Best Age To Spay and Neuter - Page 1

Hello, I was told to come here and everyone would help me with a question I have about spaying and neutering. I looked but didn't see any topics on this site about this issue so forgive me if this is a redundant inquiry. I have 3 ten month old German Shepherds of showline pedigree. I would like to know when would be a good time to get them spayed and neutered. I have 2 females and 1 male. I hear so many conflicting stories that I'm rather confused on when to do the surgeries. I was told that if I left the male intact until he's 18 months old he'd fill out better and look much more handsome. I was pretty much told the same about the females that to wait 2 heat cycles before the spay so they aren't so underdeveloped. I have also been told that waiting will make them have a more mature mind as well without the puppy antics. I have also heard from the other side that I should spay and neuter NOW or they will develop health issues but I'm a bit skeptical as I think the surgery might be more of a health issue at their young age. I could very likely be wrong about this too so that's why I have put the question out here to be discussed. I have no problem waiting and have very strong stuctures to keep them in to protect against pregnancy when in their heat cycle. I just want to do the best for these guys. I would appreciate your comments and or advice. Thanks, Gabby

Remember that growth hormones are removed when a dog is spayed or neutered (especially for the males!). I would not neuter before 24 months, would not spay before 20 months. If you would like more information, you are more than welcome to email me privately and I can explain more in detail. :) Good luck, and a big THANK YOU to you for being a thoughtful and responsible dog owner!!!

DITTO VomFelsenHof!!!!! I never hear this much talked about, but it is very important. So important, I use this in my warranties for the same reason. Spay or Neuter before 24 months and 3 year warranty is voided. Stephen

http://www.caninesports.com/SpayNeuter.html is an article written by sports vet Chris Zink... I find it very informative, hope it helps

your opinions -- i heard last week of GSD breeder nearby ,a breeder for more than 20 years, whose kenneland breeding policy / protocol is to now neuter /spay their pups , ages about 8 - 12 weeks old before they are sold !!-- this was brought to me via a highly reliable professional source -- personally this is something i would never never even think of doing -- i would appreciate all the PDB forum's members thoughts -- thankyou all

I guess there are various opinios across the board. One of my German mentors gave me the advice I spoke of earlier, years ago.

I am trying to find a very good article written by a USA Vet who did a study on Neutered animals at a young age and the problems that occured - including growth plates not closing because of hormone removal causing increase size etc - it was eye opening. I have a friend that speys her Dobe puppies at around 8 - 10 weeks old prior to sale. We have vets here who advocate early spey/neuter!

Thanks, DKiah. Very interesting article by Chris Zink. I wonder if that's the one Carebear refers to. Real eye opener!

Thanks to everyone who gave me advice here. I'll let them grow up before I do the surgery. Gabby

If you spay a bitch prior to her first season, she will not develope breast cancer. After the first season, that benefit is lost. If the reason for the spay is to prevent pyometra, you probably have years since that is normally a disease of older bitches. A unwanted pregnancy can occur at any age. I've seen puppies from test litters neutered as early as 8 weeks, both males and females. The males do not develope their male characteristics, their heads will be less masculine and they might grow taller and rangier than they would have if not neutered. However, they generally make better pets. It all depends on why one is neutering the dog. If to prevent breast cancer and to reduce the chance of a male dog becoming aggressive or too interested in his stuffed toys and his physical development is not a concern, do them early. If the main concern is that the dog won't look as good as he could, then wait for a few years.