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