tranquility

I know this topic has been discussed ad nauseum but I think faber posted this scientific study which purports to support unfixed dogs, esp male dogs. What is the consensus as I'm still confused which is the right way.
http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/LongT...uterInDogs.pdf

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Striving to become the most educated future 'yellow eyebrow dog' (aka Doberman) owner.

greenkouki

Unless there is a medical problem that might complicate the surgery (like vwd status etc.) i say do it

gracieface

there was a literature review done by a vet that basically states there is no health benefit to a male from neutering, where as girls benefit as it reduces the risk of mammary cancer and eliminates the chance of py. However unless you are looking to show and breed, I do believe in fixing pups after they are done growing (2 yrs).

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Elizabeth
Dobermans aren't my whole life, they just make it whole.

DJF

graciefan, do you mean this one?
http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/LongT...uterInDogs.pdf

My male Dobe lived to 13 and was never neutered. We did not have a contract. He was a true gentleman as well. He would never wander off our property(unless he was chasing a squirrel, cat or rabbit). There was a mixed german shepherd female in the house across the street who was crazy about him, but he never wandered over there or tried to jump the fence. So from my personal observations I did not witness any aggressiveness or wandering that was foreseen by different vets from the day I got my dog as a pup. I do believe there is a monetary reason behind why vets encourage neutering aside from population control.

Now, with a contract and concerning reputable breeders who go to great lengths to improve and protect their lineage, I believe in abiding by those rules to have the dog neutered or spayed. My next Dobe will be a female and I plan to have her spayed.

MaryAndDobes

There are a large number of well-known Doberman stud dogs that *had* be neutered because they often develop prostate problems as they get older. If it happens to those well-known Dobermans that often receive the best of care, you can bet it happens to a number of intact pets so why take the risk?

As a breeder, I spay/neuter everything as soon as I can, meaning as soon as I'm done showing them and/or breeding them. Obviously, it helps me a great deal in keeping males and females together, it also helps me with the males in obedience and agility (less interest in smells and other dogs), and IMO, it's the best thing for their health.

berkdogg

Three weeks ago, I had a vet try to talk me into neutering a 3.5month old German Shepherd puppy. I definitely think some of it is profit oriented.

thea2003

I dont think so I am all for early spay neuter, I especuially like
Mary and Dobes way of doing it a 12 weeks.

tranquility

Can anyone refute the claims in the link that was presented, which states that it is better NOT to neuter (but ok to spay)?

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Striving to become the most educated future 'yellow eyebrow dog' (aka Doberman) owner.

Zoeberry

It it is a pet, I would say neuter. I work at an animal hospital and have seen people's faces just crumble when they are told their unneutered older dog has a prostate tumor and may need surgery. Usually this happens to senior dog and the surgery risks are greater. Same for unspayed females that develop nasty pyometras or mammory tumors. We just operated on a very sick 6 year old basset hound that had pyometra which is literally pus in the uterus. Not a pretty site for sure and the dog was extremely sick. Almost always it is emergency surgery. We are fairly inexpensive but some places charge over a $1,000.

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Brenda and Copper

berkshire

There is very little evidence that early castration reduces health risks to young dogs. However, the majority of intact males develop some degree of prostate disease during their later years (usually greater than 8 years). I will probably advocate castration for any dog that isn't intended for breeding, simply because in my experience, most owners don't have the know-how to manage intact males. However, my parents had three intact German Wirehaired Pointers in the house simultaneously without any behavioral issues. I know that people can raise intact males with sound temperament and training. However, I see no benefit in leaving them intact...Some of the hunters I know believe that castration results in dogs with less drive. I've seen no evidence of that. I don't believe that it really changes their personality either...

So if an owner wants to leave their dog intact, I guess it's up to them to know that even the most well-trained intact male will break protocol over a female if not watched closely, and that castration later in life might be required due to prostate disease. And I personally don't love managing anesthesia for an older dog...

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~Candice