Health Testing

Patella Scoring

All our Prefix breeding dogs are assesed at 12mths or older by a qualified vet.

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• Grade 0: No patellar luxation is evident. 

• Grade 1: The patella can be manually dislocated, but it returns to its normal position when pressure is released. 

• Grade 2: The patella can be completely dislocated, either spontaneously or with manipulation, and remains luxated until manually replaced by the examiner. 

• Grade 3: The patella is permanently luxated but can be repositioned manually. 

• Grade 4: The patella is permanently dislocated and cannot be manually repositioned by the examiner. 

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Dogs used in our Breeding Program must score a 0-1 Grade under this system our vet uses.  (Note all young dogs have soft bones up to 12mths of age and the Patella must be protected during this time to avoid injury. Eg jumping on and off lounges/beds, doing zoomies are to be avoided.  All current breeding dogs have scored 0/0 Patella Grades we are extremely happy to report.  (Proof of Vet reports available to all approved puppy owners)

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​PRA-RCD4 Genetic Testing

PRA-RCD4, or Rod-Cone Degeneration type 4, is a genetic, late-onset form of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in dogs that causes gradual loss of vision, starting with night blindness and poor peripheral vision, and potentially leading to blindness later in life. It is an inherited, autosomal recessive condition caused by a mutation in the C2orf71 gene. There is no cure, but genetic testing can identify carrier dogs, and responsible breeders can prevent the spread of the disease by avoiding breeding two carrier dogs together.

It is recommened all Japanese Spitz breeders test for this and we have been working on this recently.  We now have results indicating clear and  carriers within our breeding dogs with none affected.  No prior litters have been affected with two carrier dogs put together and we are now in a position to know who is a carrier in our breeding program dogs for future breeding decisions.

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Hips and Elbow Scoring

Although not deemed a necessary requirement under Dogs Australia for our breed and is an expensive exercise we believe this test is important to improving the breed in our country overall and we require at least one parent to have been scored in our breeding pairs. (Both are not always possible especially when using outside studs/leased bitches) Our vet recomends using one of four qualifed readers in Australia under the CHEDS scoring system to evaluate that we have now moved to.

Orchid/Ched Scoring Reports available to all approved puppy owners.

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COI Testing

Our Breeding Dogs are now entered into a Breeding database so that we can determine COI % prior to matings.

What is COI?

• Pedigree-based COI:

  This method estimates inbreeding based on the known pedigree of the dogs, looking at the frequency of common ancestors. 

• Genetic COI:

  This method uses DNA testing to directly assess the proportion of an individual's DNA that is identical by descent, providing a more accurate measure of inbreeding. 

• Why it matters:

  Inbreeding, or the mating of closely related dogs, can increase the likelihood of inheriting recessive genetic conditions. 

How to use COI in breeding:

• Assess breeding pairs:

  Breeders can use COI to evaluate the expected inbreeding level of a potential litter and compare it to the inbreeding levels of the parents. 

• Minimize inbreeding:

  By understanding the COI of their breeding stock, breeders can make informed decisions to reduce the risk of inbreeding and its associated health problems. 

• Genetic diversity:

  Breeding programs should aim to maintain genetic diversity within a breed to prevent the accumulation of deleterious genes.