For the first time in more than 300 years, a type of hunting dog popular in Europe has been bred in America. Five Kleiner Muensterlaender (KM) pups were born in Concord a little more than two months ago.

The KM is a versatile, all-purpose hunting breed resembling a small setter or Brittany spaniel. It is one of the oldest hunting breeds, developed in Muenster, Germany more than 300 years ago. After seeing the pups and parents it puzzles me why it has taken so long for KM to be bred in America.

But it is not so strange. According to Paul Jensen and his lovely wife Vibeke, who brought the dogs from Europe, it wasn’t until 1955 that the popularity of the KM spread into Denmark. A Muensterlaender won a field trial that year caught the fancy of Danish sportsmen and the KM became commonplace there.

The Jensen moved to Concord after Paul Jensen became a consultant to a Cambridge firm. They decided to bring a KM here after a visit to Denmark, but the first dog they bought got lost in London Airport and suffered so badly it had to be destroyed.

That mishap came in 1973, and the Jensens waited a couple of years before they acquired Ami the sire, now two years old, and Bliss, 2 ½ years old, whose litter of five pups made history. One of the pups has already been sold.

In addition to the remaining four lively, brown-and-white pups and the proud Ami and Bliss, the Jensens added 4 ½-month-old Alpha on a recent trip back to Denmark. They plan to hit the championship trail with the dog later this summer. The Concord KMs come from a long line of champions and much is expected of the newcomers.

In Germany Muensters were developed to hunt quail, pheasant and duck. They work capably in water and in the field, and in some European quarters have been used on small furred game such as hare. The KM has earned a reputation as an excellent tracker, too.

According to Jensen, the KM is a product of two lines, the Heitman, light build and fine head, and the Dorstener, heavier build and larger head. About 100 years ago the two lines were combined and both types appear in the breed today.

During the war years the breed depleted. Changes in hunting laws in Germany also contributed to a decline in popularity until the Denmark trials. Since then the KM has climbed back to high popularity among sportsmen.

It has always been a carefully guarded breed, with breeders going to extremes to prevent over-population. Ownership was controlled and restricted, and at one time it was custom to kill all but one female in each litter. The survivor was used for breeding, until age required another female to take over.

The five pups born in Concord all were bouncing baby boys and are especially attractive with their glossy chestnut brown and white coloring.

Though the Muenster has not yet become part of the North American hunting scene, it won’t surprise me if it becomes as popular as the German shorthair, Vizsla, and Weimaraner. The shorthair, like the Muenster, are considered versatile hunting dogs in Europe. This does not mean they are wonder dogs, but an all-purpose breed.

According to Jensen, the KM is a hard-working, pointing dog, and as Bobby Howard was snapping pictures of them we saw evidence of this natural trait when Alpha, now in the Concord yard pulled to a stop with his right leg lifted and tail up in front of a tree on which sat a bluejay. All of the dogs were friendly and affectionate, assuring us they would make just as good house pet as a field worker.

Huchinson’s Dog Encyclopedia, published in London, described these dogs best: "It is an aggressive hunter, courageous in thicket and water, and is keen and persistent follower of scent."

The ideal size is about 20 inches, most commonly colored in white and chestnut and roan. Some may have "kiss marks" of reddish brown.

If you are interested in a pup, it will cost $300.

Next page shows Vibeke Jensen with Ami and Bliss on a walk in the woods