I want to neuter Maxie, but my husband wants to wait..

[Maxsmomma]

Ok, Max is almost 7 months old. We bought him from a backyard breeder. I honestly didn't know any better until after the fact. He's a beautiful boy with the sweetest personality. When we first brought him home, we discussed breeding him when he's older. My dad has a female and honestly our thoughts were that they'd make amazing puppies. After doing some research, I realize that it just isn't a good idea. I certainly don't want to contribute to a pet population problem or to breeding dogs with health problems. Max has two "faults". He has allergies. His eyes are ALWAYS red (he looks stoned half the time ) and the cartilege in his ears is weak. We didn't plan on cropping them anyway, but the vet said if we did it probably wouldn't work with his ears. Now these are certainly not major issues and I still think he's the most beautiful baby in the world, but they're enough to convince me that he shouldn't be bred. My husband's reasons for wanting to breed him are actually really cute. He says, "He's the best dog I've had, and has the greatest personality. How can we not make more of him?" But I have convinced him that breeding is just not the right thing to do.

Now my question... I'd really like to go ahead and have Max fixed. I feel like it would be easier on him at a young age. I know a lot of people do it around 4 months. My husband feels like we should wait until he's stopped growing. He feels like losing his testosterone makers will effect his growth. (which kind of makes sense, but I think it's a guy thing...) Does anyone have any data that can support my point of view, or is it possible that my husband is right... for once ?

 

[gmacleod]

Well, there are pros and cons either way. Personally, I don't think there's any particular benefit to neutering quite so early (except that it guarantees no accidents later ). From a health perspective, most vets agree that any time prior to about a year old brings about the greatest health benefits. Behaviourally - well, it depends on the individual (and if you have any testosterone-related negative behavioural issues, such as aggression (from or against) or marking, there's always the option of having it done fairly speedily).

On the breeding thing - there's no doubt that you're right there. Great personality is not what's needed - or not the only thing needed, and there is no shortage of dogs with great personailties. Health is of primary concern, and allergies are certainly hereditary. Plus, it would be two years plus before you could have him screened for the sorts of serious diseases that are common to this breed, and that would either end in heartbreak or thousands of dollars in costs for the new owners of any offspring (or both). Bottom line is that anyone not prepared to spend large sums of money proving that their dog is is genetically sound enough to breed, has no ethical business breeding. And if you're not into breeding as a serious interest, why spend that sort of money to produce puppies for other people?

 

[Maxsmomma]

Thank you for the reply. I think a little younger than a year is a good compromise for us. I guess my thinking was the younger he is the less likely he'll be traumatized by the experience
We definitely haven't had any aggression issues with us or other dogs. No problems with marking either. Of course, he hasn't started lifting his leg at all yet. Marking may start when that does. Maybe we'll get lucky and he'll pee like a girl forever!