The Large Munsterlander Club
of North America^®

• Profile of the Large Munsterlander
• Photo Gallery Pages (separate pages via link)
• Feature Dog
• Breeders
• Available Pups and Adults
• LMs who are lost, found or need a new home
• Registration
• Explanation of Registration Document and Pedigree (click to see separate page)
• Club Information and Membership
  • Becoming a Member
  • Membership Application
  • Member Information (click to see separate page for the items listed below)
  • Officers
  • Newsletter Publication Dates
  • Gift Ideas for the LM Owner, 2007 Book available!
  • Please help through the Purina Partnership Program!
  • Gatherings
  • LM Training Workshop was held in Michigan August 11, 2007 More details (click to see separate page)
  • 30th Anniversary Gathering: June 7-10, 2007 was a great success! - More details (click to see separate page)
• Entering your LM in a Test (click to see separate page)
• Recent Progeny Performance Awards and Test Score Summary (click to see separate page)
• Information for Breeders
• Becoming Eligible to Breed (click to see separate page)
• Eligible Males and Females (click to see separate page)
• Further Reading about the LM (click to see separate page)
• Links to other Clubs for the Large Munsterlander

Profile of a Large Munsterlander

The Large Munsterlander is one of several continental breeds of versatile hunting dogs. It gained breed recognition in the Mänsterland of northwestern Germany in 1919. Although this makes the LM the last of the German breeds to gain official representation by a separate breed club, the LM was recognized as a black color variant of the brown German Longhaired Pointer going back to its breed club formation in 1878. Even before that time, the forerunner of the modern LM can be recognized in artist¹s representations of hunting scenes as far back as the Middle Ages.

The LM is a 53-76 lb., black and white dog with hair of medium length. In its German homeland and some other countries, this dog has been bred for over a century for hunting and not show. Hence coat color is highly variable, ranging from predominantly white to predominantly black. Markings occur as solid white patches, or ticked or roan regions.

This field dog characteristically is calm, gentle and intelligent, and therefore also valued as a family dog. The versatile and cooperative characteristics of the LM provide for a reliable companion for all facets of hunting. It is well suited for a variety of game, including the tracking of big game as practiced by some owners. On average, LMs search well outside of gun range in open country but are still responsive and not independent. LMs excel as bird finders before and after the shot due to excellent noses and a purposeful searching style with good coverage, rather than speed. Many LMs point with intensity from puppyhood on, and many honor naturally. Given their passion for retrieving, steadiness needs to be encouraged through training, especially in the exuberant youngster. LMs tend to be strong in the water. The LM's long and thick coat protects them against cold and allows them to search dense cover thoroughly. Even so, their coat is a compromise well suited for temperate climates. Short-haired breeds may be better suited for upland hunting in the hot South, while the oily and dense coat of retrieving specialists makes them better suited for prolonged water work in the late-season North.

The Large Munsterlander was introduced to North America by Kurt von Kleist in 1966. By May, 2007, at least 78 dogs have been imported from Europe and over 1500 pups have been registered in North America.

Feature Dogs

Hunt Mountain's Dakota "Baker" looks nonchalant but Julia is excited. This day was her first hunt and her first bird was a coot in hand, retrieved as always by Baker. The locals call the coot "water chicken" or poule d'eau in Cajun French. Julia also holds another Louisiana game bird the common gallinule. Baker cares little about the species names when he retrieves some 120 waterfowl a year for Zack and his hunting partners, including Julia and her brother. When not in the marshes, "Baker" is a companion ­ the family-agreed upon description is "a superb dog at home, too good-looking for words, and a calm dog afield yet with enough gusto to get the job done!"

# 1000 Willow's Edge Alix ­ Also a family affair!

Willow's Edge Alix is the 1000th LM born in North America and registered by LMCNA. Alix was part of Willow's Edge Kennel's A-litter, and stayed home to help carry on what's become an excellent line of LMs. The family picture shows, from left to right, Dale Ruenger, Alix, Dick Sutherland with Willow's Edge Casey, and Timberland's George "Tucker". Casey is an offspring of Alix and Tucker. She is staying at the Willow's Edge Kennel. Casey is as soundly performance bred as they come. Alix and Tucker not only have good temperaments, conform to the breed standard and are healthy, they both have excellent field credentials in both upland work and water, before and after the shot. Alix has earned 112/112 pts. in Natural Ability, and 168/204 (82%) in the demanding Utility test. Tucker has earned 112/112 in Natural Ability also, and 204/204 in Utility. The Utility performance proves that both are capable all-round versatile hunting dogs, and also have the mental stability to be obedient while still having a strong desire to hunt. Casey and her litter mates, born in July 2007, are now all placed in their respective hunting homes. We look forward to hearing more about their future field scores and their hunting stories.

