age for male potency?

[bernicesmama]

My sister has a female beagle who is approx. 5 months old and Tank, who is 11 weeks, was going at her like crazy! He hasn't tried to hump Bernice (who is spayed) nor my sister's other dog who is also spayed. We had to seperate them today, as I do not want to bring any other dogs into the world. (Better safe than sorry) I am curious however, when do male dogs become able to reproduce? What is the best age to have a male dog neutered?

[eXile]

Bernice, I have to be straight with you. This topic consists of 70 percent opinion and 30 percent fact. Maybe less. There has been so much talk about growth plates, joints etc... Some say its best to neuter after the growth plates have closed, some say 6 months is the proper age, some even neuter as early 14 weeks I think it is. Maybe even younger. I really have no proper answer for you. Oscar is my first dog so I cant really compare this to another dog. I dont think there really is a right time to do it. 6 months of age is considered the "right time" for neutering at the moment so maybe thats the best age.

Fortunatly my vet is so unorthodox he takes matters into his own hands and finds different answers. I could call around a few vets to get a general opinion, but all in all, this really isnt a huge thing. When I got Oscar neutered it was nothing. He woke up, he saw me, his eyes lit up and he was just happy as can be like usual. No personality change or anything. Still the dog with the happy chip in his ar.se.

Dont put too much pressure on it

[RiverKayleesMuM]

I agree with Exile there is no way to say for sure but usually it is around 4 or 6 months but alot of the times is can be younger.

[Moo]

The age to neuter isn't necessarily the same as the potency age.

When the testicles drop is dependent on the individual dog. Shelters alter their dogs as early as 8 weeks, the earliest they can safely preform the procedure.

As for the date to neuter. It doesn't really affect anything other than their ability to reproduce, but I do believe that earlier altering produces a lesser chance of an aggressive dog.

[RiverKayleesMuM]

Originally Posted by bernicesmama

What is the best age to have a male dog neutered?

I had that same question a while back because I wanted to get a male aussie and wanted his coat and bones to look good so I asked a breeder on our aussie forum and this is what she said

I think the ideal age to spay a bitch is between 6 and 8 months of age. If you wait any longer than that, you run the risk of her coming in season. While it is most common for Aussie ******* to be older when they have their first heat, I have heard of some coming in season at 9 months to a year. My girls never have their first heat until at least a year or older, and most don't until 18 months. For a male, if you are wanting a companion dog, and you do not wish for him to lift his leg on your bushes and flowers, then I recommend you neuter the boy around 6-7 months, which is before puberty. If this is of no concern, then wait until he is 12 months old and his bones have stopped growing in length.

[sheplovr]

Natalie,

U can have a dog spayed or neutered from 3 months. I would never wait for a male to be a year old, he will lift his leg after fixed anyhow. It is the male way. U do not need anymore to wait for a heat on a female, my English bulldog was done at 3 months, she had the best bladder control ever. It kept her to almost 11 years old and lifespan is 8 so I contribute fixing her, good care and lots of love to an old age. Get the female done before heats and I had Gillion come in exactly at six months, shocked me for most wait to one year or before like 8 months and on. Nobody knows the insides of each dog they are all different. You have to get to know the patterns if kept for breeding. Otherwise they are better off being fixed. More healthier and the sooner the better for me.

[Moo]

I wouldn't ever wait that long either. My motive for fixing a dog is to avoid puppies. A lot can happen before a dog turns a year...

And I know now by plain experience that early neutering did not affect my dog negatively in any way at all; mental, not physical (Remember, guys? My dog is huge) .

[DaneGirl2208]

like moo said when the testicles drop and the age of neuturing shouldnt matter..it wont have any affect on him he'll be just as happy and playful as ever

[bernicesmama]

Thanks everyone, as usual your help and advice is so welcomed! I have called a few vets in the area and spoke to my vet, most average about 4-6 months for neutering.

I am with moo, I want it done asap to ensure that no slips happen while I am at work. Dogs are amazing escape artists, and I would hate to have an unwanted litter on my shoulders! I am thinking about 4 1/2 months is when I'll do it.

[rottiegirl]

With studies the HSUS has said:

Neutering a male, as young as 8 weeks of age has had no negative effects, and a significant reduce in many cancers, and behavioral problems

Spaying a female at age 8 weeks has all the benefits of spaying, however urinary incontinance was noted in more than 35% of dogs. HSUS reccomends spaying your female at 4-5 months of age.