Buying a Small Munsterlander puppy is much the same as buying a puppy of any breed. Make
sure you do your homework and find a good breeder. Study the FCI Small Munsterlander
Breed Standard to know the correct confirmation of your prospective Small Munsterlander.
Learn to see the good confirmation qualities of a SM as well as confirmation faults
sure you do your homework and find a good breeder. Study the FCI Small Munsterlander
Breed Standard to know the correct confirmation of your prospective Small Munsterlander.
Learn to see the good confirmation qualities of a SM as well as confirmation faults
Make a wish list with the qualities that you are looking for in your Small
Munsterlander, and include the activities that you plan to participate in with your
puppy. Many Small Munsterlander breeders prefer to sell thier puppies to hunting
homes.
Munsterlander, and include the activities that you plan to participate in with your
puppy. Many Small Munsterlander breeders prefer to sell thier puppies to hunting
homes.
Small Munsterlanders can be used for personal hunting dogs, NAVHDA, NASTRA
Field Trials, UKC obedience, UKC hunt tests, UKC retriever tests, UKC agility, UKC
conformation, IABCA conformation, or for companion helpers.
Small Munsterlanders enjoy learning new skills. They are quick learners and
enjoy the time spent with their owners. They are also faithful and loving
companions at home
Field Trials, UKC obedience, UKC hunt tests, UKC retriever tests, UKC agility, UKC
conformation, IABCA conformation, or for companion helpers.
Small Munsterlanders enjoy learning new skills. They are quick learners and
enjoy the time spent with their owners. They are also faithful and loving
companions at home
How do I find Small Munsterlander Breeders?
Contact the Small Munsterlander Club of North America website for the names of members who currently have
upcoming litters and puppies available. Ask if the breeder is a member of the SMCNA in good standing and that they
abide by the Code of Ethics, the Bylaws of the Club and both parents are approved for breeding with the SMCNA
Contact the Small Munsterlander Club of North America website for the names of members who currently have
upcoming litters and puppies available. Ask if the breeder is a member of the SMCNA in good standing and that they
abide by the Code of Ethics, the Bylaws of the Club and both parents are approved for breeding with the SMCNA
You may even consider adopting a Rescue Small Munsterlander. These are typically adolescent, young adults or mature
Small Munsterlander that have been given up by their owners for one reason or another. Many times these dogs are
already trained and ready to go
Small Munsterlander that have been given up by their owners for one reason or another. Many times these dogs are
already trained and ready to go
Do not buy a Small Munsterlander puppy from a pet store or a dog broker, these puppies may be the product of a puppy
mill or an unscrupulous breeder who cannot sell their puppies with the normal person to person methods. Additionally,
the socialization of pet store puppies is seriously lacking and can affect the dog for its lifetime
mill or an unscrupulous breeder who cannot sell their puppies with the normal person to person methods. Additionally,
the socialization of pet store puppies is seriously lacking and can affect the dog for its lifetime
Take your time. Do not be in a hurry to buy your puppy. You will have your Small Munsterlander for 12-14 years. Plan on
interviewing several breeders and seeing as many SM's as you can. After you have researched a number of breeders,
learned about their breeding philosophies and breeding programs, choose your breeder and get onto their waiting list
interviewing several breeders and seeing as many SM's as you can. After you have researched a number of breeders,
learned about their breeding philosophies and breeding programs, choose your breeder and get onto their waiting list
| What Questions Should I Ask |
Keep in mind that if a breeder does or does not
do some of the things brought up in this list it
does not necessarily mean that they are bad
breeders. Breeders expect to be interviewed.
Below are some suggestions for possible
questions. Write down the questions of your own
and start doing your interviews before you ask to
visit their Small Munsterlanders
do some of the things brought up in this list it
does not necessarily mean that they are bad
breeders. Breeders expect to be interviewed.
