First Bolognese Arrives in Australia

Little White Wonder Vittorio known as ‘Vito’, left The Isle of Man on the 30th August for his new home with Lyn McArthur in Adelaide South Australia. He is the very first Bolognese in Australia. When he arrived he quickly settled in with his Japanese Chin housemates. Vito is sired by Lafford Hero who is co-owned by Virginia Dowty & Adam Davidson and was BOB Crufts 2020. Virginia said, “Jessica Van Driel bred Vito and his sire is our Hero. Vito came to me first with no intention of him going anywhere but I felt very strongly that Lyn in Australia had to have a super example of the breed and he is. It is not fair to send a mediocre dog to the other side of the world not good for the breed, the breeders or the new owner. We still have his father Hero. It was a hard call to part with him but I am sure most people would agree that sometimes one has to think of others and not oneself. He will make a huge impact in Australia and will put the breed on the map outside of Europe”. You can follow progress in Australia by following the Facebook group ‘Bolognese in Australia’.

Lyn McArthur and her husband are English, living in Australia. Lyn is a top FCI judge she judges the Toy Group all over the world. Lyn’s husband Brian Parker is President of Dogs South Australia (the South Australia KC). On the 26th of September Lyn was able to report that, “A piece of history happened this week when the Bolognese breed was officially recognised and registered here in Australia with the breed standard now up on our ANKC website”.

It was not long before Vito was at his first shows in Adelaide South Australia on the 3rd of October. At the morning Open Show Vito showed beautifully and took everything in his stride! Knocked out by the group winner for his class. At the afternoon Championship Show Vito again was fantastic and came away with his class in group – Intermediate in Group. Vito now has his first challenge points towards his Australian championship title!