The first pair of Italian Spinoni that were imported into Australia were Stowlodge Salvia and Stowlodge Sebelius. Salvia (Sally) arrived in October 1987 and Sebelius (Bailey) arrived in May 1988 from the UK to Central Victoria. They were half brother sister and were bred by Malcolm and Cindy Bevan of the Stowlodge prefix.
On December 27, 1988, the first Australian litter of Italian Spinoni (from Sally & Bailey) were born and registered under the Coomnolly prefix. There were 5 dogs and 3 bitches in this litter, 1 dog died at birth. Sally, Bailey and the remaining puppies were sold to Lontanapark Kennels, from which the breeding programme continued. Breeders from South Australia (Monkpass) and New South Wales (Mulvine & Brookfire) also became involved in the breed, importing dogs and frozen semen.
Italian Spinoni are still a rare breed here in Australia. In 2002, it would be estimated that there are less than 300 specimens in the country. The Australian National Kennel Council had only 126 registered with them in 1999. |
