Neutering Question

[Murphyab]

Looking for advice or input on getting my eight month old male Rottie neutered.

I read somewhere that Rotties are prone to some type of cancer if neutered too early. I had initially planned on having him neutered at 18 months as this was what was recommended in the article I had read. I am now thinking of having him neutered sooner. Is it too early to neuter at 8 months?

A trainer had told me that if I was not planning on keeping him intact that he could be neutered anytime now.

What are your thoughts?

[Murphyab]

I should mention that he shows no signs of aggression. He is a happy, healthy boy. I got him at eight weeks and we have been in kindergarten/puppy training classes and several novice obedience classses. I have made a point of socializing the crap out of him. I live on an acreage, but take him into the city every Friday for our day out. We walk through parks, malls, stores, over grates, visit people, meet strangers. He has been exposed to innumerable situations and people. He is very bright and works very hard, always wanting to please. He is well mannered and displays no dog aggression. He has begun to challenge a bit, I think due to him feeling his oats. The trainer had said if I was going to leave him intact that I should be aware of the possibility of how intact males can change overnight, i.e. challenging, more protective (not aggressive), pushy.

So......how many of you have noticed this. If I leave him intact til 18 months what should I be looking for in the way of possible problems?

[hokisteph5]

I think you've read about the school of thought that a dog's chances of developing osteosarcoma are reduced if spaying/neutering is delayed. To answer your question, though - no, it's not too early to neuter at 8 months. Some prefer to do it earlier and some prefer to wait. If you do a search of the forum on something like "early neutering" you'll probably find more than enough info to make the decision you're most comfortable with.