Below are some suggestions for possible
questions. Write down the questions of your own
and start doing your interviews before you ask to
visit their Small Munsterlanders
What is the focus of your breeding program
Find out what the interests of the breeder are. Seek a breeder who is doing the types of activites that you will do. Not only will that breeder be
best to be able to evaluate the litter and send you the most suitable puppy, but also they will be an invaluable source of support and advice for
preparing your pup for hunting, testing, trialing, etc. The breeder should select for the total dog with consideration paid to genetics,
temperament, structure, type and natural abilities
best to be able to evaluate the litter and send you the most suitable puppy, but also they will be an invaluable source of support and advice for
preparing your pup for hunting, testing, trialing, etc. The breeder should select for the total dog with consideration paid to genetics,
temperament, structure, type and natural abilities
Keep in mind that a casual or first time breeder may not have a breeding program or plan, and instead may breed to their focus without a
long-term plan. It may also be of interest to find out whether the breeder has a mentor in the breed, and whether they work on their own or in
concert with another breeder or group of breeders
long-term plan. It may also be of interest to find out whether the breeder has a mentor in the breed, and whether they work on their own or in
concert with another breeder or group of breeders
Are the sire and dam both approved for breeding in the SMCNA?
Basically, you want to establish the experience and knowledge of the breeder, If the breeder has owned Small Munsterlanders for years and
bred a number of litters; chances are that they will have a better understanding of the breed and better ability to evaluate Small
Munsterlanders and puppies
bred a number of litters; chances are that they will have a better understanding of the breed and better ability to evaluate Small
Munsterlanders and puppies
If you are dealing with a breeder who has less experience, it is all the more important to research the SMP standard, the characteristics of the
Small Munsterlander and problems SMP's may have. A new breeder may not know how to address all of your questions and concerns
Small Munsterlander and problems SMP's may have. A new breeder may not know how to address all of your questions and concerns
How many Small Munsterlanders have you owned over these years
It is an advantage for a breeder to have owned/trained more than a few members of the breed as they will have had more experience with a
variety of Small Munsterlanders, probably of different bloodlines
variety of Small Munsterlanders, probably of different bloodlines
How many Small Munsterlanders does the breeder own
Find out about the kind of dog that the breeder keeps. What qualities do they look for with each of these dogs? Does this correspond with the
kind of Small Munsterlanders that you are looking for? How does the breeder care for their dogs? Are they housedogs, do they live in a crate
while the owner is at work, or are they out in a kennel
kind of Small Munsterlanders that you are looking for? How does the breeder care for their dogs? Are they housedogs, do they live in a crate
while the owner is at work, or are they out in a kennel
Whether the breeder has two or twenty Small Munsterlanders, does the breeder spend appropriate time with each
dog and keep them in a healthy and stimulating environment?
SMP's do best in a loving home environment not in a full time kennel
dog and keep them in a healthy and stimulating environment?
SMP's do best in a loving home environment not in a full time kennel
How do you raise and socialize your litters
This question will speak to the experience of the breeder in raising and properly socializing your
puppy. Ask for details about the methods that will be used to raise your puppy. How will the breeder
evaluate the temperament of each puppy in the litter? Find out where the puppies raised. Learn how
much time is spent with the puppies, and if they socialize each puppy individually on a daily basis
puppy. Ask for details about the methods that will be used to raise your puppy. How will the breeder
evaluate the temperament of each puppy in the litter? Find out where the puppies raised. Learn how
much time is spent with the puppies, and if they socialize each puppy individually on a daily basis
If the breeder has not raised a litter before, ask from whom they are learning how to properly raise
and socialize puppies. Also, inquire what basis they will be evaluating the puppies on, and whether
they have a more experienced breeder assisting with evaluations and puppy raising advice. Will the
puppies be exposed or introduced to a car, a crate, birds, water, or other stimulation
and socialize puppies. Also, inquire what basis they will be evaluating the puppies on, and whether
they have a more experienced breeder assisting with evaluations and puppy raising advice. Will the
puppies be exposed or introduced to a car, a crate, birds, water, or other stimulation
