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.
Puppy Placement & Stewardship
At Cedars Point Kennel, responsible breeding extends well beyond selecting the right sire and dam. We believe every puppy deserves to be thoughtfully matched with a home where it can thrive as both a hunting companion and a cherished family member.
Our placement process begins by understanding each buyer's goals, experience, lifestyle, and expectations. At the same time, we observe each puppy's developing temperament through weeks of daily evaluations, documenting confidence, human engagement, independence, sensitivity, energy, and assertiveness. Rather than relying on a single temperament test conducted shortly before puppies leave for their new homes, our placement recommendations are built upon a much broader foundation of consistent observations over time. Formal temperament and structural evaluations help validate those observations, providing additional insight as we work to match each puppy with the family best suited to its developing personality.
Our stewardship does not end on pickup day. We remain a resource throughout each dog's life, encouraging owners to share both successes and challenges. Those long-term relationships provide valuable feedback that helps us continually evaluate our breeding program and make better decisions for future generations.
What Defines the Cedars Point Breeding Program
Cedars Point is intentionally not a minimum-standard program.
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All Cedars Point breeding dogs are:
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Are actively hunted on wild birds across multiple states
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Performance tested beyond entry-level
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Genetically tested
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Pairings are selected using:
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Pedigree analysis
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Complementary strengths and weaknesses
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.
Independent Evaluation & Breeding Philosophy
Cedars Point operates as an independent, evidence-driven breeding program.
While we respect established breed standards and testing systems, our breeding decisions are not made to satisfy minimum requirements or administrative criteria alone. Instead, each pairing is evaluated through a combination of multi-generational pedigree analysis, health history, performance outcomes, and long-term soundness within our own program and trusted breeder networks. We also show our dogs at International All Breed Canine Association events to obtain non-bias independent 3rd party evaluations of each breeding prospects strengths and weaknesses. These critiques help us pair dogs to "breed up" and improve confirmation generationally.
Titles, certifications, and formal evaluations are valuable tools—but they are not endpoints. They are part of a broader decision-making process that prioritizes what dogs consistently produce over time.
Our responsibility is not simply to meet a standard, but to improve upon it—thoughtfully, transparently, and with accountability to the dogs we produce and the homes they enter.
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 inform pairing 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 performance, genetic and health testing criteria before being entered into our breeding program.
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 and scent 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.
