A Letter from the President of SCOA
How can you help preserve the health and character of Spinone into an unknowable future?
Among the newer SCOA initiatives is one that is focused on an unknown time in the future when our breed may face genetic bottlenecks or other genetic difficulties. Just as various factors during World War II pushed Spinoni into near extinction, as a low entry breed we could be especially vulnerable to a drastic reduction in genetic diversity, future health concerns, or loss of key traits or breed type.
To assist breeders to preserve the genetic heritage of all purebred dogs, the AKC Purebred Preservation Bank (AKC PPB) was established in 2021. In 2025, the SCOA Board established a working group headed by Kay McLeland to evaluate the best approach for us to create a frozen semen program. After talking with other clubs and investigating various options, the group recommended that we move forward within the AKC PPB program to increase future gene pools and ensure saving of quality producers. The AKC PPB program provides an organization and structure that will outlive all current breeders and pays for the long-term storage. The program offers a defined mechanism for future distribution in accordance with Parent Club recommendations, at no cost to donors or to SCOA.
We have formed a new committee called the Purebred Preservation Bank, an exciting partnership with the AKC PPB. We can help to preserve our breed during any unforeseen catastrophic events as well as contribute to research. The committee will be presenting a seminar at the 2026 Nationals and will be posting more information on an ongoing basis.
J. Charles Garvin, MD, the Chair of the AKC PPB, says that “one objection frequently heard is about the breeder who is concerned about loss of control.” He responds by saying that when we are no longer around in 30 or 50 years, who will control any semen the breeder may have stored, and who will pay for 50 years of storage? Additionally, can your line be “useful in reconstructing or preserving your breed?” By participating as a parent club we will be involved in any semen distribution in the future.
The Spinone PPB will not just be for top titled dogs -- it is important to collect samples from as many dogs as possible now to help secure as much genetic diversity as possible for the future. Considering that in the 1950s the Spinone breeders that remained had to resort to crossing the Spinone with other wirehaired breeds, such as the Boulet Griffon, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, and German Wirehaired Pointer, a more diverse collection will be helpful. Recreating a dog breed can take decades, potentially 6+ generations for a consistent type to emerge, making a preservation bank from our own breed most desirable.
SCOA’s PPB is now working on donor application documents and criteria for the recipient applications, which will be shared with the AKC PPB, as well as our Health and Breeders’ Education committees. As the program develops our PPB committee will make sure to reach out to members to answer questions and address any potential objections or misunderstandings. We all need to consider the difficult alternatives for what could happen in the future to our breed, and open discussions are essential for all of those who are interested in ensuring the long-term survival of our beloved breed.
Watch a video about the AKC PPB to learn more, and address questions or comments to the SCOA PPB committee at Preservation@spinoneclubofamerica.com.
As always, please feel free to email me at any time at annbagnell@gmail.com.