What are the pros and cons of this breed
A knowledgeable breeder will be able to offer detailed information on problems in the breed, as well
as the breed's good points. Also ask how the breeder's dogs compare to the average SM
as the breed's good points. Also ask how the breeder's dogs compare to the average SM
What are the strengths and weaknesses of your SM's
There are no perfect dogs, every bloodline has it's own strengths and weaknesses. A strength to one
breeder may be considered a weakness by another breeder. This is why it is so important to interview
more than just a few breeders. You can find out how these traits will affect you. The breeder should be
honest about the puppies he has produced. If a breeder should be honest about past puppies. Be
cautious about a breeder who says there has never been a problem with any puppies in the past. Are they
telling you the truth
breeder may be considered a weakness by another breeder. This is why it is so important to interview
more than just a few breeders. You can find out how these traits will affect you. The breeder should be
honest about the puppies he has produced. If a breeder should be honest about past puppies. Be
cautious about a breeder who says there has never been a problem with any puppies in the past. Are they
telling you the truth
Would a puppy from your bloodlines suit my needs
A knowledgeable and ethical breeder will advise you as to whether a Small Munsterlanders from their
bloodlines and breeding program will or will not suit your needs and your lifestyle. If you have a Small
Munsterlander and plan to breed in the future, check the pedigrees of your current SM to a puppy from
the breeder to see how a breeding of the two would match up. Ask questions such as,"Why did you
choose to breed this particular female with this particular male?" The breeder may give you information
on the qualities that they hope to bring forward in this litter. Sometimes the reasons are further reaching,
a link in the breeding program or a test for a genetic trait
bloodlines and breeding program will or will not suit your needs and your lifestyle. If you have a Small
Munsterlander and plan to breed in the future, check the pedigrees of your current SM to a puppy from
the breeder to see how a breeding of the two would match up. Ask questions such as,"Why did you
choose to breed this particular female with this particular male?" The breeder may give you information
on the qualities that they hope to bring forward in this litter. Sometimes the reasons are further reaching,
a link in the breeding program or a test for a genetic trait
Is this a first time breeding or have this sire and dam been bred together before? If the sire and dam have been bred before (either
together or to another sire) ask how the puppies from prior litters turned out
together or to another sire) ask how the puppies from prior litters turned out
Inquire whether the breeding is an outcross breeding,a linebreeding or an inbreeding
The breeder should know the pedigrees, and be familiar with details of the parents, grand parents
and great grand parents. In particular you should ask for details on the traits of the Sire (Father) and
the Dam (Mother) of the expected litter, As well, inquire about any dog that appears more than once
in the 3 generation pedigree for the litter.
Your discussion should include the following qualities: temperament (how are they in the house,
field and with strangers), conformation (structure will affect soundness in the field), hunting ability
(natural pointing, tracking and retrieving and game drive ), genetic strength and vigor (an affected
dog should never be bred), cooperativeness and bidability
and great grand parents. In particular you should ask for details on the traits of the Sire (Father) and
the Dam (Mother) of the expected litter, As well, inquire about any dog that appears more than once
in the 3 generation pedigree for the litter.
Your discussion should include the following qualities: temperament (how are they in the house,
field and with strangers), conformation (structure will affect soundness in the field), hunting ability
(natural pointing, tracking and retrieving and game drive ), genetic strength and vigor (an affected
dog should never be bred), cooperativeness and bidability
Is the breeder keeping a puppy from the litter
Some breeders are trying to breed a certain SMP 'look', hunting style, or temperament. Will the
breeder keep a puppy to continue on their line or they breeding to sell puppies? Breeders who
are perfecting a trait or improve their line may have more of an intrest in the quality of puppy
produce from the mating
breeder keep a puppy to continue on their line or they breeding to sell puppies? Breeders who
are perfecting a trait or improve their line may have more of an intrest in the quality of puppy
produce from the mating
How old are the sire and dam
If the sire is younger than eighteen months or dam is younger than two years of age, inquire why they are being bred. There simply is not
enough known about a young dog to merit using it in a breeding program. In the first place, the dog is not mature, either physically or mentally.
