Proper time for neutering?

[MamaSu]

Hi There,
So this is my first male dog in 30 years and the first one I have a little bit of say in when to have him neutered. All my dogs have been rescued except my Great Dane thirty years ago. My new male Newf is 9 1/2 weeks old and I managed to get him out of the rescue before they neutered him (8 weeks just seems ridiculously young) I am fully aware of the need to spay and neuter tho. My question is this; what health pros and cons come with neutering at what stages? For example, bone development, heart health, aggression problems, etc. Any input would be appreciated, especially as this whole boy thing is a change! Chest rubs, not belly rubs.....lol.

 

[Jeannie]

At least 18 months to 2 years.

 

[Whybu1]

I am really surprised the rescue left him out without neutering. Here in San Antonio is is against the law for a rescue group to adopt out a pet without being neutered. That said, I have heard that bone and joint sevelopment is better when they are neutered after the 18 month mark. Males can be a bit more aggressive when not neutered especially if they meet another unneutered male. Just be aware.

 

[MamaSu]

Thanks you guys. He didn't come from a sanctioned Newf Rescue, just a shelter. The law stated that any county with a certain number of dogs MUST neuter or spay before being adopted out. Fortunately, he had an upper respiratory infection so they said they would release him to me with the assurance from my vet to neuter. The Vet called and said he absolutely would neuter him, but not before 7-9 months at least. So we got at least a little reprieve. The Newf rescue in CO states that they won't adopt out without assurance that they WON'T be altered until 6 mos. so I guess what I wanted to know was; is waiting till 18 mos worth fighting over? I want to do what's best for the dog while still being a responsible rescue-er. Maybe I just answered my own question? Thanks for your input, and for listening to my babble :-/

 

[victoria1140]

Definetly better to neuter later,
Start getting info as to why you want to wait to neuter later rather than earlier so you can argue your case.
We will wait until Max is 2 years old at least and then we will probably go for the full ablation as he has an undescended testicle so slightly more expensive

 

[ardeagold]

Later is better. Not at all is best for overall health. But I'd also agree with 18 mos to 2 years. You want them to mature properly and grow properly and they do need those hormones for that.

BUT, that said, handling a young male Newf is NOT easy, and especially an intact one. You must be very vigilant and start training early, and do it consistently, knowing that as soon as he hits the "teen" stage, he'll forget everything you taught him and be huge, making him MORE difficult to handle. (That will pass, but it's a battle of wills for sure)