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.
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 their puppies to hunting homes.
include the activities that you plan to participate in with your puppy. Many Small Munsterlander
breeders prefer to sell their 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.
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.
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
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.
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 activities 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
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
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
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
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
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
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 SM's may have. A new breeder may not know how to address all of your
questions and concerns
characteristics of the Small Munsterlander and problems SM'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
experience with a 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
house dogs, do they live in a crate while the owner is at work, or are they out in a kennel.
correspond with the kind of Small Munsterlanders that you are looking for? How does the breeder care for their dogs? Are they
house dogs, 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?
SM's do best in a loving home environment not in a full time kennel.
with each dog and keep them in a healthy and stimulating environment?
SM'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.
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.
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.
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.
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 breeds good points. Also ask how the breeder's dogs compare to the average SM.
well as the breeds 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 out cross breeding,a line breeding 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.
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.
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 interest in the
quality of puppy produce from the mating.
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 interest 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.
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.
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.
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.
Do you supply Registration Papers, and what organization are the
puppy registered with?
puppy 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Where are the puppies raised and what type of socialization do you do with the litter?
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| WHERE CAN I FIND A SMALL MUNSTERLANDER BREEDER? And WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK THE SMALL MUNSTERLANDER BREEDER? |