Neutering Stunt growth????

My husband is having serious doubts about having our little man neutered. He has recently been told that neutering may stunt growth. I am not sure of this fact and I would really like to see Diesel neutered. We do not plan on breeding, therefor I think this is a responsible idea. Has anyone every seen or heard of this? My husband is very concerned, I on the other hand don't really mind if his growth is stunted as I will love him just the same.

[Nancy Estes]

You can do a "Search" on neutering - there have been quite a few threads about this. It all depends on at what age you have it done. It doesn't stunt their grown so much as they usually grow slightly differently - quite often longer-legged. I've compared it before to the difference in appearance between a bull and a steer. I've had several adult male dogs neutered and, of course, by then (4+ years) it has no effect on growth or behavior. For pet males (ones I've placed) I usually recommend they wait until they're about a year old and the hormones have kicked in. They still most likely won't have reached their full growth by then but it's not going to "stunt" them. In my opinion it is a lot easier to live with a pet male if he's neutered. (I know some people don't agree with this .)

Nancy

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von Dorow Rottweilers
doggo1@apex2000.net

[AngelBunny]

What your husband heard wasn't correct--neutering won't "stunt" growth. If anything, when it's done early, the dog will grow up somewhat leggy.

I'm all for neutering & spaying of dogs that are pets. I'm involved in rescue & know first hand about the tide of very nice dogs in desperate need of loving homes.

Wait til your guys is about 18 mo & then neuter him. By waiting, you'll give him ample opportunity to fill out & become as male looking as his genes dictate.

[vannest]

Could neutering a female at 6 mos make her leggy? Bessie is now 2 and if those legs don't stop growing, I'm changing her name to Betty--as in Grable.

--pam

[Trish]

The Beavers:
Its a 'guy' think, about the neutering. there are several views on this topic. Some believe wait until the pup is at least a year old before neutering. some will say do it as early as possible. It really depends on the dog and your reasons for neutering.
As far as stunting the growth, I dont see how neutering could cause that. I can however see a lack of masculenity, when neutered too early, from lack of hormonal stimulation. Me personally, I prefer to wait until the male is at least 12-18 months before neutering.


Pam:

I dont think the spaying causes the dogs to become 'Leggy'. It would really depend on the genetics of the individual dog.

I have my Schatzie spayed at 6 months too. She is not leggy at all, nor has she been stunted, or lacks filling out. She has shaped out to a nice 85 lb. lean muscular girl. Just turned a year old Sept. 15th.

I think it really depends on the individual dog.

trish