Small Munsterlander Breeding Program at Cedars Point Kennel

The Cedars Point Kennel Small Munsterlander breeding program is built on preservation, performance, and responsible stewardship. Our breeding decisions emphasize temperament, structure, genetic health, and proven hunting ability in accordance with the FCI breed standard.
Mission
Cedars Point Kennel is dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and selective breeding of Small (Kleine) Munsterlanders that meet the FCI Breed Standard in both form and function.
Breeding decisions prioritize temperament, structure, and natural ability. Temperament governs trainability, adaptability, and suitability as a lifelong companion. Correct conformation ensures soundness, durability, and longevity in demanding hunting and working environments. These elements are inseparable from the breed’s intended purpose.
The objective of the Cedars Point breeding program is to produce confident, driven, biddable, and structurally correct versatile hunting dogs that are capable of advanced performance testing, sustained wild-bird hunting, and integration into family life.
Buyer Alignment & Stewardship
Responsible placement and long-term stewardship are essential components of our breeding program. Cedars Point does not breed to minimum requirements. Breeding stock is selected and maintained to exceed established standards wherever possible.
All Cedars Point breeding dogs:
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Meet or exceed SMCA breeding requirements (excluding young dogs still advancing)
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Are actively hunted on wild birds across multiple states
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Are personally trained and handled by Cedars Point for performance testing
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Are independently evaluated for conformation
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Undergo comprehensive genetic health testing
Pairing decisions are based on:
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Multi-generation pedigree analysis
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Genetic coefficient of inbreeding (eCOI) evaluation
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Temperament and trainability
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Performance testing results
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Structural strengths and weaknesses
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Coat quality and functional durability
Breeding selections are made to correct weaknesses and strengthen future generations, not to satisfy convenience or trend.

What Defines the Cedars Point Breeding Program
Cedars Point is intentionally not a minimum-standard program.
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All breeding stock exceeds Small Munsterlander Club of America minimum requirements
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All breeders are:
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Actively hunted on wild birds
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Performance tested beyond entry-level
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Genetically tested
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Independently evaluated for conformation
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Pairings are selected using:
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Health and temperament data
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Pedigree analysis
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Genetic coefficient of inbreeding (eCOI)
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Complementary strengths and weaknesses
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We train and handle all of our dogs ourselves. We are not professional trainers, and we did not grow up with hunting dogs—our program is built on learning, humility, and transparency.

Objective Evaluation & Conformation
Independent evaluation ensures objectivity and accountability in our Small Munsterlander breeding program.
Cedars Point relies on independent evaluation rather than self-assessment alone.
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All but one current breeding dog has been shown at IABCA conformation events
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Dogs are evaluated by national and international judges against the FCI standard
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Written critiques are retained and published
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Stud dogs are expected to meet equivalent or higher evaluation standards
These evaluations provide objective feedback that directly informs breeding decisions.

Health & Genetic Planning
We prioritize long-term health by:
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Requiring Embark Genetic Testing for breeders, covering 250+ health markers, traits, and genetic COI analysis
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Using DNA tools to advise pairings and minimize inherited risk
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Offering this testing to puppy buyers at our cost for peace of mind
Breeding candidates must meet rigorous genetic and health criteria before being listed as future parents.

Puppy Rearing & Early Development
Puppy development begins long before puppies leave our program.
We raise all puppies using Puppy Culture, which supports:
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Early neurological stimulation
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Robust socialization
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Environmental confidence
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Preparation for field and performance training
Puppies receive a citizen necessary foundation before going to their new homes.
Our breeding decisions are informed by hands-on experience, objective evaluation, and a long-term commitment to the breed. From the careful selection and development of our dogs, to the formal testing that guides each pairing, every step of the process supports the way we raise and place our Small Munsterlander puppies for success in both the field and the home.

