Sharing our love of Large Munsterlanders

I am Helen Dorman and I live in the Midlands. I have owned Munsterlanders since 1987.

The first one to come along was Kym (Solstars Will o’ The Wisp). Born on the solstice, hence Solstars. The breeder left the naming of her to me. I acquired Kym to carry on in agility, as my Border collie could no longer compete. Kym turned out to be a gem, superb at agility. I believe the first Munsterlander to get to senior in the sport. Later on she took me into obedience where she also did me proud. She won the Moffatdale agility trophy in 1992,93,94, and 95. She also won the Penny Black Obedience Trophy in 1995. Kym was not a show dog but I was persuaded to give showing a go and got bitten by another bug.

Kym, doing what she did best

Kym, on Cannock Chase

Fern (Ichbin Gretel of Solstars) joined the family when Kym was five. It was about this time that the difference between two dogs of the same breed really began to show. Kym was a tough old bird and although Fern tried to make out she was too, she was actually quite a sensitive soul. She was however to become my soul mate.

Unfortunately Fern's show career never really took off, but her obedience one did. We were out of Beginners fairly quickly, even winning a pre-beginners and beginners class on the same day. We won the Penny Black Obedience Trophy in 1991. Then I became too serious and I managed to flatten her.

Fern’s daughter, Nina (Ichbin Nightbreeze) came along in 1996. Different again from the other two. Perfectly capable of doing things but only if she feels like it, and if you told her off, well that was it she wouldn't perform at all. Stubborn I think it's called, but very loving and affectionate. As a youngster she did fairly well in the show ring. We competed in obedience and on a good day didn't do too badly. Agility had to be given up however, after she snapped her cruciate ligament.

Fern, surveying the world

In 2001 I started off my own line and kept, Solstars Limited Edition (Dieta). Unfortunately two months after the joy of puppies I made the heart breaking decision to let Kym go (she had CDRM) and I felt it unfair to keep her going. Dieta is so like Kym it is uncanny. Dieta is so full of life; she can be a nightmare to live with at times. Loves the mud, loves to work and loves to be loved and doesn't generally give up until she gets what she wants.
 

In the Summer of 2006 I decided not to breed another litter but to buy in a male puppy, Otto, or Incadar Indubitable.  At his first Championship Show, under Judge Jean Makins he took the Reserve Dog CC, at only  9 months of age.  

On the left, Dieta,

Solstars Limited Edition

 On the right, Dieta, Fern and Nina, my three girls.

Right - Otto ‘on the day’ at WELKS 2007

Nina looking pretty

Left - Dieta and I were very proud to compete “in the obedience ring” at Crufts 2008, this photo was taken by Rebecca from Australia.  Thank You.

I am very proud of Dieta and Otto, but from the “highs” of Crufts to the “lows” of life - this year has not been a good one for me.  Within a very short space of time I have lost both Fern and Nina and the house seems very  empty without them.  I hope to continue with both obedience and showing - but time will tell.

Helen Dorman and Solstars Large Munsterlanders