Neutering of a Male Dog? - Page 1

Apart from some of the more obvious reasons, are there any proven health benefit reasons? 

Also, does the same entire younger male (1yr - 18 months) display any behavioural differences in full maturity 2-3 years?

Plus, if neutering is considered a good decision, at what age would you consider best?


Thank you for any input,
Vixen

Depends on what you are looking for.  I ahve a male neutered at 6 months, he looks more like a female, but still reponds to a bitch in heat.  He has a great temperment.

I have another male neutered at 18 months, he has male characteristics, but retained his agressive tendencies and also is interested in the girls.  The only difference I see in him and a stud dog are the obvious faults that made my decision to neuter hom in the first place (too tall, weak ears, the temperment) and his ability to impregnate someone.

Many believe that neutering will prevent testicular and prostrate cancer.  Of course it will prevent the former, I think data is unclear on the later.

The later you do it the more male characteristics are maintained.  They also develop the male pattern behaviors that may subside some or totally or not at all, depends on how engrained they are in the dog.

If you are never going to breed the dog, I think it is best to neuter when you are happy with the apperance.  Not neutering I beleive leaves them frustrated at not being able to breed.  It also opens you up to accidents, which for me was the biggest reason for doing it.   I knew my future was with some highline show females, and I did not want the untitiled prince having his way with them.  One thing about him, is that he is a better barometer than the progesterone tests to decide when to breed!

I have a male that I may or may not breed, but he has such a lovely temperament that I had no reason to alter him just for the sake of changing his behavior or controlling his "male tendencies." Maybe this type of dog is the exception.

Aside from reasons why breeders or people involved in show/competition may choose to leave dogs unaltered, to neuter or not to neuter tends to get some people fired up, especially if they see their dog's potency as somehow connected with their own "manliness". Ironically, these macho types (both men and women) tend to encourage protective/aggressive behavior in their dogs as it reflects their own attitudes toward the world being an unsafe place and as others being mostly unfriendly strangers.

I will wrap up with this disclaimer for all of you who may feel I am referring personally to you: 

THE PREVIOUS COMMENTS DO NOT APPLY TO ALL OF US,
MAN OR WOMAN,
WHO ARE SECURE ENOUGH IN OUR MASCULINITY 
TO LOOK AT THE INDIVIDUAL DOG 
AND WHAT WOULD BE BEST FOR HIM WHEN DECIDING WHETHER OR NOT TO NEUTER.

Thank you Kinolog,  Just seen your message.  Had to smile at your 'Disclaimer'.  I have found the mere sight (or sound) of my dog would create 'protection enough' from any unfavourable source!   But how many people do we meet who's intent is to harm us?  

This is also why I asked this question, if leaving him entire could risk a more aggressive tendency.  I would rather he LOOKED the part, than a need to worry about his reaction/interaction with other dogs or people.


Thank you,
Vixen

Earlier neutering before physical development is complete causes a too-tall "rangy" dog.  Testosterone plays a role in closing growth plates, so if there is no hormonal modulation long bones grow much longer than they would have in an unaltered animal.

On the whole, I feel the negatives of neutering far outweigh the positives and shouldn't be done as a prophylactic.

Furthermore; before taking that irreversible step one should make a study of the function of the hormone production  that will be eliminated and what the manifold consequences will be to a homeostatis honed through evolution for millenia.

Finally, if the decision is made to neuter - it should be based on it being the best course of action for the individual dog - not because it satisfies the desires of  compulsive neutering proponnents or because of pressure from breeders afraid of competition.

There is an option of vasectomy that can prevent unwanted puppied if you wish to go that way, does not disrupt the hormone function.

Personally, I feel that if you are never going to breed the dog, waiting till maturity before doing the deed is best.  But that is my opinion.  For me, its responsible dog ownership in a multi pet household.  Read the threads on this board related to accidents and "bad" breeders and you will understand why there is some complusion to neuter animals not suitable for breeding. 

Your male might be, mine are not.