Available Pups

Sunnynook's Uli and Friends

The best method of obtaining a pup of your choice is by reserving from a breeder who plans a litter. Most pups are born in spring or early summer. Occasionally pups are available immediately. All recent litters or litters with available pups are listed in bold below. Plans for litters in the near future are listed below. All sires and dams have earned at least a Prize III in the Natural Ability test. They have all been certified HD free and are of normal temperament.

LM breeders, see below, will place pups only in hunting homes for several reasons. Breeders rely on progeny performance data when planning future breeding - a dog that is not hunted/tested is in that sense lost. Although LMs make good companions, their insatiable hunting instinct can lead to frustration for non-hunters when their dog insists on chasing nearly everything - even the squirrels during a picnic in the park.

LMCNA encourages potential owners to do their homework, including meeting an LM owner and dog where possible. Even "retired" breeders may be willing to show their dogs and answer questions about the breed. All LM kennels are listed below. Those that have "retired" from breeding are listed at the bottom in a separate category. Most breeders encourage continued contact with puppy buyers/owners.

North American Breeders

Breeders with Pups or Dogs Available (Both Sexes of Pups are Still Available unless otherwise noted)

• Mike Melotik, N490 Derham Rd., Norrie, WI 54414 (715)449-2475 e-mail mmelotik@dwave.net
• 6 females and 2 males on March 9

• Gerhard Loeffeler, Canim Lake, British Columbia, Canada 250-397-2826 e-mail loeffeler@bcinternet.net
• 8 females and one male were born May 29, 2007. One female still available

• John and Dawn Smith, 207 Spring Valley Drive, Bloomington, MN 55420 952-888-0171 e-mail jdsmith76@comcast.net
• 3 females and 8 males were born April 6, males available

• Etta and Mike Bernu, Dalbo, MN 763-389-2146 e-mail mebernu@ecenet.com
• 5 female and 6 male pups were whelped on April 4, males available

• Curt & Romalyn Shreve, Prior Lake, MN 55372 952-440-7639 e-mail snowyoaks@integraonline.com
• 3 females and 4 males were whelped April 29.

• Dan & Karen Pagel, 8615 Short Cut Rd, Fair Haven, MI 48023 586-716-0782 e-mail swancreekkennels@hotmail.com
• 5 females and 4 males were born March 14.

• Jim and Stephanie Janowski, 1971 Weather Hill Rd., Dexter, MI 48130 734-996-1654e-mail jjanowski@ameritech.net
• 2 females and 7 males were whelped on May 3, males available

Breeders with Pups Expected (Breeding has taken place and a due date is estimated)

• Bayview Kennel (2004-
• Jerry Gerhardson, Fergus Falls, MN 218-739-2686 e-mail mnmotor@prtel.com
• A litter is expected in mid June
• Muddy Waters Kennel (2002-
• Rick & Sherri Hallwyler, 12401 S Casto Rd, Oregon City, Oregon 97045 503-651-1884 e-mail hooch@teleport.com
• A litter is expected in mid-May.

Breeders with Pups Planned (A breeding is planned from an approved female when she next comes into heat)

• Chestnut Ridge Kennel (2001-
• Doug & Natalie Frankenberry, PA 814-839-2755 e-mail df@hughes.net
• A litter is planned for fall 2008.
• Colerain Forge Kennel (2005-
• Dave and Kathy Brown, 11855 Pinehurst Lane, Chardon, Ohio 44024 440-285-1792 e-mail colerainkennel@aol.com
• A litter is planned for fall 2008.
• Diamond Lake Kennel (2001-
• Roderick Brown, MN 320-283-6170 e-mail lazrdoc@runestone.net
• A litter is planned for fall 2008.
• Dogwood Kennel (2007-
• Bob Bricker & Diane Ashley, MI 877-784-9446 or 989-761-0234 e-mail dogwoodkennel@centurytel.net
• A litter is planned for fall 2008.
• Thunder Ridge Kennel (2005-
• Dick & Nora Hale, 3200 W Needmore Hwy, Charlotte, MI, 48813 517-649-8612 e-mail thunder.ridge@earthlink.net
• A litter is planned for summer 2008.
• Walnut Creek Kennel (2008-
• Steven De Hart Erie, PA e-mail LSDHART@ROADRUNNER.COM
• A litter is planned for summer 2008.

