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Munsterlander (Small)

Lifestyle needs

Munsterlander (Small)

The Small Munsterlander is a hunting dog originally from Germany of small to medium size.  He has the ability to find and retrieve game and will enjoy being challenged to perform similar tasks.  Ideally he needs to live in a house with a garden, and have plenty of exercise  with opportunities to run free.   His coat is short to medium in length, soft and rather Spaniel- like in texture.  Frequent grooming is necessary.  A very small number of dogs currently in the UK

Inbreeding coefficient – COI

(should be as low as possible)

The breed average COI is 0.9%

See A Beginners Guide to COI.

Health and welfare problems due to conformation

(body shape and physical characteristics)

      None

BVA/KC Health Schemes  http://www.bva.co.uk/chs

  •  Hip dysplasia (abnormality of hip joints causing pain and disability).  Has been recorded in this breed though none yet recorded on the BVA scheme.

DNA tests available

       Hyperuricosuria (HUU) (bladder stones)

Unofficial (breed club) schemes

       None known

Ask the breeder to show you the certificates for the above tests/screening for both parents. If any of the above tests have not been considered necessary by the breeder (and there may be good reasons), ask her to explain why.

Other diseases

(for which there are currently no genetic or screening tests for sire or dam)
  • Shoulder osteochondrosis (males predisposed) (abnormalities of bone and cartilege, causing inflammation and pain
  • Black hair follicular dysplasia, causing hair loss

Ask the breeder about the medical history of the parents, grandparents and great grandparents.  Consider carefully whether to purchase a puppy if some of these or other diseases are in the family line.

Ask about the breeder’s policy in cases of serious genetic diseases occurring to your puppy in later life.  Good breeders will request to be informed of such events in order to improve future breeding decisions.  Some breeders will also agree to contribute towards medical costs or refund purchase price.

You are strongly advised to buy from a breeder who uses (or is prepared to use) the RSPCA / BVA AWF Puppy Contract and Puppy Information Pack (PIP):  www.puppycontract.org.uk

You are also advised to buy from a breeder who follows the Dog Advisory Council’s Standard for Breeders: http://www.dogbreedhealth.com/dac-breeding-standard/

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