Question Neutering

[Murphsdad]

Hi everyone, at what age should a miniature male pup be neutered, the breeder said after 6 months but the vet is saying after 18 months as earlier can affect their spine, our little boy was neutered at 9 months and was totally fine for all of his 15 years

 

[plantsower]

Hi everyone, at what age should a miniature male pup be neutered, the breeder said after 6 months but the vet is saying after 18 months as earlier can affect their spine, our little boy was neutered at 9 months and was totally fine for all of his 15 years

Hi: I've read studies that say small dogs shouldn't be neutered/spayed before 6 months and large dogs from 12 to 18 months. Especially labs (I think) because the females can be more susceptible to cancer. The studies are controversial, but it does bug me when shelters brag that their dogs are already neutered and chipped before they are only 3 months old. There are also studies that chips have been known to cause cancer. But everyone is so enthralled with them that it's almost impossible to get a dog that isn't chipped. It's like a religion with them.

 

[CaseyKC]

Wait until 12 months at the earliest because neutering may stop certain hormones that contribute to development of strong bones.

 

[Charlie]

Hi, it's a good question and there may not be a hard and fast answer.

Our two boys, brothers(!), got on fantastically well for maybe 98% of the time then would literally start fighting from out of nowhere - and they would really go at it!

So we reluctantly had them neutered at 9 months and they seem fine; they'll be 2 years old in November. The interesting thing is that one of them has remained very lean whereas the other does seem a bit 'fleshier' with a looser coat. But all in all they have both matured properly up to their adult size and weight.

But I guess for every story like this there might be one opposite!

 

[plantsower]

Also, I found out from a breeder that they can be genetically tested for intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) tendencies. I had no idea. Thankfully, my doxie's parents both tested as low risk. I still get concerned when he goes up and down deep steps and jumps off of the bed even though he has a ramp. He has a mind of his own.