Breeders with Pups in the Recent Past and New Kennels

• Bear Hills Kennel (2008-
• Byron and Kaley Pugh, Delisle, SK e-mail bpugh@yourlink.ca
• Black Ghost Kennel (2002-
• Dean Netwal, 617 4th Ave. E., Glenwood, MN 56334 320-634-4733 e-mail deannetwal@yahoo.com
• 3 females and 2 males were born November 8, 2007. All are placed.
• Erin Prairie Kennel (2001-
• Harvey & Ruth Halvorsen, WI 715-246-3178 e-mail Harveyhh@frontiernet.net
• Hickory Hollow Kennel (1995-
• Walter Roenicke & Charisse Taylor, 2660 King Rd., Saginaw, MI 49601 989-777-5186 e-mail hhdogdudes@yahoo.com
• Hunt Mountain Kennel (2000-
• Jeff & Darcy Raymond, 13455 Hunt Mountain Rd, Baker City, OR 97814 541-523-2301e-mail huntmntn@q.com
• Ironmaster Kennel (1996-
• Gene & Hanna Maylock, 241 Old Fort Rd, Spring Mills, PA 16875 814-364-1787 e-mail ironmaster@pennswoods.net
• Kenn-Carr Kennel (2005-
• Kendall & Carrie Ashby, 5949 Kingsmill, Wadsworth Ohio 44281 330-239-6350 e-mail kashby@polymermachineryco.com
• Owasso Ridge Kennel (2003-
• Don & Ann Woessner, 2805 Hills Court S., Roseville, MN 55113 651-490-1510
• Prairie Sky Kennel (2003-
• Lynn Oliphant & Rhonda Shewfelt, Box 80 Site 60 RR6, Saskatoon, SK S7K 3J9 306-374-1068 e-mail lynn.oliphant@usask.ca
• Rainey River Kennel (1997-
• Carmino Argiero, 9285 Sandhill Lane, Grass Lake, MI 49240 517-522-3432 e-mail argiero@aol.com
• Red-tail Ridge Kennel (1999-
• Dave Peterson, Racine, WI 262-884-4259 e-mail Birdnalot@hotmail.com
• River's Edge Kennel (2007-
• Derek Fryer, 77871 Honeysuckle Lane, Weston, OR 541-566-2258 e-mail derekf@uidaho.edu
• Rolling Rock Kennel (2002-
• Mike Marsh, 1700 Oakview Rd., Ashland, KY 41101e-mailBIGDOGMARSH@cs.com
• SaskElkana Kennel (2004-
• Vance Lester and Sue Echlin, Box 32, Perdue, Sask. S0K 3C0 306-237-4612 e-mail vlester2@yahoo.com
• Scenic River Kennel (2004-
• Brian & Karen Seger, 162 Weckerly Road, Butler, PA 16002, 724-285-4977 e-mail bseger3898@zoominternet.net
• Sunnynook Kennel (1977-
• Josef & Sheila Schmutz, R. R. 2 Site 202 Box 123, Saskatoon, Sask. S7K 3J5 306-382-8964 e-mail joe.schmutz@usask.ca or sheila.schmutz@usask.ca
• 5 females and 3 males were born December 23, 2007.
• Timberland Kennel (1990-
• John Thode, 3929 Park Dr., Eveleth, MN 55734 218-744-0450 e-mail jthode@mchsi.com
• Willow's Edge Kennel (2001-
• Dale & Kathy Ruenger, P1850 Bluebird Lane, Birnamwood, WI 54414 715-449-2221 e-mail RuengerDK@aol.com
• Windmill Kennel (2004-
• Victor Zwierlein, 205 Cedar Dr., Grand Prairie, TX 75052 972-264-5467e-mail dazzzzzs@earthlink.net
• 5 females and 3 males were born on February 28

