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When searching for a Samoyed puppy, many potential owners come across terms like “purebred” and “pedigreed purebred” without fully understanding the difference. While both may look similar on the surface, the reality is that a pedigree is the key to ensuring your dog comes from a carefully planned, ethically bred lineage with a focus on health, temperament, and breed standards. Without it, a so-called “purebred” Samoyed may carry hidden genetic defects, unknown ancestry, or be the product of irresponsible breeding practices.
The Role of Pedigree in a Purebred Dog
A pedigreed purebred Samoyed is one that comes from registered, traceable lineage documented over generations. This means that the dog’s ancestors have been recorded with a recognised breed registry (such as the Australian National Kennel Council – ANKC), ensuring that they meet the breed standard and are subject to rigorous health testing.
On the other hand, a purebred but non-pedigreed Samoyed lacks this traceability. While it may look like a Samoyed, and your puppy or dog may have come from or been born out of a Samoyed Dam (Mother) and Samoyed Sire (Father) there is no way to verify its genetic background, potential inbreeding, or hereditary health risks. This distinction is crucial for ensuring breed preservation and healthy dogs.
The Rise of Backyard Breeding and the Risks It Poses
One of the biggest threats to ethical dog breeding is backyard breeding – the practice of breeding dogs without proper knowledge, health testing, or concern for lineage. Many backyard breeders advertise “purebred” Samoyeds but lack any official pedigree records. They often:
Use dogs with unknown or questionable lineage
Fail to conduct essential health tests for conditions like hip dysplasia or genetic diseases
Breed for profit rather than improving the breed
Sell puppies without long-term breeder support or guidance
It is not uncommon to see Facebook posts where people ask, “How do I go about finding a mate for my beautiful boy/girl?” Many of these individuals simply love their dog’s looks and personality but are completely unaware that what they are about to start is a journey into backyard breeding. Without proper research, mentorship, and health testing, these well-meaning owners unintentionally contribute to the rise of poorly bred dogs with unknown health risks.
In response to the increase in backyard breeding, there has been a movement towards Stop Puppy Farming legislation in Australia. Each state is working to implement regulations such as mandatory desexing (already in effect for cat owners in most states) to help curb unscrupulous breeding. These regulations aim to ensure that only responsible, knowledgeable breeders contribute to the genetic future of breeds like the Samoyed.
For those truly interested in breeding, it is essential to do thorough research before even purchasing a dog. Seek out ANKC-recognised breeders, find a mentor, and learn about conformation, genetics, and the health of the breed. Ethical breeding is not just about producing puppies – it is a lifelong commitment to preserving and improving the breed.
Backyard breeders may also register with alternative registries like the RPDBA (Responsible Pet Dg Breeders Australia), which evolved to cater to breeders who may have a mix of pedigreed and non-pedigreed stock. Unlike world recognised ANKC (Australian National Kennel Council), which upholds strict breeding guidelines, alternative registries allow the breeding of “designer” crosses and do not always enforce stringent health testing.
Although RPDBA requires breeders to show some evidence of health testing, there is no standardised requirement for the type of health tests conducted. Instead, the primary focus is on veterinary audits of the breeder’s whelping practices, ensuring that puppies are raised in a clean and healthy environment.
It is crucial to understand that not all veterinarians are specialists in breed-specific genetic health, and they may not be familiar with the latest genetic tests available for breeding purposes. Breeders under RPDBA can choose any veterinarian to audit their facility (or home), which means there is no guarantee of comprehensive genetic or health screening. This lack of oversight and inability for pedigree tracing increases the risk of passing on genetic diseases and temperament issues to offspring.
The Importance of Pedigree in Health Testing
A pedigree is far more than just a piece of paper – it is a valuable tool for breeders to trace genetic health risks and breed responsibly. Many genetic conditions, such as subaortic stenosis (SAS) in Samoyeds, may not have a definitive DNA test yet. However, an experienced breeder can analyse a multi-generation pedigree to identify whether a condition appeared in an ancestor and take proactive steps to prevent its recurrence.
A well-documented pedigree allows breeders to:
Identify carriers of hereditary diseases: Even if the parents appear healthy, conditions like progressive retinal atrophy or hip dysplasia may emerge generations later if ancestors carried the genes.
Assess genetic diversity: Over-inbreeding can lead to weakened immune systems and congenital defects, while responsible breeders use pedigrees to ensure healthy diversity.
Predict potential traits: From coat quality to temperament, pedigrees help ensure each generation adheres to the Samoyed breed standard.
Genetics and the Role of Phenotype & Genotype in Breeding
Dog breeding is a balance between phenotype (observable traits) and genotype (genetic makeup). Some breed standards were intentionally designed to avoid certain phenotypes due to their links with harmful mutant genes.
For example, in French Bulldogs, the blue coat colour is highly sought after but is linked to Colour Dilution Alopecia (CDA) – a genetic condition causing skin problems and hair loss. Similarly, in breeds carrying the merle gene, such as Australian Shepherds, when two merle dogs are bred together, it can result in double-merle puppies, which have a high risk of blindness and deafness. These genetic risks underscore why ethical breeders avoid certain colours and patterns despite their popularity.
Why Dog DNA Tests Like Embark Are Not Enough
Modern DNA testing services like Embark offer useful insights into a dog’s genetic health and ancestry. They can help identify carriers of certain conditions and provide a basic genetic diversity score. However, they are not a substitute for a well-documented pedigree because:
They only test for known conditions, while new genetic issues continue to emerge.
They do not provide insights into temperament or overall breed conformation.
They cannot trace complex hereditary conditions like Liver Shunts or Retinal Dysplasia that require multi-generational analysis.
Relying solely on a DNA test without considering a dog’s pedigree history is like buying a car based only on an engine diagnostic without checking its service records. Responsible breeders use DNA tests as one tool alongside pedigree analysis and health screening to make informed breeding decisions.
Making the Right Choice: Investing in a Pedigreed Samoyed
The difference between a “purebred” and a “pedigreed purebred” Samoyed is not just a matter of paperwork – it is about health, ethics, and responsible breeding. By choosing a pedigreed Samoyed from a reputable breeder, you are not only investing in a healthier, happier companion but also supporting ethical breeding practices that ensure the preservation of this magnificent breed for generations to come.
If you’re looking for a well-bred, pedigreed purebred Samoyed, Eskimoyed Samoyeds is committed to breeding ethically, focusing on health testing, temperament, and breed preservation. Contact us today to learn more about our breeding program and available puppies.
Scientific References
Samoyed Cardiac Health Issues:
Genetics and Pedigree Analysis in Dogs:
Coat Colour Genetics and Health Risks:
Merle Gene and Associated Health Issues:
Dog DNA Testing and Its Limitations:
Conclusion: The Undeniable Truth About Samoyeds
While other breeds have their appeal, none compare to the Samoyed when it comes to being the ultimate family pet. If you want a family dog that will provide years of love, laughter, and companionship, while also being easy to manage and train, the choice is clear: a Pedigreed Samoyed is the best investment you can make for your family.
Don’t be swayed by popular opinion—do your research, and you’ll see why Pedigreed Samoyeds are truly the superior choice for a family pet!
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At Eskimoyed Samoyeds, we provide premium Samoyed puppies, raised with exceptional care and attention. Our dogs are well-socialized, embodying the perfect blend of beauty, intelligence, and friendliness.