[jeandecker76]

Hi guys! I have 8 female dogs at home and one of my dogs gave birth to a healthy baby boy! He is 3 months now btw.

I just want to ask if how old should I have him neutered? Thank you! I've read some blogs saying it's possible as soon as 6 months but I just want accurate answers from your experiences.

 

[parus]

Here is a very interesting statistical analysis suggesting that in some breeds there are major advantages (less risk of cancer or joint issues) to leaving the dog intact or waiting to desex until the dog is more mature, while in other breeds it doesn't appear to make much of a difference in long-term health when and whether you spay/neuter. There are also differences in outcomes for males versus females in some breeds.
Check it out: Assisting Decision-Making on Age of Neutering for 35 Breeds of Dogs: Associated Joint Disorders, Cancers, and Urinary Incontinence

Generally speaking, unless there is a risk of pregnancy or an issue like an undescended testicle, it's best to wait until the dog's growth plates have closed to neuter a male, as retaining their full allotment of testosterone will help their physical development be more robust. So once they've reached their full height and are filling out, basically. That happens earlier in smaller dogs than in larger ones.

 

[pandora]

Im glad @parus has linked a good article because at the moment if you ask 100 people you are likely to get 100 different answers on this.
Take the expert advice.

 

[jeandecker76]

Here is a very interesting statistical analysis suggesting that in some breeds there are major advantages (less risk of cancer or joint issues) to leaving the dog intact or waiting to desex until the dog is more mature, while in other breeds it doesn't appear to make much of a difference in long-term health when and whether you spay/neuter. There are also differences in outcomes for males versus females in some breeds.
Check it out: Assisting Decision-Making on Age of Neutering for 35 Breeds of Dogs: Associated Joint Disorders, Cancers, and Ur

Here is a very interesting statistical analysis suggesting that in some breeds there are major advantages (less risk of cancer or joint issues) to leaving the dog intact or waiting to desex until the dog is more mature, while in other breeds it doesn't appear to make much of a difference in long-term health when and whether you spay/neuter. There are also differences in outcomes for males versus females in some breeds.
Check it out: Assisting Decision-Making on Age of Neutering for 35 Breeds of Dogs: Associated Joint Disorders, Cancers, and Urinary Incontinence

Generally speaking, unless there is a risk of pregnancy or an issue like an undescended testicle, it's best to wait until the dog's growth plates have closed to neuter a male, as retaining their full allotment of testosterone will help their physical development be more robust. So once they've reached their full height and are filling out, basically. That happens earlier in smaller dogs than in larger ones.

inary Incontinence

Generally speaking, unless there is a risk of pregnancy or an issue like an undescended testicle, it's best to wait until the dog's growth plates have closed to neuter a male, as retaining their full allotment of testosterone will help their physical development be more robust. So once they've reached their full height and are filling out, basically. That happens earlier in smaller dogs than in larger ones.

This is very informative!! I haven't had male dogs yet so that's why I had to ask for others' opinions on this. I only have female dogs, I let them have their first litter before I get them spayed and this is the only time I kept a boy because he is a singleton.

Thank you so much!

 

[Doglight]

I just want to ask if how old should I have him neutered?

Never have a (male) dog neutered, unless his life is in immediate danger right now.

 

[Aussie Love]

I'm on the six month side of the fence for boys, especially considering all your girls.

 

[LeoRose]

The "best" time will range from now to never, depending on your situation. If you are planning on showing or breeding him, and/or can ensure that he won't accidentally breed any of your (or other people's) bitches, then you can wait until he's grown. If you don't plan on showing, breeding, or can't ensure that there won't be an accidental breeding, then neutering him between six months and a year is probably the better option.

 

[jeandecker76]

The "best" time will range from now to never, depending on your situation. If you are planning on showing or breeding him, and/or can ensure that he won't accidentally breed any of your (or other people's) bitches, then you can wait until he's grown. If you don't plan on showing, breeding, or can't ensure that there won't be an accidental breeding, then neutering him between six months and a year is probably the better option.

Accidental breeding is my main concern since I have 8 female dogs.

 

[Deacon.dog]

For males I say never (just my opinion). If you want to I advise for Large breeds 2yrs, Small Breeds 1yr. Same ages for females. Lack of hormones while growing can cause your dog to develop weak and lanky. If you have to do it early, its ok. I'm not a pet dog owner, so I have different standards. Just throwing my opinion in there because I just like to talk dog stuff .

Because you have 8 females, I'd advise 6 months at the earliest, and make sure they are NEVER left alone together even for a split second. Crate and rotate if you need to.

 

[jeandecker76]

For males I say never (just my opinion). If you want to I advise for Large breeds 2yrs, Small Breeds 1yr. Same ages for females. Lack of hormones while growing can cause your dog to develop weak and lanky. If you have to do it early, its ok. I'm not a pet dog owner, so I have different standards. Just throwing my opinion in there because I just like to talk dog stuff .

Because you have 8 females, I'd advise 6 months at the earliest, and make sure they are NEVER left alone together even for a split second. Crate and rotate if you need to.

Yes, I'm thinking about doing it at 6 months too. Thank you so much for the input!