Question:
Maybe someone can settle this for me:

My sister-in-law was told by the breeder of her lab puppy that its better to wait as long as possible (ideally to 1 year of age) to neuter her pup in order to avoid health issues. I disagree - I think it would be better for him socially (especially since he's male) to be neutered earlier.

What do you think?

Answer:
there's alot of debate on this forum and else where and theres alot of evidence that goes both ways (esp if you were talking about a giant breed dog) i suggest your sister talk to her vet and do some research on reputable vet sites and make the decision that she feels is best. however having un unfixed dog is a HUGE responsibility and alot of dedication to watch the dog constantly. i'd say if your not up for that as well as some of the additional behaviours that may come with an unfixed dog then fixing early is best

Answer:
I personally don't think it makes a difference in growth or health issues to be neutered or spayed earlier than a year (at let's say 6-7 months), but you'll hear different arguments from both sides. What it basically is going to come down to is what the personal belief is. I would do it earlier because it just makes things so much easier and from what I've seen it hasn't caused any problems at all.

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I agree with Jesse's Mommy. I prefer earlier. I just think they end up less stressed and more well rounded. (JMO!)

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Originally Posted by ~michelle~
however having un unfixed dog is a HUGE responsibility and alot of dedication to watch the dog constantly. i'd say if your not up for that as well as some of the additional behaviours that may come with an unfixed dog then fixing early is best

I agree with the earlier neuter...just to clarify - its my sister-in-law's dog (not mine) so she and my brother are the lucky ones that have to put up with any additional behaviours at their house!

Answer:
There has been no real scientific proof that waiting to get a dog fixed at an older age will be better for their health. In fact their has been a lot of proof that getting them fixed at an early age will be better for health.

I have heard some very strange beliefs from breeders over all kinds of things. When it comes to things like this I would have to go by what vets recommend on this one.

Answer:
so she and my brother are the lucky ones that have to put up with any additional behaviours at their house!
Yeah, until they get fed up and give him up... (Sorry, I'm not saying they will, but it happens soooo often. )

Answer:
Originally Posted by Prin
Yeah, until they get fed up and give him up... (Sorry, I'm not saying they will, but it happens soooo often. )

Prin, Prin, Prin.....

I've known my brother all my life and I've known my sister in law for about 15 years. They are not new dog owners - just have had females so were asking the question about males. They are amazingly loving and so far are doing great with training. THeir current pup is not even half as crazy as their previous lab (RIP - she died an old happy dog). Not to worry! Even if something happened (e.g. they both died tomorrow - cuz that would be the only event that would make them give up the dog), they always have the labby-lover, me!

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Great to know.

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