Group 5 · Spitz & primitive types
Samoyed
The Samoyed is a friendly, sociable sled dog from Siberia with a dazzling white coat and the famous 'Sammy smile'. It loves people, is rarely happy alone, and its thick coat needs a lot of brushing.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Samojeed by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 2 examinations:
- 1 DNA test
- 1 X-ray examination
The breeding programme also recommends 5 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (2)
-
Hip dysplasia
X-ray once at least 1 year (laxity views: at least 6 months)
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: VD view and laxity view (Vezzoni or PennHIP)
-
Oculoskeletal dysplasia 2 (OSD2)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- COL9A2: 1,267 bp deletion
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
Recommended examinations (5)
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Elbow dysplasia
X-ray once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- X-ray (CT may be recommended, but is not mandatory)
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – MERTK-related PRA (MERTK-PRA)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- MERTK: LINE1 insertie
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PRCD: c.5G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Patellar luxation
Kneecap examination once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- palpation of the kneecap
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Samojeed, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 12/05/2025.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Hip dysplasia and Oculoskeletal dysplasia 2 (OSD2). The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Elbow dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy – MERTK-related PRA (MERTK-PRA), Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA) and Patellar luxation. A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Samoyed needs varied daily walks and play. Its thick, stand-off coat needs a thorough brush right down to the undercoat a few times a week, and a daily one when moulting.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- What are the results of both parent dogs for Hip dysplasia and Elbow dysplasia?
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
This spitz is cheerful, watchful and strongly attached to its family. It likes to announce who is coming; consistent training keeps the barking within limits. It does not like being left alone for long.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
