castration yes or no

[LIBRAGIRL]

HI There our vets have advised us to have Leo castrated if we arnt going to use him a a stud which we arnt being my first gsd im not sure? at the gsd training club we have joined last week they say No!! vets say later in life health probs testicle cancer im confused being my first gsd i would like some advice opinions would be Welcome Thank You

[jesterjenn]

I personally spey and neuter my pets as a matter of course.

I had Harley castrated at 12 months as per his adoption agreement, but if he were mine from a breeder say, I would have waited until he was mature in body and mind before he was snipped.

[Stuart]

Being involved in Rescue, I would always recommend spaying/neuturing, if you are not going to breed then why run the risk of an accident,..and or, all the little problems that go along with entire dogs.

[LucyA]

I see the pro's and con's.
We had always said we wouldn't castrate Blitz but here we are less than a year later ready to book him in.
If you have a pup then you have time, it is not as pressing for a dog as it is for a bitch IMO.
I wouldn't castrate younger than 1 year old, although I'd spay a bitch sooner.
My advice is research, research, research, take your time, know your dog and make an educated decision based on your own opinions.
Vets tend to always advise castration at 6 months regardless of breed, GSDs as you know are a large and slow growing breed and this makes a lot of owners feel it is best to wait a little longer.
Good luck - I can't say it's been an easy decision for us to make.

[jc24965]

Definitely getting my little man done when the time comes. I am not interested in breeding and I wouldn't want any accidents to happen with any local lady dogs - and I don't think I want a dog that might start humping the cushions. lol.

[Caryll]

I would always wait for maturity. For a GSD male that's around 2 years old, I'd say,and for a bitch that's after her 2nd season.

Yes, there's a chance of testicular cancer, but what about everything else that's associated with neutering?

Stan Rawlinson explains the dangers of Spaying and Castration (Neutering) young Dogs and...
Stan Rawlinson Neutering (Spaying & Castration) Dogs and Suprelorin

[Stuart]

I had Sam done at 1 year old,..which was part of the rescue contract anyway

[Caryll]

Originally Posted by Stuart

I had Sam done at 1 year old,..which was part of the rescue contract anyway

It's different when you rescue - you have to abide by their rules & any contract you enter into.

[LOVEGSD]

I have both mine neutered and would do this in the future with any others, I didnt get Diesel done until he was 2 though.

[LIBRAGIRL]

Well Thank You for your replies i will wait for a while then decide