When to neuter

princess j · 04-07-2008, 11:43 AM

When we got Ronin we asked a lot of questions and one was when to have him neutered. Our breeder told us to wait until he's at least a year preferrably a year and a half due to letting the growth plates close. First off, what are growth plates? I've always thought you want to do it when they are younger so they don't start marking territory in the house, mounting, etc...I wanted to get feedback from all of you as to what your opinions are on neutering and at what age to do it. What are the benefits, risks.

Lexxsmom · 04-07-2008, 11:50 AM

I have also been told to wait until at least 18 months due to growth plate and hormone issues, and scientifically the reasoning makes sense. bearing disasters, Lexx will remain intact until that age.

DLS · 04-07-2008, 11:50 AM

Well that's a new one for me. Wait till the growth plates close hmmmmmmmm I didn't know that testicles had any. LOL. SOrry, but it did make me laugh. Anywho, best to neuter around 6 months of age, before puberty starts.

Really Lexxsmom, well I do not know about it scientificaly, but I do know that any of my males who were neutered at 6 months grew up to be fine healthy well developed dogs with no growth problems.

jdd · 04-07-2008, 11:57 AM

Dogs neutered younger tend to grow taller and not look as masculine as those who are neutered when they are a bit more mature.

DLS · 04-07-2008, 12:01 PM

Interesting, I have never noticed a difference in size only attitude. My neutered boys are just as well developed as my intact boys.

gracieface · 04-07-2008, 12:13 PM

read this article when deciding on the age to neuter
http://www.akcchf.org/pdfs/whitepape...iesArticle.pdf
there is a vet in ontario that will spay/neuter when cropping the ears, I am so opposed to this practice, it shocks me, but even more shocking is that one of the vet techs is a breeder and they sell all of their dobes this way

**kais_mom** · 04-07-2008, 12:15 PM

There are several threads about this already, so you may want to check the archives for their information because some of them are pretty detailed.

From personal experience, I have a very "tall" boy, and I neutered him at 5 months (the vet recommended it). I did research (after the fact when I was wondering why he was so tall) and too found information that neutering early does affect the growth plates, which results in a taller dog. (and some other things that I can't remember right off the top of my head) I know Kai's chest is not as broad (wide) across the front and to me this also means his legs are a bit closer together, He is Long, lean and tall!

He is 31" at the withers, where his dad is 27" his mom is 24" and the rest of his siblings are all within norms...

There are many more people hear that are, oh so more knowledgeable than I, but i thought I would share my experience.

**Colorado Dobes** · 04-07-2008, 12:18 PM

I have always read 6 months, but I am not an expert by any means, and I haven't had a male dobie, either.

DLS · 04-07-2008, 12:41 PM

Does the same scientific study apply to when you should spay a female? If people start spayiing and neutering at 1 1/2 years of age I can see a lot of 'accidental' unwanted breedings taking place.

**Colorado Dobes** · 04-07-2008, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DLS

Does the same scientific study apply to when you should spay a female? If people start spayiing and neutering at 1 1/2 years of age I can see a lot of 'accidental' unwanted breedings taking place.

Good point. I have another question, and it might be a really stupid one, but as I said, I've always owned females. I know with horses, when they are gelded later on, they will still exhibit some stallion characteristics. Is this true of dogs, too?