About Us

Who are we?

Just a couple of city slickers who became engrossed in the versatile gun dog world after attending a Deutsch Drahthaar training day years ago. Fast forward a few years and our family consists of a four year old Drahthaar, Anja, and three KlMs, Ebbi, Aura, and Archer (our keeper puppy from our A litter).

The people behind Wildblumen are Gretchen Zwerlein and Nate Czarnota. We moved to Spring Grove, PA from Baltimore City in late 2023, but are hoping to find the perfect property in the Midwest at some point…somewhere that allows us to access all the types of game we enjoy chasing within a handful of hours. We own/operate Iron Oak Dog Co. (formerly Baltimore Dogworks), a dog training company that focuses on obedience for companion dogs, and we have expanded our services to companion gun dogs.

Gretchen is on the Board of Directors for KlM-GNA, the assistant Training Director for Navhda-Potomac Chapter, and a member of NA-JGV. Nate is the President and Training Director for Navhda-Potomac Chapter, and a member of KlM-GNA, VDD-GNA, and VDD-Atlantic Chapter. He is also a NePoPo® certified Silver and Gold graduate.

We do our best to travel as much as we can with the dogs, and have been lucky enough to make great friends along the way who help us figure out this whole hunting thing! So far we’ve taken hunting trips to North & South Dakota, Montana, New Hampshire, Kansas, Arizona, and New Mexico. Locally we’ve hunted in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

Originally from Long Island, NY, I (Gretchen) did not grow up hunting nor did I know anyone who did. Fishing? Sure. But hunting? Nope. Nate was in a similar situation. Although hunting is part of the fabric of his hometown (in Cecil County, MD), he didn’t have any family members or close friends that were hunters, so it just wasn’t something he pursued. When Nate was in his 20s he started to dig into the hunting world…he has some funny stories as to how he convinced some seasoned duck hunters to take him out, but that’s for him to tell. He realized soon after that if he wanted to spend a lot of time hunting it, and also continue learning about dogs, it would make some sense to get a gun dog, combining his two passions. I got hooked watching the dogs in the water, in the field, in the woods…doing what they were bred to do, and doing it well, while also cooperating with the handler…and the rest is history. So, I got my hunting license, and the obsession grew!

Upfront expectations…

What you can expect from Wildblumen Kennels:

v.d. Wildbumen has selected two healthy KlMs who are licensed to breed by Verband fur Kleine Muensterlaender, e.V. A sire and dam with compatible pedigrees for the purpose of breeding good character, strong hunting traits, healthy genetics, and sound conformation.

A puppy that is raised in a home environment. They will have exposure to a variety of everyday things such as vacuums, umbrellas, pots and pans, etc. They will also have some field trips under their belt, which will help them get accustomed to car rides in addition to the experiences we have at our destinations.

By the time the puppies are ready to go home, between 8 and 9 weeks old, they have begun house-breaking, crate introductions, and even some obedience. They have been introduced to game (as appropriate), and water if the weather cooperates. They will have had positive experiences with other people, and children if possible. 

A puppy of the best possible match. Our goal is to place the puppy with the best possible home. We make placement, that we consider the best possible placement, to meet your desired traits in a puppy. Our goal is a placement in which you and your puppy will thrive. In order to assist in this placement, we require potential homes to complete an extensive questionnaire asking about their living situation, their experience in dogs, and what they are looking for in a Klein Munsterlander.

Detailed puppy records. We will maintain detailed health records, as well as behavioral/developmental records. We will evaluate the puppies between 7.5 and 8 weeks old to help us determine placement. The puppies will be wormed and will have been examined by our veterinarian. They will have received their first set of shots when the vet advises. 

Lifelong support. If for any reason, and at any age, a home is no longer able to care for their dog, we are fully willing to take the dog back, without judgment. You will also receive training support and guidance, along with access to a private web-based group where you can ask questions, etc.

A healthy puppy, physically and mentally. KlMs are wonderful dogs. They are healthy, well-built, active, and bred to have a high prey drive. Training for these dogs begins right away to help develop a cooperative relationship, continue to build confidence in all different environments, and to focus their energy in the right direction. Training should continue into adulthood. 

What we expect from our buyers:

Knowledgeable homes. Our owners should be people who have researched the breed and are familiar with the versatility and drive that the KlM possesses. Our owners should be people that enjoy hunting with their dog, and who are ready and willing to train their dog for obedience. Our owners should like the affection of a dog and not mind dog hair and shedding. Our owners should be seeking a dog with drive and should possess a willingness to train their dog in order to control that drive, even when the dog is off-leash. Our owners should be willing to take the time and effort to work with their dog on a regular basis. 

Willing and eager participation in training. Owners should be prepared to establish clear boundaries, create productive routines, and train their dog to respect and live within those boundaries. Owners should commit to the time and effort it takes to train their dog to be polite and respectful members of their family and the community. Owners should use fair and balanced training methods in order to provide appropriate feedback to the dog. Owners should be active hunters, and should be able to provide their dog with appropriate physical and mental challenges. Owners should be willing to participate in the JGHV breed tests in order to help better the breed. 

Willing and honest communication. Owners should be open and honest with us about their experience and intentions. Owners should have a willingness to be members of the KlM-GNA. Owners should be honest about their ability and desire to own a KlM. Owners should be willing to stay in touch with us on a regular basis, be open to advice, and be genuine in their commitments, be willing to ask for help and eager to learn and grow with their KlM. Owners interested in breeding are expected to be honest and committed to the breeding requirements.

Well-prepared homes. Owners should be sure that it’s the right time to add a puppy to their family. We do not ship puppies as freight, so new owners must be able to come and get their puppy themselves. Owners should make their puppy a priority within their family and make a life-long commitment to that puppy. Owners should provide a safe environment, utilizing crates or kennels when unable to supervise. Owners should be prepared to feed their puppy high-quality food and to provide all necessary health care for the life of their dog. And, owners should participate in breed performance testing as well as the health tests required for breedable dogs (if willing to breed).