This year, the Japanese Spitz Foundation, together with Japanese Spitz breeder clubs and the wider breeder community, reached a meaningful threshold: 435 PRA genetic tests collected, 22 affected dogs identified, and a breeders’ community — Japanese Spitz History — that has grown to 210 active breeders working together.
These numbers represent more than statistics. They mark a transition — from scattered information toward structured knowledge, and from local concerns toward worldwide, long-term breed stewardship.
What follows is an annual summary of where we stand, what we have learned, and what clearly needs to happen next. It brings together the key results and developments of the Japanese Spitz Foundation and the global Japanese Spitz breeder community over the past year, with a focus on PRA genetic testing (PRA-rcd4), health research, breeder collaboration, and the continued development of japanesespitz.org as a long-term archival and research platform.
This is not a conclusion, but a snapshot of the present — and a clear indication of the work still ahead.
Japanese Spitz Foundation: PRA Genetic Testing Results (PRA-rcd4)
The most important project for me personally — and for the breed as a whole — remains progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) research.
As of the end of this year, we have collected 435 genetic test results.
For a project driven entirely on a voluntary basis, this represents a genuinely strong and meaningful dataset.
Current PRA Overview
- Total genetic tests collected: 435
- Dogs identified as affected: 22
- Earliest confirmed cases: 2012 (confirmation methods: ECVO certificates + DNA test)
- Mutation identified: PRA-rcd4
The two earliest known cases both have ECVO examinations confirming PRA, alongside genetic confirmation of PRA-rcd4. These records form the earliest verified anchor points for understanding how the condition has manifested within the breed over time.
Research Scale and Population Context
To put these numbers into context, it is important to think in terms of population size.
Based on current estimates, I think, there are approximately 200-300 active Japanese Spitz kennels around the World. If we assume an average of five dogs per kennel, a meaningful population-level assessment would require roughly 1,000–1,500 genetic tests.
Taking into account dogs that are not used for breeding, a more realistic long-term target for a clear and reliable picture would be closer to 2,000 – 3,000 tests overall.
What we have today is not yet a final answer — but it is enough to move beyond isolated cases and begin identifying real patterns.
ECVO Screening and Clinical Follow-Up
Beyond increasing the number of genetic tests, several clinical priorities are now clearly defined.
Next-stage goals
- Dogs over 11 years of age identified as affected→ ensure ECVO examinations wherever possible.
- Dogs aged 7–11 years identified as affected→ recommend annual ECVO screenings, allowing us to better understand when the first clinical signs become detectable.
- Younger dogs identified as affected→ develop and promote adaptation and training programmes, because living with a blind dog requires specific routines, skills, and preparation — and these can, and should, be learned in advance.
These steps allow us to move from static test results toward a more precise understanding of when PRA becomes clinically relevant, and how best to support dogs and owners throughout that process.
Japanese Spitz Foundation: Breeder Collaboration Community on Facebook
A second project that continues to matter greatly to me is the breeder community “Japanese Sptz History”, hosted via a private Facebook group.
At the moment:
- Total members: 223
- Active members: 210
- Posts during the year: 108
The level of active participation is especially important. Questions, discussions, and shared experiences help clarify whether the information being published is understandable, useful, and genuinely relevant to breeders working with the breed today.
I am deeply grateful to our guardian angel Songhyeon Kim, who keeps the group protected from spam, and to everyone who:
- comments,
- asks questions,
- or quietly shows support through reactions and short notes.
This engagement directly shapes the direction and clarity of ongoing research.
Japanese Spitz Foundation: japanesespitz.org as a Breed Education Platform
The third core project is the japanesespitz.org website. This site serves as my main working platform — a place where:
- archival materials can be published,
- historical documents can be preserved,
- research data can live in a structured, long-term form,
- and contributions from others can be shared responsibly.
Unlike social platforms, the website allows information to remain accessible, searchable, and stable over time — which is essential for both historical and scientific work.
Looking Ahead: Local Versions of website and Pedigree Database
One of the main goals for the coming year is the development of local language versions of the website.
The intention is not to create exact copies of the main site, but rather semi-independent local spaces that combine:
- translations of key materials,
- regional news and specifics,
- and programmes relevant to the breed in a given country or area.
If you would like to help with developing a local version — through translation, regional coordination, or content contribution — I would be very happy to collaborate.
Japanese Spitz Foundation: Moving Forward
This year’s results mark a transition—from isolated cases toward population-level understanding, from scattered information toward structured knowledge, from short-term discussions toward long-term responsibility for the breed.
The path ahead is clear: we need 2,000 tests to achieve true population-level clarity. We currently have 435. The gap between these numbers is not a failure—it’s a roadmap.
We need systematic ECVO screening for PRA-affected dogs aged 7-11 to understand when clinical signs first emerge. The framework exists; it requires only participation.
We need regional coordination to make this research accessible beyond English-speaking communities. The platform is built; it needs localization partners.
If you would like to help—through genetic test submission, ECVO screening data, translation work, regional coordination, or archival material contribution—contact me.
These are the kinds of steps that allow real progress to happen. Not through dramatic breakthroughs, but through sustained, methodical accumulation of evidence and shared commitment to the breed’s future.
The work continues.
FAQ
What is PRA-rcd4 in Japanese Spitz?
PRA-rcd4 is a genetic mutation associated with progressive retinal atrophy, a degenerative eye condition that can lead to blindness.
How many Japanese Spitz are affected by PRA?
Based on current data, 22 affected dogs have been identified, with confirmed cases dating back to 2012.
How can breeders participate in the Foundation’s research?
By submitting genetic test results, participating in ECVO screenings, and engaging in shared discussions within the breeder community.
