Kleine Münsterländer – Group North America was established in 2013 for the purpose of preserving and protecting the Kleine (Small) Münsterländer (KlM) versatile hunting dog in North America through a strong partnership with the German founding and parent club of our breed, the Verband für Kleine Münsterländer e.V. (KlM-D). In 2014, KlM-GNA became a “Landesgruppe” (chapter) of the Verband für Kleine Münsterländer, the first Landesgruppe outside of Germany.  As a chapter we adhere to the By-Laws and Breeding Regulations of our parent club, while building productive relationships with fellow chapters of the Verband für Kleine Münsterländer in Germany, the member countries of KlM-International and other versatile breed clubs which are members of the JGHV (German Versatile Hunting Dog Association).

Breeding dogs in KlM-GNA are tested for versatile hunting performance in the JGHV German testing system, before they are allowed to be bred.  These tests evaluate the natural abilities and performance of a KlM in field, water, and forest. In 2015, KlM-GNA became a member of the JGHV, and in 2017, KlM-GNA organized its first breed tests, the VJP and HZP.

Breeding dogs must also be judged in a Breed Show and conform to the FCI standard for the breed. Hunting dogs must have sound structure in order to fulfill their required tasks on both land and water and are judged for fluid movement. Temperament is also judged with the expectation that all breeding dogs show confidence, stability and friendliness towards other dogs and people. Additionally, hips are x-rayed and results are sent to veterinary orthopedic experts in Germany for rating. Only dogs with highly-rated hips and a sound family health background may be bred. Although these requirements are stringent, they help to insure that the resulting puppies fulfill the expectations of their new owners as healthy and capable hunting dogs, built to work and to be wonderful family companions.

KlM-GNA is the only Breed Club in North America recognized by the Verband für Kleine Münsterländer, the parent club of the breed, its global affiliate, KlM – International, and the JGHV. Our close working relationship with the Verband für Kleine Münsterländer will provide Club members and breeders access to the experienced advice of experts on our breed, access to an extensive database utilized for breeding decisions and pairing selections (Dogbase), and access to a broad base of genetics which will insure the long term hunting performance and health of our dogs. Our members will also receive advice and assistance on purchasing recommended puppies from outstanding German litters.  As a member of KlM – International we are working internationally to protect the breed worldwide and stay abreast of all important issues related to the well-being of the Kleine Münsterländer.

We invite all like-minded KlM owners, breeders, or future owners to join KlM-GNA and become an integral member in preserving the integrity of the “classic” (proficient in the field, water and forest) Kleine Münsterländer hunting dog in North America. For further information contact a Board Member listed on the Homepage.