Member Spotlight: Kay McLeland
Kay McLeland and Zoli (BISS GCHB CH Bella Campo Bark at the Moon JH) at Westminster, preparing to enter the sporting group ring. Ann Bagnell, Nicki King, and Debbie Perrot in the background
After 25 years of involvement with the breed and the club, Kay has been part of the preservation of the breed and development of SCOA since its inception as an AKC parent club. She and her husband Mike live on 85 acres in Indiana, ideal for quail and pheasant hunting as well as dog training the rest of the year. Kay’s involvement in conformation, hunting, SCOA committees, breeding, and mentoring earned her the club’s AKC Sportsmanship Award in 2020.
How did you get your first Spinone and become involved with SCOA?
By complete luck! My sister was getting a Portuguese Water Dog to show and saw “Breed All About It”. She said, “ I found the breed for you”. Mike and I made a trip to visit Denise Hanna and her parent’s eight Spinone. Sure enough, we were hooked, which set us on our journey. After talking with multiple breeders we found Teri Turner, who trusted us with our first Spinone, “Sardi”. This was in 2000, when the Spinone was accepted into the AKC Sporting group. We knew then we would be part of SCOA moving forward – it’s now going on 26 years, but it seems like yesterday.
Is there a story or experience that is behind your passion for Spinone?
BISS CH Di Morghengo Zola Bella Campo JH (ZOLA)
I was raised with hunting dogs (Brittany Spaniels), and Mike and I later had Labrador Retrievers and German Wirehaired Pointers. When we found the Spinone, they checked all the boxes, and more. I think what also gave me the passion for Spinone is from when we picked up our next Spinone, Zola, from Guido Malandruccolo, and we were getting ready to leave, but we couldn’t find Guido. His wife Maragret went into the house to find him -- he had been crying because of sadness with Zola leaving. This was really the depth of his love for the breed. I told Guido, “I’ll make you proud of her,” and that is behind my passion for the Spinone.
What inspired you to become a breeder?
For me it was to continue lines that carried form, function, and temperament. I try to learn as much as I can from other breeders, and I enjoy being able to share this lovely breed with others.
What are your most rewarding moments over the last 25 years in the breed?
By far my #1 rewarding moment was winning our National Specialty in 2025 with our girl Izzy (BISS GCHB Bella e Bravo Take Five JH, Breeders Dan/Barb Spence). In my opinion as an owner handler, winning a National Specialty is the cream of the crop. Everyone in the dog world dreams of that moment, and to have won under esteemed breed expert Carolyn Adkins-Fry is the icing on the cake. My bucket list is complete.
Carolyn Adkins-Fry, Kay and Mike McLand, and Izzy (BISS GCHB Bella e Bravo Take Five JH)
Izzy goes back to our foundation girl, BISS CH Di Morghengo Zola Bella Campo JH and CH Osage Caesar (Brasch) MH & NAVHDA VC (Karen Beyer/Ann Bagnell). The meeting between Zola and Brasch is one of those pieces of luck that transpired when they were benched side-by-side at Westminster: "Who's that?” -- " Well, that's Brasch.... and Who's that?" – “Well, that's Zola” ...it was the start of a great journey and friendship – shared committee work, dog shows, hunting expeditions, and good food and beverages.
Another significant achievement for me was when DiOGI (BISS GCHS CH Javal I’m Movin on to Hootwire BN RN CGCA) & Zoli (BISS GCHB CH Bella Campo Bark at the Moon JH), father/son, both won BOB at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club. Debbie Perrott and I co-owned DiOGi and Zoli, which made our years of friendship especially significant, considering Debbie's passing in 2021.
DiOGi (BISS GCHS CH Javal I’m Movin on to Hootwire BN RH CGCA) BOB at Westminster with Kay
DiOGi (BISS GCHS CH Javal I’m Movin on to Hootwire BN RH CGCA) BOB at Westminster with Kay McLeland and Debbie Perrot.
You’ve earned Best in Specialty Show with dogs you’ve bred or are from your lines, and bred NAVHDA VCs and AKC Master Hunters. What does it take to keep the hunting and conformation in your lines?
I feel you need to have a good sense of the breed and learn not to be kennel blind. It takes testing and showing, and when you see dogs you’ve bred or those who come from your lines achieving titles at the highest levels, then you know you are on the right track. There is also a bit of luck!
From the initial breedings with Zola and Brasch we see several generations of show champions, Master Hunters, NAVHDA Utility Prize 1s, and Versatile Champions, so our lines are contributing to the breed in both conformation and hunting. This is very rewarding, but we are but one of several dedicated Spinone breeders who are working towards this goal.
You chaired the Nationals at Rend Lake in 2008, chair the SCOA Purebred Preservation Bank and Specialty/Supported Entry committees, and serve on Health and the Specialty/Supported Entry committees. Why is volunteerism in SCOA important to you?
It’s been an honor to be involved from the past to the future, and I will continue until I can’t. It is for the breed I love and have passion for. I encourage anyone to get involved -- it will take you on a journey and help preserve our breed for years.
Most of all, along this journey are the many friendships I’ve made along the way. People that have helped me, and people I am able to help, from the U.S. and abroad. The friendships continue even when the dogs have passed.
How lucky am I to have fallen into this wonderful breed and the Spinone community. Having our dogs recognized at the highest levels reaffirms the dedication and passion I feel, but regardless of accolades, each moment with our Spinoni is a true reward.
Notable achievements:
· 2025 SCOA National Specialty BOB/OHBOB with Izzy under Breeder Judge Carolyn Adkins-Fry
· 2019 AKC Westminster KC BOB with Zoli
· 2017 AKC NOHS #1 Spinone Italiano with Zoli
· 2016 SCOA Specialty BOB with Zoli
· 2013 AKC Westminster KC BOB with DiOGi
· 2011 & 2012 SCOA National Specialty BOB with DiOGi
· 2005 AKC Eukanuba National Championship BOB with Zola
· 2004 SCOA Parent Club Specialty BOB with Zola
· Recognition for AKC & NAVHDA titles earned by dogs bred or owned, including:
o VC CH Bella Campo Winter Jack Frost (Iba) – Jack & Sandy Clendenny
o NAVHDA UT Pz I CH Bella Campo Springtime Bria MH (Bria) – Karen Beyer & Ann Bagnell
o NAVHDA UT Pz II CH Bella Campo Spring Break (Pia) – Mike & Kay McLeland
o Many AKC JH Titles & NA Pz I
o Several VCs have come down from these lines