He cannot be accurately evaluated in the field, hips cannot be certified with OFA until two. However, in some cases experienced and
responsible breeders, with good reasoning breed dogs of these ages. Ask why and. judge for yourself But, mostly, if the dogs are younger than
two, you will want to wait until the breeder has a litter with an older bitch of proven quality. If the sire or dam are older and in good health you
will know that the older dog has had a healthy life and this healthy genetic sire or dam may be more apt to pass on this tendency for good health
enough known about a young dog to merit using it in a breeding program. In the first place, the dog is not mature, either physically or mentally.
He cannot be accurately evaluated in the field, hips cannot be certified with OFA until two. However, in some cases experienced and
responsible breeders, with good reasoning breed dogs of these ages. Ask why and. judge for yourself But, mostly, if the dogs are younger than
two, you will want to wait until the breeder has a litter with an older bitch of proven quality. If the sire or dam are older and in good health you
will know that the older dog has had a healthy life and this healthy genetic sire or dam may be more apt to pass on this tendency for good health
Do you give vaccinations to your puppies or does a veterinarian give them
SM puppies should go to their new homes with up to date shots, deworming, and a veterinarian's health examination. Some breeders will
vaccinate puppies themselves. Even if the breeder gives vaccinations, you should ask that a Certified Veterinarian do a complete health
examination before your receive your puppy and that you visit your veterinarian as soon as you bring your new puppy home to make sure it is
in good health
vaccinate puppies themselves. Even if the breeder gives vaccinations, you should ask that a Certified Veterinarian do a complete health
examination before your receive your puppy and that you visit your veterinarian as soon as you bring your new puppy home to make sure it is
in good health
Do you supply Registration Papers, and what organization are the puppy
registered with
registered with
A breeder should be aware of any of the genetic problems present in their bloodline or the sire's bloodline and the Small Munsterlander breed
as a whole. If the breeder states that the SM do not have any genetic diseases in the breed, the breeder is wrong. Each dog of any breed is a
carrier of 4 to 5 genetic diseases and may be affected with one or more.
Expect the breeder to be open, and honest about genetics and at least have an OFA hip certification number or PENN Hip evaluation rating. The
breeder should be willing to provide you with copies of the certification, a copy of both the dam and sire's pedigree and ask if both of the SM's
have been approved for breeding with the SMCNA. DO NOT TAKE THE BREEDER'S WORD FOR IT IF THE INFORMATION IS NOT SUPPLIED
as a whole. If the breeder states that the SM do not have any genetic diseases in the breed, the breeder is wrong. Each dog of any breed is a
carrier of 4 to 5 genetic diseases and may be affected with one or more.
Expect the breeder to be open, and honest about genetics and at least have an OFA hip certification number or PENN Hip evaluation rating. The
breeder should be willing to provide you with copies of the certification, a copy of both the dam and sire's pedigree and ask if both of the SM's
have been approved for breeding with the SMCNA. DO NOT TAKE THE BREEDER'S WORD FOR IT IF THE INFORMATION IS NOT SUPPLIED
Do you stand behind your Small Munsterlander and for how long
Ask if the SM breeder offers a genetic guarantee. Find out if the guarantee is for replacement or refund (entire amount or 1/2) and whether you
have to return your dog in order to enact the guarantee. Get the guarantee in writing, and make sure it signed and treated as a legal document
with witnesses and dates. If you are dealing with all established breeder who will be involved in the breed for a long time into the future you
can probably be more confident that there will be some resolution should your guarantee need to be enacted, or if you need help in a few
years. If you are you dealing with someone who only plans to breed one or two litters make certain to find out what happens to your guarantee if
the breeder ceases to breed
have to return your dog in order to enact the guarantee. Get the guarantee in writing, and make sure it signed and treated as a legal document
with witnesses and dates. If you are dealing with all established breeder who will be involved in the breed for a long time into the future you
can probably be more confident that there will be some resolution should your guarantee need to be enacted, or if you need help in a few
years. If you are you dealing with someone who only plans to breed one or two litters make certain to find out what happens to your guarantee if
the breeder ceases to breed
Ask the hard questions
What kind of after the sale service do receive from a breeder
Does the breeder have the experience in your area of interest to help you to condition and train your Small
Munsterlander successfully in your particular interest? If this is your first small munsterlander, you may want a
breeder who is willing to offer advice and help on a frequent basis.
