It’s something that may never be considered by someone who neither hunts nor owns a sporting breed, but there’s a reason that the Small Munsterlander’s FCI standard calls for a very muscular neck, and a powerful, long, straight muzzle filled with large teeth that open and close with strong, well muscled cheeks (note the emphasis on “strong” and “muscular”): A 38 pound Small Munsterlander can be called upon to swim 200 yards into ice cold, wind-whipped water to retrieve a large Canada goose that can weigh 19 pounds. You try picking up 19 pounds with your mouth!

Breed standards. They are carefully written with words chosen for a reason.

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