Gini Denninger
1. My name is Gini Denninger. I live in Rochester, New York, and Playa Bejuco, Costa Rica. I have been active in the dog world since I was 16 years old – 49 years! I began breeding Löwchen in my early 20s. My kennel name is Ashford. This prefix is found in practically all dogs bred in the United States, and even found in European bloodlines. At this point in time, due to living in two countries, my breedings are very limited. I am still somewhat active in that I co-own LÖwchen with other breeders and assist them with their dogs.
2. The LÖwchen is supposed to be a breed of moderation. There should be no extremes of any kind. They are a small dog but very hardy and athletic. They should have sweet faces with largish round eyes – never almond. Even though they have long coats cut in the lion trim, the coats should genetically be easy to maintain, never wooly or cottony. One of the most important hallmarks of the breed is their lovely, energetic, friendly, and bomb-proof personality. It is important to maintain these qualities, since it contributes to what makes them so unique.
3. This breed is relatively unknown, making pet homes a premium. Overall, selling the puppies has not been too difficult. The biggest issue I have personally experienced and heard of from other breeders, repeatedly, are the breeders who bad-mouth other breeders. This is sad, but it is a reality in the breed. Another issue we have to deal with is the reputation the breed is garnering; becoming known as one of the most expensive dogs to buy. This has been making the rounds for some years online and can only damage the marketability of the breed. On the positive side, once people meet these happy little dogs they are often enchanted enough to seek one out for themselves.
4. Staying on top of scientific advancements in genetics and breeding is so important, but the most important thing is being honest with oneself regarding one’s dogs’ qualities genetically. No excuses, ever. If there are issues with a dog that affect life-quality, they should never be used for breeding. You just don’t want to keep dogs with serious issues for breeding—no matter how rare the breed. As for communications, there are so many great websites that help to promote breeders’ dogs. The best one is, obviously, AKC Marketplace. I and my co-owners have always had great success with AKC Marketplace.
5. In my part of the country, “doodle-dogs” are extremely popular. You don’t see purebred dogs as much, aside from Labs and Goldens. Tellingly, Ashford LÖwchen are rarely sold locally. I can’t think it is price, considering what the doodle-dogs are being sold for. Interestingly, I notice in Costa Rica that purebred dogs are very popular. I see them daily with their owners at the beach across the street. I see more purebred dogs there than I do here in the States!
6. I think there is a need to change public perception of purebreds. The AKC is trying to create that change, but we are up against some serious forces with large resources and political connections that would like to end the concept of purebred dogs. Sometimes I think breeders have created a huge issue for themselves by strongly emphasizing, for many years now, the health testing that they do. Yes, doing so differentiates quality breeders from backyard breeders, but the down side is the public has developed the idea that purebred dogs are sickly, since they “need so many tests.” I am not saying we should not do the testing, but perhaps less emphasis about testing with the general public, and more “happy talk.”
7. People can participate in the sport in so many ways besides dog shows. By doing so, hopefully, some of them will become so enchanted with their dogs they might become breeders. I like to think the amount of education AKC offers to breeders helps in making better breeders all around. I am always encouraged when I see young people participating and hope more find their way to the world of dogs!
