Report by: John Macgregor

I thought it may be useful to explain my role as Puppy Co-ordinator. The Puppy Co-ordinator function is to provide a point of contact for any person researching our breed with a view to future ownership. 

The initial contact is usually a phone call where I will discuss breed characteristics, health, training, etc. I will offer to put these potential owners in touch with experienced owners so that they may meet our breed first hand.  If after this initial contact the potential owner wishes to proceed to finding a puppy,

I will put them in touch with LMA approved breeders. It is of course the responsibility of the breeder to satisfy themselves that their puppies go to suitable homes.

The LMA management and committee insist that the Puppy Co-ordinator role is held by a suitably experienced member. In order to avoid any potential conflict of interest the role will not be held by a breeder. 

My experience comes from 20 years of living with, showing, and working Large Munsterlanders. My first dogs were brought up alongside my young family and my current dogs are often in the company of my two-year-old grandson.

The last 12 months has seen a spike in puppy registrations. The majority of pups born recently have been males which are traditionally more difficult to “place”.  

I understand that despite the challenges all of the puppies have found suitable homes. My feeling is that this unusual increase in registrations will not continue, and we shall revert to a more normal 50 – 60 registrations per year. I’m still receiving frequent phone calls from individuals curious about our breed and exploring the possibility of ownership. I’d like to thank all of the members of our community who have graciously agreed to meet with potential new owners to further their research.