Our health testing levels for the Samoyed
We group breeding programs into three levels based on testing depth. Ask your breeder directly which level they meet.
A breeder at the Great level performs all mandatory tests plus 18 additional clinically recommended screenings that reduce risk in this breed.
In addition to mandatory tests:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)(PRA)
Augen
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited eye disease that affects the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. In this condition, the specialized cells responsible for detecting light, known as photoreceptors, gradually degenerate and die. Because these cells cannot recover or be replaced, the disease slowly but inevitably leads to complete blindness.
Passing: CARRIER
Corneal dystrophy(CD)
Augen und Sehvermögen
Corneal dystrophy is an inherited eye disorder where abnormal, opaque materials like fats or calcium build up in the cornea, which is the clear outer layer of the eye. This accumulation typically affects both eyes and is non-inflammatory, meaning it does not cause immediate swelling or redness. Over time, these deposits can disrupt the smooth surface of the eye.
Augen · Passing: CLEAR
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma(POAG)
Augen und Sehvermögen
Primary open-angle glaucoma is an inherited eye disease where the natural fluid inside the eye cannot drain properly. This fluid buildup causes a gradual increase in pressure within the eyeball, which eventually damages the optic nerve, the connection between the eye and the brain. Without management, this pressure leads to permanent blindness.
Augen · Passing: CLEAR
Chondrodysplasia, SLC13A1-related
Bewegungsapparat
This is an inherited form of dwarfism affecting the skeletal system, specifically bone and cartilage development. It is caused by a genetic mutation that leads to a deficiency in sulfate, a compound crucial for healthy bone growth. Without enough sulfate, the dog's skeleton cannot develop to its normal size and structure.
Passing: CARRIER
Duchenne muscular dystrophy(DMD)
Bewegungsapparat
This is a severe, inherited muscle disorder caused by a lack of dystrophin, which is a crucial protein that helps keep muscle cells intact. Without this protein, both the skeletal muscles used for movement and the cardiac muscle of the heart progressively weaken and break down.
DNA · Passing: CLEAR
Growth hormone-responsive dermatosis; adrenal sex hormone-responsive dermatosis
Haut und Fell
This is a hormonal skin condition affecting the endocrine system, where an imbalance in adrenal sex hormones or a lack of growth hormone leads to symmetrical hair loss. The skin's hair follicles stop producing new hair, causing them to enter a permanent resting phase. While the skin and coat are affected, the dog's internal organs and overall physical health typically remain completely normal.
Koerperfluessigkeiten
Sebaceous Adenitis(SA)
Haut und Fell
Sebaceous adenitis is an inflammatory skin disorder where the dog's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the sebaceous glands, which are the glands responsible for producing natural skin oils. Without these oils, the skin loses its protective moisture barrier, leading to severe dryness and damage to the hair follicles.
Passing: CARRIER
Zinc-responsive dermatosis(ZRD)
Haut und Fell
Zinc-responsive dermatosis is a skin disorder where a dog's body cannot properly absorb or use zinc from their food, even when eating a balanced diet. This nutritional deficiency weakens the skin's protective barrier, leading to irritation and abnormal skin cell development. Because there are no genetic tests for this condition, veterinarians diagnose it using breed history, skin biopsies, and how well the dog responds to zinc therapy.
Haut
Aortic valve stenosis(AS)
Herz
Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart, which controls blood flow from the main pumping chamber (the left ventricle) to the rest of the body. Because of this restriction, the heart muscle must work much harder to pump blood, which eventually causes the muscle wall to thicken abnormally. This is a severe cardiovascular condition that can strain the heart over time.
Passing: NORMAL
Pulmonary stenosis(PS)
Herz
Pulmonary stenosis is a congenital heart defect characterized by a narrowing of the pulmonary valve or the outflow tract leading from the heart to the lungs. This narrowing restricts blood flow, forcing the right side of the heart to work much harder to pump blood. Over time, this constant strain can lead to thickening of the heart muscle and potential heart failure.
Passing: NORMAL
Atrial septal defect(ASD)
Herz
An atrial septal defect is a congenital heart condition where a hole exists in the wall, called the septum, that separates the two upper chambers of the heart. This opening allows blood to flow abnormally between these chambers, which can gradually place extra strain on both the heart and the lungs.
Passing: NORMAL
Hemophilia
Herz und Kreislauf
Hemophilia is an inherited blood clotting disorder affecting the circulatory system, where the body lacks specific proteins needed for coagulation, which is the process of blood clotting. Because the blood cannot clot properly, even minor injuries can lead to prolonged internal or external bleeding. This condition is inherited through an X-linked genetic trait, meaning it primarily affects male dogs.
Koerperfluessigkeiten · Passing: CLEAR
Congenital deafness(CHSD)
Nervensystem
Congenital deafness is a hereditary hearing loss present from birth that affects the inner ear's sensory cells, preventing sound signals from reaching the brain. It is often linked to specific genetic variants, such as those associated with certain coat patterns like merle or piebald, or breed-specific conditions like Early Onset Adult Deafness (EOAD). This genetic defect causes the vital blood supply to the inner ear to fail, leading to the permanent degeneration of the hearing nerve cells.
Physisch · Passing: BILATERAL_HEARING
Cerebellar abiotrophy(CA)
Nervensystem
Cerebellar abiotrophy is an inherited neurological disorder affecting the brain, specifically the cerebellum, which regulates balance and movement coordination. In affected dogs, the nerve cells in this region prematurely degenerate and die off. This progressive cell loss disrupts the brain's ability to control smooth physical movements.
DNA · Passing: CLEAR
Globoid cell leukodystrophy (galactocerebrosidosis)(GCL)
Nervensystem
Globoid cell leukodystrophy is an inherited metabolic disorder affecting the nervous system, caused by a deficiency in an essential enzyme. This deficiency leads to the buildup of harmful substances that destroy myelin, which is the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. Without this protective covering, the nerves cannot transmit signals properly, resulting in progressive neurological decline.
DNA · Passing: CARRIER
Hypomyelination(HYM)
Nervensystem
This is an inherited neurological disorder affecting the central nervous system, where the protective myelin sheath that insulates nerve fibers fails to develop properly. Without this adequate insulation, nerve signals cannot travel efficiently between the brain and the body. This disruption leads to impaired coordination and involuntary muscle movements.
Passing: CLEAR
Familial Nephropathy(JEB)
Nieren und Harnwege
Familial Nephropathy (FN) is an inherited kidney disease caused by a genetic defect in collagen, which is a vital structural protein. This defect damages the kidneys' filtering units, preventing them from properly removing waste products from the blood. Over time, this leads to progressive and irreversible kidney failure.
Koerperfluessigkeiten · Passing: CARRIER
Amelogenesis Imperfecta (Italian Greyhound)(AI)
Zähne und Knochen
This is an inherited genetic disorder affecting the dental system, specifically the development of tooth enamel. Due to a genetic mutation, the protective outer layer of the teeth (enamel) does not form properly or is completely missing. This leaves the softer, underlying layers of the teeth exposed, making them fragile and highly sensitive.
Physisch · Passing: Clear/Carrier
These levels are a comparison framework, not an official certification. They help compare breeding programs at a glance.