Awarded For: Awarded for Best in Show

Donated By: Donated by friends and admirers of the late Dr Harry Spira in honour of his many achievements in Veterinary Science and the Australian Canine Fancy. First presented in 1993. Harry Spira graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 1949 and practised in that profession until 1988 when he retired. He was elected to the Council of the RAS of NSW in 1978 and immediately became a Councillor of the RAS Kennel Control Governing Council and a member of the Dog Section Committee. He also served for a number of years on the Veterinary, Wine and Cat Committees. He became Chairman of the Dog Section in May 1991 on the retirement of Mr Arch Howie. He passed away on 17 October 1991. He became interested in pure bred dogs early in his career as a Veterinary Surgeon and acted as Veterinarian for most of the large canine breeding kennels. He was renowned for importation of top quality Dachshunds, Boxers and Basset Hounds and he and his wife were involved in many other breeds. Harry's judging of pure bred canine conformation competitions started in the early 1960s and his achievements in that sphere are well documented. He judged at the world's greatest and most prestigious shows including Crufts and the FCI World Show. He was, undoubtedly, the most highly respected and best known of Australian dog judges. His journalism took his knowledge and special humour to all parts of the world, resulting in the Australian dog fancy and Australian dogs becoming known worldwide. He has been associated with many firsts in veterinary medicine and canine administration in Australia, too many to mention.