Samoyed health: what owners should know

Samoyeds are predisposed to hip dysplasia, several eye conditions including progressive retinal atrophy, and an inherited kidney disease called Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy, which mainly affects young males. Diabetes and an underactive thyroid also turn up more often than in many breeds. Good breeders hip-score their dogs, have eyes examined every year and use the DNA tests available for the breed.

Keep your dog lean, book yearly check-ups with blood tests as it ages and learn the coat well enough to notice skin changes beneath it. See a vet if you notice increased thirst or urination, weight loss despite a good appetite, cloudy eyes or bumping into furniture at night, or any lameness lasting more than a day or two.