What's the best age to neuter my little boy? I do plan on doing this, but I am curious about the age, I thought they should be around 6 months, but I have heard as young as 4. I always heard that if you wanted them to be very "masculine", lots of muscles, etc.. you should wait a little while.
Neuter Age?
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MinPin2Boxer
Super Boxer
I think for the most part 6 months is the general age to have it done. Some do it as young as 8 weeks old, mainly shelters that have to spay and neuter before dog can be released. I would talk with your vet to see at what age they do it. As for getting more muscular I've not heard that. Good luck with your little boy!
harleyboxer
Super Boxer
I think horses are the only animals that get beefier if you don't have them fixed. Maybe cats too because they seem to get bigger heads and jowls.
hogan's mom
Super Boxer
Our vet said Hogan was ready at 4 mos. so that's when we did it....
Another old wives tale 
It is not testosterone that determines a dogs guarding or protection abilities (and incidentally, females are often better than males in that regard).
The major downsides to waiting longer to neuter are increased risk of testicular cancer and prostate cancer or prostate disease (enlargement). In the first case, the risk of cancer is completely removed (can't get cancer of what isn't there), and in the second case - providing the dog is neutered before puberty - the risk is minimalised.
More minor downsides include increased risk of attracting dog aggression in public places (for some reason, un-neutered males are often the target of dog aggression) and increased likelihood of the dog developing unpleasant behaviours such as marking indoors.
It is not testosterone that determines a dogs guarding or protection abilities (and incidentally, females are often better than males in that regard).
The major downsides to waiting longer to neuter are increased risk of testicular cancer and prostate cancer or prostate disease (enlargement). In the first case, the risk of cancer is completely removed (can't get cancer of what isn't there), and in the second case - providing the dog is neutered before puberty - the risk is minimalised.
More minor downsides include increased risk of attracting dog aggression in public places (for some reason, un-neutered males are often the target of dog aggression) and increased likelihood of the dog developing unpleasant behaviours such as marking indoors.
RamonasMom
Boxer Booster
The only disadvantage of early neutering (less than 4 mos) is that if down the road they need a urinary catheter, it can be difficult to place (very underdeveloped penis). We had one dog like that in my classes and that was the only problem my instructors (all veterinarians) saw with early neutering. (BTW- all our dogs in school are rescued from shelters so that is why we see some of these underdeveloped males. Then get adopted by students!)
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