good
Other pets
Pack-social; usually fine with other dogs
Light
Health burden
Dental Disease, Hip Dysplasia, Chronic Ear Infections

The Grand Munsterlander typically weighs 25-32 kg, stands 60-65 cm, and lives 11-13 years.

Consider this breed if…

you hunt, run, hike, or train dog sports most days of the week,
you want a versatile pointing-and-retrieving gundog that works water,
you can give it daily exercise plus training and mental work,
you want a devoted dog that shares in family life, not a kennel dog.

Do not consider this breed if…

the dog would regularly be alone for a full workday,
you want a low-energy companion for short strolls,
you have no time or interest in training and outdoor activity,
a hunting drive around small pets would be a problem for you.

A typical day with a Grand Munsterlander

  1. 6:30 · Morning
    Long run, hike, or field work to start the day
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Rest near the family after the coat is checked
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Short walk plus a retrieve game or scent work
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Training session, 15-20 minutes of gundog or obedience work
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Second longer walk or hike to settle remaining energy
  6. 21:00 · Night
    A well-worked dog rests calmly with its people

Temperament and training

Trainability High
Drive to work Very high
Prey drive High
Sensitivity High
Independence Moderate
Guarding tendency Moderate
Common owner mistakes
Underestimating the exercise needs and getting a bored, restless dog · Leaving it alone too much, which this closely bonded breed handles badly · Ignoring the hunting drive around cats, poultry, and other small pets

Family and environment

Kids Good
Affectionate and playful with children; supervise given its energy.
Dogs Good
Generally sociable with other dogs, especially with early socialization.
Cats Conditional
Hunting instinct is real; safest with cats it was raised alongside.
Apartment Not ideal
Too active for flat life unless big daily exercise needs are met.
House with a yard Suitable
A secure yard helps, but does not replace real work and exercise.
City Conditional
Workable for an active owner with daily access to open space.
Countryside Ideal
Room to run and hunt is what the breed was built for.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Light

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Dental Disease Routine home care and cleanings reduce risk
Hip Dysplasia Screen breeding stock; manage weight and joint load
Chronic Ear Infections Drop or hairy ears need regular cleaning
Progressive Retinal Atrophy Inherited; DNA tests exist in many lines

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Smaller version of the same type
Small Munsterlander
An affectionate, versatile pointing dog that thrives on work and company - ideal for hunters and active families, poor for sedentary homes.
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Closely related long-coated gundog
German Long Haired Pointer
A calm, affectionate long-coated pointer that is a fine family gundog, needing daily exercise and regular grooming.
View profile →
Another feathered pointing breed
English Setter
A gentle, feathered bird dog that is great with family but needs daily exercise and regular coat care to stay content.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Grand Munsterlander cost?
In the US this is an uncommon gundog, so expect to work with a small number of breeders, possible waitlists, and prices that commonly run from around $1,000 upward depending on line and availability. The purchase price is minor next to lifetime care: food, routine vet visits, and the gear and time an active gundog needs add up to many thousands of dollars over 11-13 years, so plan for insurance or an emergency fund.
Is a Grand Munsterlander a good family dog?
Yes, for an active outdoorsy family. It is affectionate, biddable, and bonds closely with its people, and it does well with children it grows up with. The catch is its high exercise and companionship needs; left under-exercised or alone too much, it grows restless and unhappy.
How much exercise does a Grand Munsterlander need?
Plan on a long daily run or hike plus training and scent or retrieve work. This is a working pointer, not a casual pet, and a yard alone will not satisfy it. A well-exercised one is calm and easy indoors; a bored one becomes noisy and destructive.
Is a Grand Munsterlander easy to train?
By gundog standards, yes - it is willing, sensitive, and quick to learn with consistent, reward-based handling. It responds poorly to harsh methods, and it needs its energy channelled into real work so training sticks.