When did you nueter?

We've had intact adult males who mark (ugggh), and adult males who would be mortified to lift their legs in the house. It seems to be a function of temperament and self confidence; I don't know if age at neutering has a huge effect (which is to say, you may have a polite, gentlemanly dog, even if you wait to neuter).

As to coat... I hate to break it to you, but the coat changes regardless of when the dog is altered. It doesn't matter if they're neutered at six months or six years.

As a show person, yes, I'm partial to the "true", hard coat that comes with intact hormones and sleeping in the cold. But I encourage you not to worry about it too much; you will see here on the forum that there are many neutered males who sleep inside and have perfectly-lovely coats.

Personally, I'd think towards letting a dog or bitch have all their parts for as long as possible. They evolved to develop with hormones; why upset the cart too soon? If there are behavior problems, of course get them done, but otherwise, let them finish growing if you can. I'd lean towards eighteen months or two years - they really aren't quite grownups yet, at a year.
 
Maybe I will consider Mignarda's policy and keep the boy whole. Must see if he is mild or a monster. I certainly will wait on Cubbers and see and keep an open mind as to both options. According to something I recently read, the best window extends to age 2 so I have time to watch and wait.

All the others have been rescues and came altered courtesy of the rescues they came from. This is the first time I have had to give it a thought as to if/when.

Now the cats -- whoa. Couldn't fix those fast enough!
 
Neither of my tris have been neutered, although Revel had to have one testicle removed when he was seven due to a possible tumour. Neither have ever marked in my house and Revel wouldn't dream of marking inside anywhere (even at Crufts I had to get the door people to let me take him out!) Epic possibly would mark inside at training for example, but I don't let him roam around just in case.

Yogi was castrated for medical reasons at 7 and though I feared for his coat it hasn't changed at all, still thick and harsh as it was when being shown, possibly it is a bit more profuse around the trousers. He hasn't put on any weight either and feed the same amount but the one thing I have noticed is he is sometimes pestered by the intact boys, especially Epic.

I agree with tofu pup and if circumstances permit, probably better to do later rather than sooner to allow for physical and mental maturity.
 
Mom2Melli said:
Maybe I will consider Mignarda's policy and keep the boy whole. Must see if he is mild or a monster.
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I think if you wait until at least a year or so you'll have plenty of time to decide whether it's worth doing or not. I used to be a real stickler about neutering, but after having so many sick pets I decided with Dickens to just leave him as Nature intended. I haven't had any problems with him, and he's as healthy as can be, with no untoward behaviors.
 
I am listening to you -- Mignarda -- consider that a major accomplishment on your part :winkgrin:-- and keeping an open mind on the neuter part.
 
I have been struggling with this. Took Zulu to the vet today for his canine influenza shot, and asked him his opinion on the subject. He does not recommend neutering before six months, and as long as the dog is not causing you grief, keep him intact for at least the first year. If trouble starts before then, bring him in, and he will nip it in the, well, you know the rest! :lol:
 
Well... I made coopers neuter appt for Monday at the vet I work at. He is 1 year and 4 months. I think I am going to cancel it and wait until he is atleast 2+ years. Or not do it. We will see how things go when Jade goes through her first heat cycle. Atleast I have ways to Seperate, working at a vet.

Maybe I won't regret this!!!
 
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