Munsterlander successfully in your particular interest? If this is your first small munsterlander, you may want a
breeder who is willing to offer advice and help on a frequent basis.
If the breeder asks you to test your puppy in a NAVHDA Natural Ability test,
what support will the breeder provide? Will you be reimbursed for the test fee?
When asked, will the breeder supply you with training and testing material so you will be able to expose your
SMP puppy to the correct hunting experiences.
If you are not able to test your puppy in the NA test, would the breeder handle
your puppy for you?
Many breeders will prepare and test the puppy for you for a no cost or for a small fee
what support will the breeder provide? Will you be reimbursed for the test fee?
When asked, will the breeder supply you with training and testing material so you will be able to expose your
SMP puppy to the correct hunting experiences.
If you are not able to test your puppy in the NA test, would the breeder handle
your puppy for you?
Many breeders will prepare and test the puppy for you for a no cost or for a small fee
Some breeders will give feeding instructions, a bag of food to get you started with a good diet for your puppy, or supply you with a jug of water
the puppy has been drinking so you can gradually change to the water and food brand in your area. Some breeders offer an entire book of
information on raising your puppy to best its advantage
the puppy has been drinking so you can gradually change to the water and food brand in your area. Some breeders offer an entire book of
information on raising your puppy to best its advantage
What happens if l am unable to keep my small munsterlander after it has grown
Is there anything that the breeder wants to know about me
Ask to see the breeder's dogs
If you are close enough to visit the kennel look for Small Munsterlanders that are the picture of health clear eyes, wet noses, good coats,
happy and well cared for. Look for dogs that are active and energetic. Be sure that the Small Munsterlanders have good, friendly
temperaments and respond joyfully to visitors. If you are looking for a dog for a specific purpose, (i.e. upland or waterfowl hunting) ask to see
the dogs work in a bird field or pond
happy and well cared for. Look for dogs that are active and energetic. Be sure that the Small Munsterlanders have good, friendly
temperaments and respond joyfully to visitors. If you are looking for a dog for a specific purpose, (i.e. upland or waterfowl hunting) ask to see
the dogs work in a bird field or pond
How do I Select My Breeder
By now you have interviewed a number of breeders, and from each one you have learned more about the small munsterlander, and about the
different bloodlines and breeding philosophies. Remember that every breeder interprets the written breed standard and has their own
interpretation of the appropriate use for the small munsterlander. What is right for one breeder may not necessarily be right for another and
that is what you have to evaluate carefully the various opinions and breeding programs that you have been presented with my interest,
(hunting companions) I think of these variations in selection as a "cup of tea" One breeder may like a "sweeter" cup of tea; one may want one
with more range, or with more coats. You have to decide how you want your "cup of tea" and make your decision accordingly. Select a breeder
that is breeding the kind of small munsterlander that you want to own. Who actively participates in your area of interest will best be able to
evaluate the specific traits in the litter and select the best puppy for you. In addition, they will be best able to help you to develop your puppy
for your chosen area(s) of interest. You will both be well ahead
different bloodlines and breeding philosophies. Remember that every breeder interprets the written breed standard and has their own
interpretation of the appropriate use for the small munsterlander. What is right for one breeder may not necessarily be right for another and
that is what you have to evaluate carefully the various opinions and breeding programs that you have been presented with my interest,
(hunting companions) I think of these variations in selection as a "cup of tea" One breeder may like a "sweeter" cup of tea; one may want one
with more range, or with more coats. You have to decide how you want your "cup of tea" and make your decision accordingly. Select a breeder
that is breeding the kind of small munsterlander that you want to own. Who actively participates in your area of interest will best be able to
evaluate the specific traits in the litter and select the best puppy for you. In addition, they will be best able to help you to develop your puppy
for your chosen area(s) of interest. You will both be well ahead
Finally, use your instincts. If you do not feel comfortable dealing with a certain breeder, follow your intuition. The relationship is going to be a
long one, lasting the life of your small munsterlander, and perhaps to other Small Munsterlanders in your and your families future
long one, lasting the life of your small munsterlander, and perhaps to other Small Munsterlanders in your and your families future
| SMALL MUNSTERLANDER BREEDERS WHERE CAN I FIND A SMALL MUNSERLANDER BREEDER? and WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK THE SMALL MUNSTERANDER BREEDER? |
How many years have you owned a Small Munsterlander
To be approved for breeding in the SMCNA the dog must meet the qualifications for breeding, which means that they have passed the NAVHDA
Natural Ability test, the hips have been evaluated as excellent or good with OFA or tighter than .50 in PennHIP, THey meet the FCI Breed
Standard, have a normal temperament and no genetic health problems.
