About the Spinone Club of America
The Spinone Club of America (SCOA) is the American Kennel Club (AKC) parent club for the Spinone Italiano.
Founded in 1987, a group of avid bird hunters created this club after learning about the Spinone from a hunt test bulletin. They met, promoted, and tested their dogs in both conformation and hunt, kept a registry, and successfully rooted the breed’s development in the United States. Dogs were imported from both Italy and the UK as a foundation for new lines.
SCOA began hosting National Specialty shows in 1994, was recognized as the official AKC parent club, and was accepted into the Sporting group in 2000. It is also a North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) affiliate.
SCOA is a 501(c)7 and contributions are not tax deductible.
Protect and Advance
Interest in the Spinone
Our 500+ members and their dogs participate in dog shows, obedience and agility trials, hunt tests and field trials, therapy work, and more.
We’re dedicated to Spinone health and happiness through breeding best practices, upholding the breed standard, protecting the interest of the breed, and enhancing the Spinone’s natural qualities.
The National Specialty is a multi-day event held each Spring that celebrates the Spinone Italiano.
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Reconnect with old friends and make new ones, both human and canine.
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Enjoy watching or running dogs in the field to better appreciate the hunting abilities they’re bred for.
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Compete or cheer on the top Spinoni in the country in the show or sport ring.
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Attend seminars on Spinone training and health concerns as well as the annual club meeting.
2024 Spinone National Specialty
We look forward to seeing you in Charlotte, NC this April 20th to 26th.
Judging the Spinone
The Spinone is often thought to be a difficult breed to judge. We look at the Spinone Italiano as a puzzle: each piece fits together to make the whole dog.
Our Judges Education Committee provides seminars and educational materials for AKC judges and interested enthusiasts. We recommend that you attend a presentation as the slides only tell part of the story.
Learn More
SCOA supports responsible breeding.
Breeder List
SCOA’s Breeder List provides members the opportunity to advertise their services and contact information for interested puppy buyers.
Healthy Dogs
SCOA highly recommends testing to identify health issues, waiting until dogs are at least two years old before breeding, and registering test results with Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
Mentorship
We all need help when establishing a responsible breeding program. Members can reach out to well-respected breeders for their support.
Being a breeder is not to be taken lightly, nor for the faint of heart. Responsible breeders should be prepared to take back any dogs that owners can no longer keep.
Regional Clubs
Spinone Rescue of America
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Spinone Rescue of America *
A SCOA-Sanctioned Rescue Organization for Spinone
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Send to:
Patti Johnson, Rescue Coordinator
Spinone Rescue of America
7116 Hosler Road
Leo, IN 46765
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Spinone Rescue of America is a 501(c)3 tax exempt public charity and all contributions can be taken as a tax deduction.
The Spinone Club of America will no longer be able to accept contributions designated for rescue.
Club Business
Founded in 1987, the Spinone Club of America is the official AKC Parent Club for the Spinone Italiano.
We have organized historical club information, documents, forms and more for easy browsing and download.
SCOA Board Members
SCOA Committees
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Recognize Spinone and club members for their outstanding performance in the advancement of the breed through the presentation of the listed awards.
Members: Heather Jenner, Ted Wentink, Kristin Muir, Sam Emmons
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Research and develop ways SCOA can best serve the breed, preservation breeders, and the public
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Recommends ways to maintain and implement SCOA’s digital media and resources, including a website that serves the needs of the Club as well as the general public.
(Calendar & Newsletter now fall under Digital Assets)
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Keep up to date on health issues affecting the Spinone and regularly share knowledge with the membership.
Board Liaison: Ann Bagnell
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Facilitate and promote the testing of Spinone in AKC and NAVHDA hunting tests and field trials.
Members: Lauren Friedman, Karen Luckey, Becky Koch, Denise Hanna-Nosko
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Continuing education of AKC conformation judges about the Spinone.
Chair: Suzanne Hudson and Co-Chair: Liz Bodell
Members: Karen Luckey, Patti Johnson, Kim Vanderbilt, Bobbi Benson and John Brading
Board Liaison: Kim Vanderbilt
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Identify AKC and foreign judges who are qualified to judge the breed at the National and Parent Specialty level.
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Promote and encourage involvement in the AKC Junior Handling program.
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Provide support to the SCOA Board and club members who are developing proposals for future National Specialty weeks.
Board Liaison: Ann Bagnell
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Choose and procure acceptance of nominees from among the eligible members of the Club for officers and board members.
For 2023: Becky Tevis (Oregon), Tom Nortley (Michigan), Donna Lacroix (Massachusetts)
Alternates: Bonnie Blink (Texas), Delita Rosenbaum (North Carolina)
Appointed by the board in November annually.
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Facilitate and promote the formation of regional clubs for the SCOA.
West Coast Spinone Club: Sue McGregor
Rocky Mountain Region Spinone Club: Debby Forry
Blue Water Spinone Association: Valerie Lewis
Northeast Spinone Club: Trisha McNamara-Vannoni
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A Registry of Merit is an award given to a sire or dam who has demonstrated their ability to produce offspring that reflect the breed’s character and purpose, as evidenced by the titles achieved by the offspring.
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Members: Bonnie Blink, Sue McGregor
Board Liaison: Alan Bush
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Promote, coordinate, report on, and reward the spirit of volunteerism throughout the membership and club functions.
Board Liaison: Ann Bagnell
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Develop programs and merchandise to facilitate funding of SCOA events and the club in general.
Members: Karen Beyer, Barbara Horrell, Jill Krebs, Angie Nortley
Board Liaison: Mike McLeland
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Legislative Liaison: Chris Sweetwood
Gazette Coordinator: Kim Vanderbilt