The Large Munsterlander Health Survey 2025 Over the past year, the Large Munsterlander Club has been collaborating with the Kennel Club to explore ways to enhance the breed's health. Although progress is slow, gathering this data is essential to provide a comprehensive overview of the breed's health. Poor Genetic Diversity has been highlighted as an area for attention by the Kennel Club, and whilst we have some historic breed health information, future actions and recommendations should be based as far as possible on data and changes in health trends over time. Our work with the Kennel Club on Genetic Diversity specifically is ongoing. Our goal is to eventually use this information to improve the breed's long-term health and hopefully, to assist breeders in making informed decisions about future litters and equally, to help newcomers to the breed in their understanding of the breed’s health matters. We recommend completing this survey on a desktop computer or laptop. The survey should only take a few minutes to complete. Your time and contribution is very valuable and much appreciated. Please contact the Breed Health Coordinator if you need assistance completing the survey: [email protected] Either click the button below or scan the QR code to access the survey. |
If you're thinking about getting a Large Munsterlander puppy or breeding your dog, it's crucial to be aware of the breed's potential health issues and how to manage or prevent them.
While the Large Munsterlander is generally a healthy breed, its population in the UK is small, which poses a risk to genetic diversity. To help preserve the breed's health, it's important to consider both genetic diversity and health test results when planning a breeding program.
Please note that the LMC Code of Conduct for Members requires breeders to carry out all four tests. Whilst the KC Heath Standard sets out hip and elbow tests as good practice with eye screening and the HUU DNA test as best practice, the LMC's code seeks the best possible health outcomes for the breed.
While the Large Munsterlander is generally a healthy breed, its population in the UK is small, which poses a risk to genetic diversity. To help preserve the breed's health, it's important to consider both genetic diversity and health test results when planning a breeding program.
Please note that the LMC Code of Conduct for Members requires breeders to carry out all four tests. Whilst the KC Heath Standard sets out hip and elbow tests as good practice with eye screening and the HUU DNA test as best practice, the LMC's code seeks the best possible health outcomes for the breed.
Links to Information Relevant to The Large Munsterlander
Results from our Large Munsterlander health survey 2022
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The Kennel Club has compiled the results from the Large Munsterlander health survey and this can be found below.
The results gained from this survey will direct new research to specific areas of the breed’s health that requires further attention to ultimately improve the future health and well-being of the Large Munsterlander. If you have any comments about the survey, please contact our Health Coordinator, Karen Caile.
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Getting health right
We care passionately about the health of the Large Munsterlander. Here are a few things to look out for when choosing a puppy or looking at the health of your dog.
Hip/elbow dysplasiaHip/elbow dysplasia is a complex inherited condition where the joint does not develop correctly. As a dog gets older, the joint undergoes wear and tear and deteriorates, leading to a loss of function.
All Large Munsterlanders should have hips X-rayed and scored on the BVA/KC Screening Scheme. All Large Munsterlanders born after 1st January 2008 should have elbows X-rayed and scored on the BVA/KC scheme. It is important to look at other scores within the lineage of the dog and take this into consideration when breeding/buying. |
HUU (Hyperuricosuria)In affected dogs, uric acid does not dissolve easily in urine and accumulates. The excessive amount of uric acid forms crystals which lead to urinary calculi (stones), which may require surgery.
The disease is described as an autosomal-recessive condition. Dogs can either be classed as clear, carrier or affected. It is mandatory for LMC members that matings only take place between Large Munsterlanders that have been DNA tested. |
Hereditary cataractsA cataract is an “opacity” - or loss of transparency - of the lens of the eye. The opacity may be confined to a small area of the lens, or it may affect the whole structure. A complete cataract affecting both eyes will result in blindness, whereas small non-progressive cataracts will not interfere with vision.
Large Munsterlanders should have their eyes screened with the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Screening Scheme. |