To neuter or not?

[MrsElle]

The little lad is coming up for 11 months old and the neutering question has been brought to the fore.

I have read the pro's and con's and can't see any reason to neuter really. I know neutering reduces the risks of some cancers, but also raises the risks of others, so that is no reason to neuter in itself.

Little Lad doesn't display any dominent tendancies, he is well socialised and loves people and other dogs. We live on a large estate where the majority of our walks take place and when we are off the estate he is always on a lead. Very few of the gun dogs on the estate are spayed or neutered and the gamekeeper was horrified when I said I was considering it!

Would I be terribly irresponsible to leave him entire?

 

[planete]

It all depends on how well you are going to train and manage him. If you can make sure he will not father any unplanned litters then I cannot see the problem, but it is a big commitment. Most dogs are neutered to spare their owners the worry and bother of managing them.

 

[blackcob]

I will always, always spay a bitch - the pros still outweigh the cons for them. I think you're right in saying that it's not nearly so clear cut for dogs though. I'm slightly biased as I lost my childhood dog to prostate/rectal cancer (he was entire) which would influence my decision somewhat. That said, new pup is staying entire unless he gives us reason not to (needed for showing and coat care) and I'll have a real dilemma with my next sibe about if and when to do it. Argh!

 

[Alec Swan]

The little lad is coming up for 11 months old ……..

Would I be terribly irresponsible to leave him entire?

No, you wouldn't be irresponsible were you to leave him how he was made. In over 50 years I've never had a dog castrated, nor had the need to. In some Nordic countries, and in Germany I believe, it's illegal and considered as mutilation, and only carried out upon medical grounds. 'Convenience' castration, in my view should be outlawed.

The castration of dogs prevents one thing only, their ability to sire pups. Castration doesn't stop dogs from attempting to hump what ever's available, if that's how they are, it doesn't stop aggression for those which are also inclined to that, and it doesn't stop them from straying. That said, it's your dog so it's your choice!

Alec.

 

[Scarlett]

I have one we've never neutered. He's 5, never been a problem ever. We were always strict with him and he's obedient so I never worried. The only issue we've had is with other dogs. At our old yard the resident make dog took a disliking to ours, the yo believes it was due to ours still being entire. There were a couple of scuffles and we had to be alert to the other dogs whereabouts at all times. That's literally it, he's pretty much perfect otherwise!