To neuter, or not to neuter?

[evybear15]

I have a 6 month old male GSD who I have absolutely no intentions of breeding. He does not display overly dominant behavior, and I have not seen what I feel to be aggressive behavior. Is he perfect? Not by any means. But even if I do opt to neuter him, I am not expecting it to be a magical fix for any undesirable behavior that he DOES currently have.

I have read so much conflicting information on when or if a male GSD should be neutered. I have read anything and everything from people stating that there are absolutely no cons to the procedure or any long-term health risks, to people saying that there are increased risks later in life, it could change their personality, etc.

I want to ensure that I am making the best decision for my dog. He has been my constant companion since we brough him home at 8 weeks, and I want to make the right choices for him. I have spent time and effort into figuring out the best food and vitamins for him, and I feel unprepared to make this decision, despite having an appointment currently scheduled for tomorrow. Again, I have no intentions of breeding him, and I am not doing this to "fix" any behaviors. Is it the right choice to make right now, at 6 months, or should it be put off until he is fully developed? Thank you in advance for any feedback!

[jocoyn]

You are going to get a lot of different opinions but having had two intact dogs and two neutered dogs and never having been responsible for an ooops litter. I personally opt to keep the dog intact. I think there are a lot of arguments going that way healthwise for a male.

I am sure there is also a lot you can find by searching this forum! GO dig.

At a minimum I would wait until he is fully grown.

[evybear15]

Thank you for the response! I am currently doing some digging to see what information I can find. I just feel that I haven't spent the time researching this, talking to the breeder and our vet (who has raised several GSDs), etc. It's the only decision for his care that has me feeling uneasy!

[Courtney]

Yes-you will get alot of responses on this topic!

My male is almost 12 months-he's intact & will remain so. He will never be bred.

[evybear15]

Thank you, Courtney! I am trying to reach out to the breeder right now - she's been quite busy as one of her females just had some complications with a litter of pups, but I am hoping to get her feedback. I should have gotten it earlier, to be honest.

At the VERY least, I believe we will be cancelling Baxter's appointment that we have scheduled for tomorrow, and I will try to speak with both the breeder and our vet to get further information (along with digging through the various threads on this topic here). He's a big boy, but he's nowhere close to being done with growing!

[GSDBESTK9]

Wait till he is 24 months old and then neuter.

[jocoyn]

That also gives you time to really do your research.

[koda00]

I'd wait... my last GSD was 6 months old when i got him neuter and he grew to be tall and lanking. (not saying this will happen to yours but its very common) My breeder for my new pup said suggested i wait till he's at least 18-24 months old til they fully develop, which is what im doing. He's 13 months old now and maturing beautifully. Good luck with your new pup

[selzer]

In the least, wait for him to be fully grown. I see no advantage to neutering unless there is a physical problem with the individual pieces.

Neutering actually affects the natural processes in a dog. If you feel that the hormones created by this system only affect reproduction and nothing else, than neutering will only affect whether or not your dog can reproduce. But I feel that our bodies are more intricate than that, and removing a part that is not already broken can seriously affect our dogs' over all health.

So I do not spay/neuter without cause.

[Lilie]

My male is 19 months and the only reasons I'd have him altered if; I couldn't keep him secured (jump fence, run off etc.) or if it were for a medical reason.

I admit, if I brought home a female, and he was over 24 months old - I'd most likely have him neutered just so I wouldn't have to work so hard at making sure there were no 'Ooops Litters' while she matured.