The problem I have with this discussion, is that for some reason, people tend to throw away the proven fact that the majority of dog owners ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE. It’s been proven time and time again. We all know about how many dogs get euthanized, and we’ve even ran into it on this forum where people planned to spueter one of their animals and then OOOPS they’re making $500 a puppy…
I don’t know OP, or the other person that asked the question, and they could be the most responsible owners in the world. But history says that they’re more than likely not, and we all make mistakes. I personally live in an area with people that speuter, there are very few intact females around (I can tell because my boy rarely reacts), and so it’s a very small worry that he’d hop a fence to get at one.
The research studies that link this cancer with that or that cancer with this, are extremely hazy and not very well done. There is no “control group” and it’s very hard to truly say that something causes this or that. Mostly because dogs live in such different environments, have such different exercise routines, eat different food, and have such differing genetics (between breeds and lines). Those things aren’t looked at. Where the dog came from, who bred it, was testing done before hand? Just the act of neutering/spaying is studied. I’m sure there are plenty of good breeders that have had dogs neutered/spayed that didn’t develop the different cancers people link to that…
So that’s the problem with this discussion…it’s all about the person asking the question. And none of us know this person, or how “trusted” they can be to not allow something to happen. Again, everyone can say they’re responsible, but history has proven otherwise. The statistics on “accidental breedings” have a much higher correlation when you look at people thinking they can prevent one, and then not being able to. Then there is always the chance that one day, someone comes up to that person and offers a hefty stud fee, or a free puppy if they breed their male to their female…and who knows what that person will say at that point? I know I’d think about it…I already have thought about it. If my dog was neutered, it wouldn’t even be an issue of my ethics/morals, the question wouldn’t even come up. But when the dog is intact…you’ll get tested.