The large Munsterlander is an offshoot of the German longhaired pointer, an all-rounder developed in the mid 1800s for the roving hunter. It was selectively bred in the Munster region for its black and white coat and recognised as a distinct breed in the early 1900s.
It is athletic and elegant, with a muscular and racy appearance, spaniel-like head, long limbs and fluid gait. Its black and white coat comes in many variations, but the head is predominantly black. This versatile gundog has an intense hunt drive and need for vigorous exercise; although birds are its traditional quarry it can also track larger prey.
The large Munsterlander is well-suited to very active shooting homes, including those with children. It tends to be reserved with strangers, sociable with other dogs and has a high prey drive towards smaller pets. It can be used for rough shooting in all kinds of terrain; tracking; and beating or picking up at shoots.