When to neuter a giant breed puppy

[kurimusoda]

Hi all! I've been posting here and there for the last few months ever since the lovely Duggie has joined our family! He is part Husky, Shepherd, Mastiff, and Saint Bernard--essentially: BIG.

It's getting close to that 6 month mark where vets generally recommend the neuter procedure, but recently I had a conversation with my vet: she said that a couple of new studies have shown that neutering early may lead to health issues in giant breed dogs later in life. After researching the giant breed forums for a bit, I found that apparently the testosterone is necessary in the closing of growth plates, and that neutering early tends to lead to taller, leaner dogs, with weaker bones and smaller skulls. Whereas waiting to neuter until after sexual maturity leads to more muscular dogs with fuller skulls.

However, my vet also mentioned that behaviors linked to sexual maturity (aggression, marking, roaming, etc) may arise. If that behavior is not manageable she would recommend a neuter at that point. My question is this: If we were to notice unmanageable behaviors, would neutering at that point in time reverse or lessen the behavior--or would it be too late?

Duggie is such a sweet boy at 4 months that I would have never imagined him growing into a fearsome protector. It's just recently when we took him on a hike and were sitting down to rest that we noticed him barking protectively--or out of fear.

Thanks!

[nezza]

It sounds like you've done some research, which is always good for owners to do.
I'm a vet tech and have assisted in many surgeries. Neutering and spaying is generally done as early as 4 months.I've seen dogs and cats up to 3 years old being neutered/spayed as well although waiting that long is NOT recommended.

I suggest that you take your vets advice and neuter him when the vet thinks it's best for your dog. Every dog is different, just like people, so your vet has a better view of your dog than anyone here, because, unlike your vet, we can't see, touch, or examine Duggie.

To try and answer your question...neutering DOES usually correct aggressive behavior in a young dog. Neutering also lowers the risk of cancer later in life.

[virgilsmama]

Very interesting question and the same with the answer. Always an educating forum.

One thing, neutering is essential to stop unwanted puppies. If you are not a breeder---neuter! That is the important point, not so much the age of when. Do it at the sexual maturity time! Spread the word--Spay and Neuter!(before it is too late)

[Deerie me]

I personally wouldn't do it until he's at least a year old.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Personally, I try to wait until the dog has attained the age of 1 year for many reasons. However, if the dog starts "marking", and it becomes constant, (usually around 9 to 10 months of age) that is a good time to neuter as once the marking starts, if left too long IMHO, it become habitual and even neutering doesn't cure that.

That is most undesirable especially if one wishes to take their dog to other places where fresh scents are always present. No matter how hard one tries, the dog will mark, and that is most unwelcome. The difference of 8 to 12 weeks is rather negligible in the grand scheme of things, but "untraining" the marking instinct is virtually impossible.

I agree with Tracy in that the age of 1 year is the best! Six months is too early, as is anytime prior to that, but much after a year, and all the instincts to breed and mark seem to be well established....IMHO.

[cane corso]

My big mastiff, Angelo, was neutered very early, before 12 weeks, which is when I adopted him. I see how good his temperament is because of it. He is two years old now and still squats to pee (wonderful - because doesn't saturate objects like tires with urine). He is also extra mellow because testosterone is not flowing through his body. He doesn't "hump" anyone or anything. AND he is still a guard dog! That's from genetic instinct. My vote is: the earlier, the better.

[Deerie me]

There is evidence to suggest that early neutering causes an increased risk of dogs developing certain cancers (cardiac & bone tumours), as well as the well documented concerns over bone density in dogs neutered early which is even more of a concern with a large breed puppy.

I understand Cane Corso that the decision would have been out of your hands so you have to go with what you have.

[kurimusoda]

Well guys, thanks for the great input, but I think at this point it's a little bit out of my hands.

