About Us
HISTORY
    Much of the history of the breed is discussed in the book Der Kleine,
    Munsterlanders Vorsetehhund by Hans Eggerts, 1976.  Excerpts from this
    book indicate that the Small Munsterlanders is actually a breed that has been
    in existence several hundreds of years and originated in Northern Germany.  
    These dogs proved very efficient in finding game and especially adept at
    finding wounded game.

    Eggerts stated that much credit should be given to a man by the name of
    Edmund Loens for developing the breed.  By the 19th century, he used dogs
    from two different lines and used these primarily to develop his foundation
    stock.  One line were more fine boned, agile, lively and intelligent dogs.  
    This strain also barked on track and this trait is still valued in Germany.  The
    other line were slower in search, stoutly built and were outstanding using
    their nose.

    It is believed the first club that was formed by breeders of Small
    Munsterlanders was in the early 1900's.  The popularity of the breed grew
    and some Small Munsterlanders were exported to other countries.

    From the 1920's through the early 1940's economic depression and the impact
    wars created confusion to clubs as hunters could not afford to keep their
    from dogs and lost or had registration papers destroyed.  It wasn't until 1946
    that the Small Munsterlanders Club was revived.  One of the primary
    objectives of the Small Munsterlanders Club was to consolidate all Small
    Munsterlanders that survived the war.  Many of the registration papers for
    these dogs had been lost.  In order to ensure that these dogs had good
    hunting abilities and could produce the characteristics of the Small
    Munsterlanders, they studied the first litter.  Those that met the criteria for
    the breed standard were declared to be a "pure" specimen and could be used
    for further reproduction.

    In the late 1950's the registration requirements became more stringent.  
    Results of continuous monitoring and emphasis on increasing the positive
    qualities of the breed is the reason we find the present day Small
    Munsterlanders to have great temperament, intelligent, biddable, adaptable
    and a well-balanced, versatile dog for upland game and for waterfowl.  In
    addition to the outstanding field performance, this breed is well known for
    being a great family companion.

    For more information about this breed and the Small Munsterlanders in the
    United States, click on the following link:  www.smallmunsterlander.org