What age to Neuter?

[Minky]

Further to Kelly's thread about neutering, I was wondering whether it makes any difference at what age a dog should be neutered and whether neutering really affects their personality.

As Kelly said, in Australia, most vets recommend that their dogs be de-sexed. I live in an apartment so it is so much easier for Vuitton and Fitch to be neutered. Since I am not breeding or showing, I was told it is better to neuter. I got Vuitton neutered at 6 months old and did not notice much difference in his personality because he was always placid. Fitch is now 5 months and is still a bit hyper. I was wondering whether neutering will "calm" him down. Also, I read somewhere that if you neuter dogs too early, then it could affect the growth in size of the head. Does anyone know whether this is just a myth?

Thanks for your help!

[franp]

Neutering can be done as early as 8 weeks with no negative effects as long as the Vet is comfortable with doing the surgery. This does make the dog less "dominant"; but it will not "calm" a pup down. Only age will do that.

As for head size; yes neutering young will affect head size. The size of a male dog's head is a secondary sex charicteristic.(as is the size of a man's jaw). And the head keeps growing till the dog fully matures. When the dog is neutered; the head will not get as big.

As pet owners, I do not think any of us could tell the difference between a male neutered early or one neutered at a later age by the difference in head size. But the difference in personality (ie dominance and aggresive tendencies towards other dogs ) is very obvious . Sexual maturity does change dogs.

IMO the earlier a dog is neutered the better. Please make sure that your vet does NOT use ACEPROMEZINE. This drug KILLS flat faced dogs.

[Minky]

Thanks Fran!

It is interesting how neutering in fact affects the head size. Fitch is not aggressive at all and doesn't show any dominant behaviour as yet so I will wait for around 2 or 3 more months before I take him to the vet.

I remember taking Vuitton, he is so quiet when I picked him up from the vet. I think he was thinking "I am not happy about this! don't ever do that to me again!"

MInky

[franp]

Minky,
The younger the dog ; the easier the recovery. You will be doing your dog a favor if you do not wait.

I have seen the difference myself. When Dari's breeder has brought pups up here that have been neutered the day before , you would never know. When they are neutered at 6or more months the recovery is harder.

[franp]

Roosje,

No, I never mind a discussion with you. :) You are always knowlegable and civil. And in a pinch , you throw in a picture of one of your great looking dogs to sway opinion ;)

That is what makes the world go round. I , do feel that females should be spayed before the first heat because it lessens the chance of mammary cancer.