BREEDING PROGRAM – Four Point Kennels

At Four Point Kennels, our goal is to breed healthy, stable Small Münsterlanders who are not only exceptional hunting dogs but also well-balanced, loving companions in the home. We believe a dog’s temperament is just as important as its hunting ability, and we strive to produce truly versatile dogs that can seamlessly transition from fieldwork to family life.

We work hard to match each puppy with the right prospective owner based on their experience with hunting and training, as well as their personal lifestyle. All of our breeding females meet the breed standards set by both the Small Münsterlander Club of America (SMCA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC). Their hips are rated “Good” or “Excellent” by the OFA or have a PennHIP distraction index of less than 0.50.

All of our breeding stock is tested through Embark for genetic health conditions relevant to the breed, including over 270 genetic variants associated with disease. Embark testing also provides insights into coat and body traits, as well as the genetic coefficient of inbreeding, helping us make informed and responsible breeding decisions.

We evaluate our most promising breeding dogs through the NAVHDA Natural Ability Test, and often through the Utility Preparatory Test (UPT) or Utility Test (UT) at a young age. We strongly encourage all Small Münsterlander owners to have their dogs tested through NAVHDA and to become members of the SMCA. NAVHDA (North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association) serves as both the foundational testing and registry organization for the SMCA. By using NAVHDA’s standardized testing, we are able to compare our dogs’ performance with other versatile hunting breeds.

Each litter we produce is carefully planned to improve the breed and advance our breeding program. At eight weeks old, our puppies undergo a conformation and temperament evaluation using Wendy Volhard’s Puppy Aptitude Test. We offer a 6-year health guarantee on all puppies, and are committed to supporting you with advice and guidance as you raise and train your new pup. All puppies go home with their first vaccinations, are dewormed, microchipped, and registered with NAVHDA.

Our top priority is placing our puppies in the best homes possible. We want you to be thrilled with your new hunting partner and family companion. For this reason, we require all prospective buyers to complete a questionnaire before we consider a puppy placement.

Please note: We are currently not selling into the United States due to new CDC import regulations. As of August 1, 2024, puppies must be at least six months of age to enter the U.S. from any country. That said, we are open to holding a puppy longer for interested U.S. buyers and are happy to discuss arrangements on a case-by-case basis.

PUPPY APPLICATION

T E S T I M O N I A L S

We just returned from a few weeks of grouse and waterfowl hunting in the Chilcotin with Four Point's Feather Fetcher and couldn't be more impressed. From blue grouse in the canyon lands, to ruffed grouse in the copses, to retrieving pothole waterfowl. Before this year, we've never hunted a pointer that could hold blue grouse. Feather Fetcher worked so quietly and methodically that he nearly always managed to sneak into a point, giving us many more chances that we've come to expect from years of hunting this area. We've never seen a more cheerful, instinctive and enthusiastic hunter. You are doing a fantastic job!

Charles Ramos / Sari Saunders'

After having mixed experiences in the past I already knew what I wanted in a breeder. They needed to be fairly close, be avid hunters, involved at some level in NAVHDA (or similar organization) and above all conscientious. I found Four Point Kennels and reached out. In our initial conversation I think Toby and Tanner asked me more questions than I asked them. That proved to me they want to place their pups in the proper home. Fast forward… Toby found out that my GSP had passed and gave me a call. She expressed her condolences and mentioned that they had a litter planned. It should produce the kind of pup I was looking for and if it wasn’t too soon, maybe I’d be interested. We picked up Four Point’s Milky Way (Molly) in the spring of 2022 and the last year has been an incredible. Now granted my experience with this and other versatile breeds is limited to a few individual dogs and breeders. Given that, I will say that this dog is very intelligent, cooperative and highly trainable. Molly is enthusiastic, she loves to learn and work yet in the house is generally like a much older dog. As long as she’s had some exercise, she’s happy to have a nap and hang out. She was very easy to house train and is quick to pick up general obedience and basic cues. We had a great first hunting season chasing prairie birds and forest grouse and are now getting ready for our NA test this spring. Toby has been a great resource. She kept us up to date on the litter’s progress right up to when we brought Molly home. Since then Toby has been incredibly responsive to any and all questions. This is the kind of breeder you want. I should also mention that their kennel is clean and looks well maintained. All of their dogs appear happy, healthy and well cared for.

Alex Rayner

Four Point Kennels is not just a breeder - they are knowledgeable, hands-on, and experienced dog owners. When we were looking for a bird dog to add to our family, we wanted to find a breeder who was approachable and reliable. Four Point’s ethical and professional attitude towards breeding Small Munsterlanders is only one reason why we chose to bring one of their pups into our lives. Tanner have educated himself to ensure only the best blood lines of Small Munsterlanders are bred, they have met the requirements set by the SMCNA for breeding, and they stand by the health of their dogs. If you are looking to add a hunting dog to your family, we highly recommend Four Point Kennels – you won’t regret your experience.

Sam Bodden & Mari Armstrong

Tanner took the time to have me out to his property, show me the dogs, and put them to work on some birds. The way he answered my questions I could tell they take their breeding seriously and are working very hard to create a great bird dog with a good temperament and great conformation. After watching the dogs work, I was sold. This is a great versatile hunting dog!

Melanie Kerr