When Should a Dog be Neutered?

[FourIsCompany]

I recently got a puppy... (No! Really? ) The contract requires that I wait for 12 months to neuter him. I had originally intended to neuter him much earlier, as early as my vet suggested.

Does anyone know why waiting 12 months would be preferred?

I know I could ask the breeder and I will, but I wanted to get other opinions. Thanks for your views.

[barnjess]

I cant think of any reason why a breeder would think a 12 month wait would benefit a dog. What breed is it and what age?

[NicoleLJ]

It depends on the breed. When I got Luca we went though all this. After talking to several breeders and to our vet we learned that it is better for GSD males to stay intackted till at least a year old. The hormones help to close the growth plates normally then. If fixed too soon many problems can occur in growth and such. They can grow taller then originally intended. Their legs can end up too straight and thinker ro thinner bones and joints. There are other problems as well. We waited till Luca was a year and then neutered him. I am glad we waited.
Nicole & Sheena PSD OFA FD FDX

[pung-yo]

BH...Our vets recommend early neutering because waiting only gives them the chance to develop the habit of humping and lifting their leg, this is hard to break at a year old. All my males were neutered at 6 mos and I never had a problem. By waiting till one yr. you take the chance that he will mark in the house without your knowledge and he will continue to do so after the neutering because the smell will still be there. My shepherds always grew to their max and I never had any bone problems.

[BratBoxers]

Here is something to think about
http://www.showdogsupersite.com/kenl...vet/neutr.html

http://www.caninesports.com/SpayNeuter.html

[agilitydog]

You know bratboxers, I was going to say that I heard what your articles said. There is a study saying that while dogs are growing and you neuter you stunt the growth of whatever is growing(leg,etc). Most of the time it goes unnoticed as the variation is slight. But it is something to consider and now the 6 month thing is becoming personal choice. I am still iundecided whether I would continue to neuter at 6 months or wait.

[BratBoxers]

I wont spay/neuter before the age of 14months, but I also know what comes with the responsibility of having intact males/females. Vets here wont spay/neuter till at least 6 months of age.

[NicoleLJ]

Thanks for posting those BB. I never had a probelm with marking with Luca or him humping anything. We never had to deal with those problems. With proper house training and other training those should not be a problem if you were to wait till the dog was a year old to neuter.
Nicole & Sheena PSD OFA FD FDX

[whimzikal]

My little guy is 7 months, he is just now going to be altered, if he is ok with pre labs-, he is full grown but may fill out a bit between now and 9 months.although I know it's really best to nueter young with small breeds since they mature earlier. When we had big Joe we were told not to alter him until atleast 1yr. She stated exactly what Brat has.... He was nuetered at 13 months and never marked or anything. He also was HUGE lol

[shadowfacedanes]

It depends on the breed - smaller breeds can be neutered young, while on large breeds, I prefer after 6 months. Giant breeds never before a year.