About Us

We are the Heinz Family…

As a teenager Rod had an interest in bird hunting.  He purchased and trained a German Shorthair on his family farm.  To continue learning, he faithfully read Gun Dog Magazine where he read an article written by Paul Jensen.  Originally from Denmark, Paul wrote of his experience training and hunting a rarer breed from Germany - Small Munsterlanders.  After reading the article, Rod tried finding a Small Munsterlander pup but was unsuccessful.  After high school he joined the Air Force taking his time elsewhere.  Maybe it was Rod's German heritage but he never forgot that article and dreamt of a munster of his own one day.

However, many years later we bought a rural property and Rod again began to research pedigrees and search for Small Munsterlander breeders.  Eventually, Rod was given a tip on Shippy Ranch.  The Shippy's were planning a litter between Mustain Kennels' Angus (Brush Dale's All Guns Blazing) and Shippy Ranch's Bella (Castiron's C Bella).  Rod purchased a gorgeous pup for Rod's hunting partner and a family pet - Macie (Shippy Ranch's Cora Bella Mace) - whose pictures you see on the Home and Macie Lineage pages.

Our family includes Rod, Lisa, and two sons - Cameron (now grown and living on his own) and Kolby. In addition to Macie, we have three other dogs.

Why Lavina Grove...

We are so happy and blessed to be able to share Lavina Grove Kennel Small Munsterlander puppies with you. We breed only with dogs of the strongest Small Munsterlander standard.  Lavina Grove Kennel is a member of the Small Munsterlander Club of North America (SMCNA) and the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association.  Our goal is to not only breed healthy hunting dogs but to increase the availability of this versatile hunting breed for others to appreciate as well.

We recommend you consider breeders whose dogs are approved for breeding through the SMCNA.  This means many breeding aspects have been considered such as the pedigree, health history, and confirmation of each dog.  It also means the natural ability for hunting have been tested and approved by the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA).  Small Munsterlanders approved for breeding have also had their hips assessed and approved.   

What does this mean for you?  A happy, healthy puppy that will bring you joy and companionship for years to come!