Founded on a Passion for the Outdoors
About Us
Meet Tyler & Tessa
Our Story
Owned by Tyler Dokken and Tessa Sandstrom, BigBend Kennel takes its name from the township where Tessa was raised on a farm along the shores of Lake Sakakawea. It’s a place that shaped a lifelong passion for hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. Tyler and Tessa still spend much of their summers at Pouch Point near Big Bend Township with their Small Munsterlander, Hunting Hills’ Zeit für die Rapala (Polly).
They have owned two Hunting Hills Small Munsterlanders that sparked a deep appreciation for the breed’s drive, trainability, and natural ability in the field, along with its loyalty and ease in the home.
Hunting Hills’ Zeit für die Rapala
About Polly
Both Tessa and Tyler grew up at the lake, where their love for the outdoors began early. Tyler, in particular, developed a deep passion for fishing and found a way to blend it with his other passion—hunting—by giving his dogs fishing-inspired names. His first dog, a German Shorthair Pointer, was named Loomis after the G. Loomis brand.
When Tyler and Tessa welcomed their first Small Munsterlander from the “V” litter, they knew they wanted the call name “Lindy,” inspired by the Lindy Rig, but struggled to find a fitting registered name. Putting her degree in German to use, Tessa came up with Vor mit die Lindy Rig—“Forward with the Lindy Rig.”
Their second Small Munsterlander came from the equally challenging “Z” litter, leading to Zeit für die Rapala—“Time for the Rapala,” affectionately known as Polly.
Polly has proven time and again that it’s always her time. With an exceptional nose, strong drive, and natural ability in the field, she excels as a hunting dog—retrieving, swimming, and working tirelessly for hours.
At home, she transitions effortlessly into a gentle, affectionate companion who loves laptime and sleeping in (unless it's time to go hunt). Friendly, patient with children - even tolerating silly outfits and sunglasses, and eager to please, Polly strikes the perfect balance of performance and temperament—an ideal hunting partner and family dog.
