In the world of Akita breeding, the name “Big Benz” resonates with dedication, expertise, and a profound commitment to breed preservation. Located in the serene, rural landscapes south of Buffalo, New York, Lynny Benzinger, the breeder behind Big Benz Akitas, embodies these qualities. This interview delves into Lynny’s journey, her breeding philosophy, and her perspectives on the Akita breed and the dog show community.
From Farm Roots to Akita Devotion: The Big Benz Story
Lynny’s journey with dogs began long before Big Benz Akitas. Growing up on a farm and managing a Charolais beef cattle breeding program instilled in her a deep understanding of genetics and balanced animal production. This foundation, combined with her husband Dave’s background in sporting dogs, set the stage for their future in Akitas. Their daughters, Amanda and Jolene, further cemented the family’s involvement in the dog world, participating in Junior Showmanship and continuing to show Akitas and other breeds.
The Big Benz kennel name itself is a playful tribute to the family name and the gentle giant, “Big Gentle Ben” the Bear. However, the commitment to Akitas is far from playful. It’s rooted in a deep passion sparked in 1979 when Lynny rescued her first Akita from a research facility. Captivated by the breed’s strength, dignity, and loyalty, she and Dave dedicated themselves to Akita preservation and improvement. Purchasing their foundation bitch in 1983, who later achieved ROM status, marked the official beginning of the Big Benz Akita legacy.
Selecting the Next Generation of Big Benz: Pups with Potential
For Big Benz Akitas, puppy selection is a meticulous process that starts from day one. Lynny emphasizes the importance of observing newborn pups – their nursing habits, posture, and temperament. Raised indoors with round-the-clock care for the first four weeks, these pups are constantly monitored. Sleeping beside the whelping box allows for continuous evaluation of structure and personality, identifying the most promising and outgoing individuals early on.
Alt text: Adorable newborn Big Benz Akita puppies nestled together in their whelping box, showcasing early development and care.
By the time the pups are walking, Big Benz usually has a shortlist of top prospects. Final decisions are made at eight weeks, involving the entire family in detailed discussions, reflecting the collaborative spirit of Big Benz Akitas. When choosing show puppies, Lynny looks for that “exuberant puppy that self-stacks and says, ‘Look at me!'” – a testament to the confident and show-stopping quality synonymous with Big Benz dogs.
The State of the Akita Breed: Strengths and Areas for Focus
Lynny believes the Akita breed is generally in good condition, particularly regarding temperament. Since the 1980s, Big Benz Akitas has prioritized improving temperament without compromising the breed’s essential traits. This focus has resulted in Akitas capable of achieving top performance titles and serving as certified Therapy Dogs, demonstrating the breed’s versatility and stable nature.
However, Lynny also identifies areas needing attention. She notes a trend towards lack of leg length and overall size in some lines, alongside narrow fronts. For Big Benz Akitas, the ideal Akita embodies its historical purpose – hunting bears and holding them at bay. This requires a dog with substance and structure capable of performing such demanding tasks. She emphasizes the importance of breed type, particularly the distinctive Akita head with small, triangular ears and eyes, a hallmark of the breed. While acknowledging overall soundness, Lynny points to fronts as an area where improvement is needed, observing the emergence of pigeon-fronted dogs and advocating for breeding practices that prioritize correct breed type.
Alt text: Majestic adult Big Benz Akita showcasing a strong, triangular head with well-set ears, embodying the breed’s distinctive features and powerful presence.
Preservation Breeding in Today’s Dog Sport Landscape
Lynny, as a preservation breeder, shares her perspective on the evolving dog sport. She acknowledges a decline in show participation, making it challenging to find majors. Despite this, she finds judging to be generally fair and appreciates the increasing recognition of breeder/owner-handlers. The decrease in shows is understandable given the current economic climate, but still a concerning trend for the sport’s vitality.
Social Media’s Double-Edged Sword in the Dog World
Social media presents both opportunities and challenges for the dog show community, according to Lynny. While platforms can be valuable for showcasing puppy development and connecting with enthusiasts, they also have downsides. Lynny expresses concern about the promotion of dogs lacking merit and the misleading nature of photo alterations that distort true dog type. She emphasizes the importance of thorough research beyond just pictures, urging potential puppy buyers to examine pedigrees and meet parents, rather than solely relying on social media portrayals. Lynny stresses that responsible breeding involves acknowledging and addressing weaknesses within lines, advocating for breedings aimed at improvement, not just perpetuating flaws. She fears social media sometimes hinders this responsible approach.
Challenges and Positive Shifts in the Dog Show Community
Lynny identifies economic factors as a significant challenge for the dog show community. She hopes for economic improvement to enable broader participation and maintain the sport as a family activity. Encouraging youth involvement is crucial, as today’s juniors are the future of the dog sport. Welcoming and nurturing young participants is essential for the sport’s continued growth and evolution.
Rescue is another critical challenge Lynny addresses. Drawing from her experience as President of Akita Rescue of Western NY (ARWNY) and Save Our Seniors (SOS), she emphasizes the dog sport’s responsibility to encompass all aspects of a breed’s life, from birth to death. The increasing number of dogs in rescue underscores the importance of responsible breeding practices, thorough knowledge of bloodlines, and educating potential owners about the Akita breed’s specific needs and suitability. Lynny stresses that Akitas are not for everyone, and pre-purchase research is vital to prevent heartbreak for both dogs and owners and to minimize dogs ending up in rescue.
On a positive note, Lynny is encouraged by the increasing recognition of bitches in the show ring, with judges awarding them Best of Breed. This aligns with the long-held belief at Big Benz Akitas, inspired by Akita breeder/author BJ Andrews, that “The strength of the sire is the power of the dam.” This recognition highlights the vital contribution of quality bitches to breed improvement.
Lynny Benzinger and Big Benz Akitas exemplify a lifelong dedication to the Akita breed. Their commitment to preservation, temperament, and breed improvement serves as a guiding light within the Akita community, ensuring the majestic Akita continues to thrive for generations to come.