Kennels that are Retired or Currently Inactive

• Aim High Kennel (2005-
• Sheila & Michael Matusik, 4519 Barnes Road, Millington, MI, 48746, U.S.A. 989-302-2356
• Bavarian Inn Kennel (1991-
• William & Karen Zehnder, MI 989-652-9941 e-mail bzehnder@bavarianinn.com
• Black Forest Kennel (1992-1996)
• Verne Henning, 959 Orchard Lane, MN 55113
• Cedar Ridge Kennel (1996-
• Ron Franks, 249 N. Woodchuck, Wichita, KS 67212 316-721-7858 e-mail rrfranks1@cox.net
• Dogwood Hill Kennel (1982-1997)
• Helmut & Rita Merkel, 9275 Youbou Rd, Youbou, B.C. VOR 3E1. 250-749-6034.
• Enchanted Point Kennel (2004-
• Dave & Patrice Ballard, 122 Ferris State Court, Elyria, OH 440-322-7083 e-mail dr_nusakan@hotmail.com
• Grizzly Mountain Kennel (2005-
• Scott Smith, 1440 Sunflower Drive, Missoula, MT, 59802 406-721-3026 e-mail scott.smith@prumt.co
• Jägerlust Kennel (1995-)
• Howard Brewer, 18314 Green Road, Harvard, IL 60033 815-943-2940 Hbrewer195@aol.com
• Jägermatt Kennel (1987-1997)
• Ilse Vallee, Box 477, Wakefield, Quebec J0X 3G0. (819)459-3084
• Majestic View Kennel (2002)
• Mark Michelotti, State College, PA
State College, PA e-mail mmichelot02@yahoo.com
• Manitou Kennel (2000-
• Kevin Antvelink, Grand Rapids, MI 616-453-3825 e-mail kmvlink@msn.com
• Northwind Kennel (1998-2002)
• François Messier, 122 Blair Ct., Saskatoon, SK S7N 3G9 306-249-2746 e-mail francois.messier@shaw.ca
• Oak Ridge Kennel (1998)
• Bill & Bernice Pachinger, OH 44145 440-835-8076
• Runzeval Kennel (1992-1997)
• Matthew Ellinwood, Ames, Iowa 50014 515-292-4649 e-mail mellinwo@iastate.edu
• Santis Hunter Kennel (1995-
• Emil Rothlisberger, 8425 N. Sundown Trail, Parker, CO 80134 303-840-9835 e-mail emil@jackrothco.com
• Wapiti River Kennel (2004-
• Wayne Becklin, 1516 5th Street, Elk River, MN, 55330 763-441-3404 e-mailWayne.Becklin@anoka.k12.mn.us

Lost and Found LMs

If you lose your LM contact (1) the breeder nearest you on the list above, (2) the Lost & Found coordinators Patty & Alan Kaplan paws4hunting@comcast.net, 630-305-8643 near Chicago (3) email the webmaster at sheila.schmutz@usask.ca

Of course, you should also contact the closest pound or animal shelter, etc. Having your dog wear a nametag with your name and phone number is a very effective way of helping people contact you. We've found a lost dog during a house move thanks to one of those little brass tags!

If you find a LM or a dog that you think might be a Large Munsterlander, please first check the inside of each ear for a few green tattoo numbers. If you find that tattoo, then please email paws4hunting@comcast.net or phone 630-305-8643, in Chicago. Patty and Alan Kaplan are the Volunteer Coordinators you will reach. They can immediately find out who the original owner was from LMCNA records because all Large Munsterlanders are permanently identified, usually with a tattoo but occasionally with a microchip.

If you would like us to post a notice about the dog you found please describe its markings and or send a photo as a .jpg file, mention its sex, guess its age if you can, and tell us when and where it was found. Height at the shoulder and/or weight are other good things to mention. We'll do our best to help re-unite the dog you found with its owner or to help find a home if we can not find the owner. Thanks for taking in a lost dog and helping it!

If you have a LM that you need to relocate to a good home, most breeders would like the first chance to take the dog back. However you may also contact Patty and Alan Kaplan email paws4hunting@comcast.net or phone 630-305-8643 in Chicago. They will do their best to help you find an appropriate new home for your LM.

If you are willing to adopt an older LM who needs an new home, please email Patty and Alan Kaplan at paws4hunting@comcast.net They will try to help match homes to the dogs. Some are relocated simply because an owner has to move to an apartment in a large city because of a job transfer, some have owners who have become too ill to look after the dog, and some find the dog too active for their lifestyle or family. Very few dogs fall into this situation but it's certainly great to have a "waiting list" of adoptive homes when this arises.

LMCNA has joined the Purina Parent Club Partnership Program to help fund dog health research through the Canine Health Foundation. You can contribute by joining the Purina Pro Club if you qualify and mailing in weight circles from Purina dog food bags. If you already belong, you'll continue to get the same benefits but now LMCNA and dog health research will also benefit! Click on the page for more details. The contribution made by Purina to our club is used for our rescue program.

