yes - THERE ARE HEALTH BENEFITS
Actually, there are a number of health benefits to NOT neutering prior to at LEAST one year; some geneticists & vet schools are recommending 18 months & females to wait until after two heats.
Early neutering has been PROVEN (check Tufts & Perdue veterinary school research on web) to DRAMATICALLY INCREASE the odds of dogs developing osteosarcomas (bone cancers) during their lives and early neutering (believe it or not) does NOT decrease the incidence of prostate cancers/enlargement later in life -- in dogs (only.) Early neutering merely decreases, very slightly - the risk of testicular cancer which, when diagnosed early, is highly curable. Therefore, if you had to choose a cancer for your dog to have (hopefully not, but if you did) - would it have to be testicular or osteosarcoma?? Well, bone cancer is almost always terminal. Early neutering also creates tall, leggy dogs who do not develop normal testosterone-induced muscle mass & the typical masculine-type head. Hormones are there for a reason; actually many reasons.
Early neutering has been aggressively pushed upon dog owners by vets & by our society in a mass effort to decrease pet over-population; a just cause. HOWEVER, responsible dog owners must also be knowlegable of the health risks proven over the last decade to be associated with neutering, especially early neutering. If you are knowlegable, experienced & responsible with your dog, have him under your sight & your control at all times ---- in fact, there is scientifically & medically NO need to ever neuter your male dog. There are actually little to no health benefits & more associated risks.
So, if you are determined to neuter & circumstances may dictate that you do --- PLEASE do your own research via all the new research & trials coming out of our veterinary schools & be the advocate for your own dog. This decision is a personal & individual one for each of us....just as when you visit your own doctor, be prepared with your information, knowlege and questions.