Ever since Duggie was 10-weeks old, we have been taking him to the nearby dog park. He's displayed absolutely no hint of aggression until the last few days. Today was the worst, when I absolutely wasn't able to get his attention (before it had been no problem at all). Today Douglas found some icky park balls as usual, but when another dog came to "help" play with it, he made a move at her and started to growl and chase after her--mouth open but not in a playful way. I think my hands are tied on this one--regardless of the unproven health benefits of waiting to neuter--this aggression is something I can't train out of him. It is possible to remove him from these types of situations and take him on solitary walks, but I think that would take away from his quality of life greatly. I'm calling his vet tomorrow to seek her official opinion, but most likely the removal his manhood will be scheduled sometime this week.

Sorry Douglas!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

It is ultimately your decision, and while people's opinion on this vary widely as you can see, the age that Douglas has attained falls somewhere in the middle range. He is about six months old, if I understand correctly and while many suggest that one try to wait that full year (at least), it isn't always possible.

Personally, I think to neuter UNDER the age of six months is not good, for all the reasons "Deerie Me" mentioned, and then some. I tried to wait until both Oliver and Henry had attained the age of one year, but Oliver started marking at 8 months, so that was it for him. Henry did much the same, only I think he was about 9 months. They both filled out nicely and continue to fill out nicely.

Talk to your Vet and learn what you can, as neutering will not be the ultimate solution to behavioural issues. You may wish to contact a trainer once he has healed, and do some one on one work with him while he is still young. Your Vet should have some answers, and some suggestions.

Best of luck to you and especially Douglas! Do keep us posted!

[kurimusoda]

Thanks Deborah, he will be 5 months next Thursday, and until he turns 6 months I was going to try and counter-condition the "sharing" situation. Tomorrow my plan is to go to the park without treat-training Douglas for the whole day so that hopefully he'll be motivated by the treats. My plan is the profusely reward him for "drop its" around other doggies, and hopefully he learns that having the ball taken from him is even BETTER than laying down and nomming on it selfishly.

Although we have worked with a professional trainer on the puppy basics, I can see that he's entering that rebellious teenage stage and we're going to really have to work hard on them in the dog park situation. I'm hoping he'll brush up on "look, come, drop it, and leave it."

Stay tuned for the updates!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

[maria.kotschessa]

Hello. We obtained a mastiff July 5th. He had been thru two homes already, the first with him being tied up outside for 9 months. Anyhow, we just got him nuetered (he is 2) the past Tuesday. I would not reccommend waiting until they are too large, because he has been in a lot of pain, and his "area" is bruised, swollen and red. The Vet said that this is because he had a large scrotum. Yesterday he spent the day vomiting, and his mood is not very good...as far as his tolerance for our other animals. It has been a rough couple of days for the boy, and I would not wish this on anyone. On the other hand, we had a King Charles mix who is 6 months old done the same day. Not one problem, very smooth process and recovery. So I really think it would be much better to do it as soon as possible, with the advice of your Vet (who hopefully is experienced with giant breeds).

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Thanks for your post Maria. I hope your boy starts to feel better soon, bless his heart. ♥

It hurts just thinking about it.

[nezza]

Maria, i do hope your pup is back to feeling better soon. It's always been our practice (at the animal hospital where i worked as a vet tech) to recommend neutering at 4 to 6 months. In all my years as a vet tech and all the animal hospitals i have been associated with...it has NEVER EVER been recommended to wait until 1 to 2 years of age....UNLESS it was somehow medically necessary for the animal. I have had the pleasure of working with two very well known veterinarians and this is what they practice and this is what they taught me. They have people come from ALL OVER the US to see them and they have been featured in many vet articles/magazines. Now, someone's OPINION on the matter may differ, however.

No one will ever waiver my stance on this.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Nezza, I think if one reads through this thread from the start, they can easily see that people have varying opinions on the matter. It really isn't necessary to be quite so emphatic with your response.

We all come to our opinions through different resources and experiences. I respect your opinion, although I do not agree with it. I most certainly would not even attempt to change your mind.

Most people will come to a conclusion based on all of the information provided, and their own personal experiences. No one will be judged for the choices they make in this regard.

Everyone can play nicely together.