REGISTRATION

As of January 1, 1983 the Large Munsterlander Club of North America^® (LMCNA) maintains the official registry for all LM pups born in North America. Prior to this time registration was done through the German Verband Grosse Münsterländer and records were crosslisted. Close correspondence is maintained with the German club. In the fall of 1999, the Large Munsterlander Club of North America^® was incorporated under the Animal Pedigree Act of Canada. This means that performance-based breeding has become an essential element of the breed. Only Large Munsterlanders issued LMCNA papers are recognized as purebred and/or registered. LMCNA received service-mark approval from the U.S. Patent and Trademark office in January 2001.

All LM puppies are registered, as outlined in the LMCNA Bylaws. Once a litter of puppies have been placed, a registration certificate and annotated pedigree is issued. This LMCNA document identifies the owner, is signed by the breeder and the LMCNA Breed Warden, and the data become part of the permanent record of LMCNA. Owners can expect to receive their papers, forwarded by the breeder, before the pups are 6 months old.

LMCNA treats registration akin to a birth certificate, which can only be issued by the organization able to verify birth and document accuracy with an "evidence trail". LMCNA breeders, sire owners and members are sufficiently familiar with LMCNA¹s operation, to recognize errors and to invoke sanctions and remediation when needed. This breed-management process is not helped by needless copying of certificates. We can assure our owners, and field- and health-certification partners that our records are accurate. When questions do arise, we are pleased to provide answers.

The following requirements for breeding must be met for pups to receive full registration:

Both dogs must have qualified in a field test of natural hunting ability.

Both dam and sire must be free of highy heritable and burdensome genetic defects, including hip dysplasia.

Both dogs must be true to the standard.

Both dogs must have normal temperament.

Neither parent may be gunshy.

Breed Management

LMCNA not only certifies breeders and the pups they produce, but provides objective information and thus helps breeders place pups into good homes. The nature of the arrangement between breeders and owners, the fees and contracts, are none of LMCNA¹s business. LMCNA does, however, invite owners to provide feedback about their dogs and thus complete the "circle of support". Such feedback is particularly valuable if it includes testing of hunting performance and health, see Testing Information. Breed management does not begin or end with breeding. Owners of promising dogs in turn need to give of their time and make their dogs available to become breeders and sire owners and thus complete the cycle. LMCNA invites owners to contact us on how to become an approved-sire owner or breeder.

The club provides the following services to members:

• Registration certificates with a 5 generation annotated pedigree
• Maintains the list of eligible breeders, provided upon request
• Publishes a Breeder's Bulletin 2-3 times/year with updates on eligible dogs
• Calculates the inbreeding coefficient of all eligible males to a selected female for kennel owners
• Periodically places ads about the Large Munsterlander in hunting dog magazines
• Annually presents Progeny Performance Awards to the owners of both the male and female who had a litter with 4 or more pups passing a Natural Ability test

LMCNA^® provides a full "Circle of Support" to LM owners and breeders.

~ Club Bylaws ~
This copy of the LMCNA Bylaws is provided to you with Adobe Acrobat.
If you are using a PC, then save this file and rename it as Bylaws.pdf and try to open it. Most MACs should be able to open this file as is.

~ LM Ownership Application ~
This copy of the LM Ownership Application is provided to you with Adobe Acrobat.
You may visit the link below to 
download the software to read such pdf files at no charge:
Adobe Acrobat Reader

Becoming a Member

LMCNA recognizes two classes of membership: a regular member who resides in North America and has voting privileges, and an associate member who does not reside here and is unable to vote. Owners are invited to join LMCNA by sending membership dues of $15 U.S. or $15 Canadian/year for 2008 to our current Treasurer (Rita Merkel, 9275 Youbou Rd, Youbou, B.C. VOR 3E1 Canada Note that extra postage is required from the U.S.). Please include your mailing address, phone number and email address if you have one and the name of your dog. A quarterly newsletter is mailed or emailed to all members.

Owners who have not previously been LMCNA members receive a complimentary membership for one year or portion of a year remaining. New and old owners who obtain a new pup must pledge their cooperation with LMCNA by completing an LM Ownership Application.

MOVED? Please email your new address and/or email address to John Staley e-mail jsmunster@comcast.net for the newsletter. Rita will verify that dues are current.

Links to Other Clubs for the Large Munsterlander