Natural Ability test, the hips have been evaluated as excellent or good with OFA or tighter than .50 in PennHIP, THey meet the FCI Breed
Standard, have a normal temperament and no genetic health problems.
Find out what age the puppies are placed into their new homes. Anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks is ideal, providing the puppies are being raised
in a stimulating and positive environment.Will the Small Munsterlander puppy be registered only with the SMCNA, with both the SMCNA and
with NAVHDA, or not registered at all. If you plan on testing in NAVHDA or breeding in the SMCNA you will need to have a dog that is registered
with these clubs
in a stimulating and positive environment.Will the Small Munsterlander puppy be registered only with the SMCNA, with both the SMCNA and
with NAVHDA, or not registered at all. If you plan on testing in NAVHDA or breeding in the SMCNA you will need to have a dog that is registered
with these clubs
Will the Small Munsterlander puppy be registered only with the SMCNA, with both the SMCNA
and with NAVHDA, or not registered at all. If you plan on testing in NAVHDA or breeding in the
SMCNA you will need to have a dog that is registered with these clubs.
The only requirement the AKC has to issue an AKC pedigree is that both parents have an AKC
pedigree. The AKC has no standards that need to be met. There are no age requirement, no
performance testing requirement, no hip evaluation requirement, no conformation standards,
no temperament standards and no genetic health requirements to issue a pedigree. Any
Small Munsterlander with an AKC pedigree can breed a litter of puppies and have the AKC
issue their pedigree no matter what age the dog is or what health or temperament problem it
may have
and with NAVHDA, or not registered at all. If you plan on testing in NAVHDA or breeding in the
SMCNA you will need to have a dog that is registered with these clubs.
The only requirement the AKC has to issue an AKC pedigree is that both parents have an AKC
pedigree. The AKC has no standards that need to be met. There are no age requirement, no
performance testing requirement, no hip evaluation requirement, no conformation standards,
no temperament standards and no genetic health requirements to issue a pedigree. Any
Small Munsterlander with an AKC pedigree can breed a litter of puppies and have the AKC
issue their pedigree no matter what age the dog is or what health or temperament problem it
may have
Select a breeder who asks many questions about you, your family, your schedule, your home and yard, where the puppy will live during the day
and at night, why you want a Small Munsterlander puppy and the type of puppy personality you feel would be most suited to your family, home,
and hunting needs.
and at night, why you want a Small Munsterlander puppy and the type of puppy personality you feel would be most suited to your family, home,
and hunting needs.
Is the breeder a SMCNA Cooperating breeder
SMCNA Cooperating breeders have agreed to submit health information on their dogs to the
SMCNA Genetics Health Project database and also to require the owners of their pups to do the
same. This project will allow pedigree based tracking of health problems and will be a resource
for genetic research with the long term goal of improving the genetic health of the breed.
SMCNA Genetics Health Project database and also to require the owners of their pups to do the
same. This project will allow pedigree based tracking of health problems and will be a resource
for genetic research with the long term goal of improving the genetic health of the breed.
Many breeders will have a clause written into their sale contract that states that they will take a small munsterlander back or will help you find a
new owner for your dog. This is important. You don't want to abandon your small munsterlander at a shelter should something prevent you
from keeping him/her
new owner for your dog. This is important. You don't want to abandon your small munsterlander at a shelter should something prevent you
from keeping him/her
Where are the puppies raised and what type of socialization do you do with the litter