Harry Spira

Harold R. Spira, BVSc MRCVS MACVSc HDA, usually known as Dr. Harry Spira, was a noted Australian veterinarian, geneticist and dog fancier. He was instrumental in the development of dog breeding programs that used artificial insemination and frozen semen. Dr. Spira was also an author and respected dog show judge. He was active in the Australian National Kennel Club and proposed an alternative system of dog breed grouping.

Dr. Spira was active in the promotion of the Afghan Hound in Australia and was an outspoken opponent of breed-specific legislation against the German Shepherd dog.

His acclaimed book Canine Terminology has recently been reprinted.