MyDogBreeds
Both Small Munsterlander and Hovawart are originated from Germany. Small Munsterlander may grow 14 cm / 5 inches shorter than Hovawart. Small Munsterlander may weigh 25 kg / 55 pounds lesser than Hovawart. Both Small Munsterlander and Hovawart has same life span. Both Small Munsterlander and Hovawart has almost same litter size. Both Small Munsterlander and Hovawart requires Low maintenance.
Known also as the Kleiner Munsterlander or just plain Munster, the Small Munsterlander comes from the Munster region of Germany and is a beautiful hunting dog.
The dog is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale as well as other kennel clubs. It is believed that the Small Münsterländer is an ancient breed, more than 500 years old.
The Hovawart, is a German Black Forest breed developed as a guard dog for large estates in the medieval era. They first appeared in history in the early 13th century as heroes who saved the German son of a castle lord, despite being injured themselves. The boy they saved grew up to be a German legend. He wrote the oldest German code of law that remained from medieval times. In it he names the Hovawarts as a dog that if you are responsible for hurting, stealing or killing it, you must pay for it or replace it. No other dog had this protection.
In the late fifteenth century Hovawarts were featured in Heinrich Mynsinger’s “The Five Noble Breeds”. This guard dog breed was esteemed on a level with the hunting dogs – their health a question of life or death for their owner. In the 1500’s the popularity of the breed began to fade. The GSD or German Shepard Dog began to replace the Hovawarts as the preferred guard dog.
By the early 20th century the breed had almost disappeared but were saved by breed enthusiasts in the early 1900’s. Zoologist Kurt Konig was prominent in this effort and went looking in the Black Forest area for dogs working on farms. Using the dogs, he found on these farms, Konig began a breeding program crossing the them with Newfoundland’s, Kuvazoks, Leonbergers, GSD, an African hunting dogs and Bernese Mountain Dogs.
By 1922 the first litter of these pups was entered officially into the German Breeding Registry. In 1937 the Hovawart was recognized by the German Kennel Club. However, many members of the breed died in World War II as they were used widely by the military and not many were left by 1945. Once again breed enthusiasts came to the rescue forming a Coburg Hovawart club. This club still exists and in 1964, for the second time, the breed was recognized by the German Kennel Club. Other countries also began to take notice of this working breed.
The Hovawart has many skills in addition hunting and guarding. The Hovawart does not work for people, he works with them as he is a very independent thinker. He is also good at search and rescue and tracking. An owner of this breed must be stronger, smarter, more alert, intentional and consistent than his Hovawart. These are not dogs for the faint of heart or first-timers.
Standing at between 52–56cm in height and weighing between 17–26 kg, this dog is thought to be medium sized, muscled and athletic.
Looking like a large Spaniel he also has feathering around the legs and the tail. The coat is medium length and silky and tends to be slightly wavy. The coat is essentially white with large brown patches as well as some ticking.
Small Münsterländers are very intelligent dogs and they won’t have any trouble being trained and socialized. The Small Munsterlander is a natural born hunter and he is in his element when he is outdoors.
For this particular dog, it would be a shame to get a pet like this if you’re a couch potato. It is why this dog is better suited to living in the countryside as opposed to the city. He needs lots of exciting outdoor activities - hikes, walks, ball games, running and he loves swimming.
He is a loving, social dog and just wants to be 100% part of his human family and will adapt well to life with children in the home and with other pets.
The Hovawart is a proud and majestic dog and his looks match his character. He looks a bit like the Golden Retriever with a powerful and broad forehead. His skull and muzzle are the same length and his nose is black. His oval eyes are a medium to dark brown and his ears are high set and triangular.
Their chests are strong, broad and deep. The breed has strong legs straight in front with round, strong and compact feet. They are heavy boned with dense, long coats that lie flat and have a slight wave to them. The coat can be black and gold, blond or black.
The Small Munsterlander is such a pretty looking dog with his silky hair. He isn’t only about good looks either and he is intelligent and alert and will learn easily.
He is a well balanced dog and will make a great pet and companion. He is social, friendly, loving and loyal and makes a great playmate for children.
He has always been a hunting dog and likes to be busy with games and work. Go on a hike and he will love to join you, sniffing along woodland paths and chasing birds. He is in his element when outdoors.
When you bring this beautiful dog into your home, you’re guaranteed to have an ideal pet and companion for the entire family.
They have a great sense of smell and a well-balanced personality.
They are not indoor dogs and should have a yard to run in. They do not tolerate hot weather well. They do great out in the country.
They are intelligent independent thinkers. They lengths well with positive reinforcement.
There are many clubs and breeders who have a strong commitment to the health of the breed, and this is a healthy, robust dog breed.
The Small Munsterlander can succumb to one of the many common dog illnesses there are. These can be ear infections, dental problems, cancer, diabetes, hip dysplasia, obesity, bloat and many others.
There are so many things that can cause skin problems with your dog, and while it doesn’t sound particularly serious, it can drive your pet crazy as he tries to bite and scratch the itchy parts on his skin.
These nightmarish skin problems are one of the most common reasons pet owners seek veterinary assistance.
Though their isolation protected them from genetic health issues for centuries, once they were being rejuvenated and mixed with other breeds some common issues began to show up. These include:
⠂ Give your Small Munsterlander the best chance to be healthy and happy by being giving him the best dog food there is.
Commercially manufactured dog foods can be a good choice as they’re convenient, and some of the best ones have a good balance of vitamins and minerals in them. Avoid the ones that are packed full of useless ingredients such as toxins and colorants.
Break the monotony of the dry kibble by giving your dog some home-made food. It can be added into the dry kibble about twice a week as a treat. Boiled brown rice and chicken, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach as well as some pasta can be a nutritious treat. It can be chopped up and added to the dry kibble in small portions.
To avoid skin infections, try to include some raw meat into his diet occasionally.
⠂ Reduce excess hair with shedding by brushing your dog twice a week. Check for fleas and ticks at the same time.
⠂ Just like you, your dog needs a warm, dry, quiet place to sleep undisturbed.
⠂ Keep your garden free of dog poop so that your pet can enjoy a clean place to play and relax. Its hygienic too to pick up his feces regularly.
Feed breed specific high quality dry food for puppies. Feed 1-2 cups in 3-4 meals per day
Again Feed breed specific high quality dry food for adults. Feed 2-3 cups per day in 1-2 meals per day.
Points for Good Health – Stamina
The Hovawart needs plenty of exercise. Remember this is a mountain farm dog used to working all the time. Walk or jog with them daily. They can excel at field trials, obedience, search and rescue, agility, flyball, therapy dog, and service dog.