Small Munsterlander vs Norwich Terrier - Breed Comparison

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.

Hailing from the United Kingdom and once known as the Cantab Terrier, the Norwich Terrier may be small, but he was bred to hunt rodents.

Closely related to the Norfolk Terrier, he is an old dog breed, having existed since the 19th century. Its understandable that such a dog would also be the mascot of Cambridge students.

It is believed that he was bred from Irish Terriers and some believe it came from the Trumpington Terrier, an extinct breed.

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.

Temperament:

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.

As one of the smallest terriers, the Norwich Terrier is also quite a rare dog breed. He is such a cute little dog this, weighing just 5 to 5.5kg and standing at between 23–25cm at the withers.

He has erect ears and a double coat that can be wheaten, red, tan, black and tan and grizzle. The tail has always been docked previously, giving the dog an attractive, compact look but these days it is left long. These dogs have small litters – usually between one and three puppies.

Temperament:

The Norwich Terrier is a friendly little dog and is essentially a companion to humans. Just because he is small, doesn’t mean he is frail and helpless. He is a feisty, hardy dog with a brave heart and just loves his human family.

The Norwich Terrier is also strong willed and assertive and it can be of benefit to have him trained and socialized. He is energetic too, so he’ll expect a walk each day, a run in the park and ball games. They also make excellent little watchdogs, at least warning you of approaching strangers.

They are good with kids if the children have been taught to be kind and gentle with animals, and they get on well with other pets in the home too.

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.

The Norwich Terrier is guaranteed to make you a splendid pet as he is active, friendly, social and intelligent, as well as being loving and loyal.

You can rely on this little canine friend to want to be with you and take part in all your activities. He won’t do well if you put him in the back yard and forget about him, as he craves human company.

When you do whatever it takes to ensure your Norwich Terrier is an active and treasured member of your family, you’ll be rewarded with a wonderful pet and companion for many years.

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.

Skin Problems:

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.

Some of the reasons pets develop these skin problems include -

⠂ sensitivity to fleas

⠂ mange brought about because of mites

⠂ ringworm

⠂ food- and environmental allergies

⠂ bacterial- and yeast infections

⠂ autoimmune disorders

The lifespan of the Norwich Terrier is between 11 and 13 years and he is considered a healthy breed. Every dog owner needs to know that there are some health issues which will require veterinary intervention.

Cataracts, an eye disease may be inherited and it is where the eye gets a cloudy look. Other illnesses to look out for include Patellar Luxation, a problem where the dog's kneecap is dislocated from its normal anatomic position. The condition is fairly common in small dog breeds.

Check problems with the teeth - more specifically incorrect bites because of how the teeth meet.

Sometimes these dogs can battle with breathing problems. Upper Airway Syndrome is when the dogs breathing is raspy.

⠂ 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.

Never leave your pet without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Puppies aged 8 to 12 weeks need 4 meals a day.

As an adult your Small Munsterlander will need 2 meals a day.

⠂ Your dog will need daily exercise – walks, ball-, rope and frisbee games.

⠂ 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.

⠂ Have your pet spayed or neutered to avoid unwanted puppies.

⠂ 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.

Norwich Terriers are active little dogs and were bred to be working dogs – hunting vermin but also accompanying their owners on horseback. You can see that he has been used to an active lifestyle and will require a daily walk and games. He will also want toys which can keep him occupied in between his active sessions.

His size allows him to adapt easily to life in the city or the countryside but wherever he is, he will need a good dose of exercise.

Grooming:

The double coated Norwich Terrier, with his wiry topcoat and soft undercoat will need to be brushed twice a week to avoid matting. This is a dog that will require stripping of the old hairs from the coat. This is a process which ensures the coat retaining its texture and appearance.

If you’re in any kind of doubt, speak to a professional groomer. As it is, many owners of this dog who don’t show their dogs, have them professionally groomed.

Diet:

Always choose a high-quality dry food. Try and avoid those commercially manufactured foods which contain wheat and gluten and lots of preservatives and colorants. These can affect your pet’s health negatively.

Choose quality foods where protein is at the top of the list of ingredients. Give your pet some homemade food too, keeping his diet as simple and nutritious as possible. Some boiled chicken chopped up together with brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach will do him the world of good.

A tiny bit of raw meat every once and again will be a good thing. Avoid foods such as chocolates, ice-cream, popcorn, onions and spicy foods as these will upset your pet’s digestive system.

Make sure he always as fresh, cool water available.

General Care:

Provide him with a warm, dry, soft bed. If he is outside for any length of time, make sure he has a sheltered area away from the sun and rain.