Neutering question

[Carolyn Northover]

My pup is going to be six months June 1, and I am wondering of the benefits vs problems of neutering. I read somewhere that you should not neuter golden retrievers and that it is not necessary. Since our dog is half golden retriever and I don't want to do any thing that will harm him. I want to be a responsible pet owner and do not intend on breeding him but I want to do what's best for him. Right now his behaviour is still puppyish, so I don't know what to expect if I neuter or not with reference to his general health.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

We've had many discussions here about this. IMO, it is absolutely necessary to neuter or spay every dog who is not being used for breeding, and the question is not if you should do it but rather when you should do it. The benefits when done at the proper age far outweigh the risks, for all breeds. The general consensus in the veterinary community is that it's best to wait until the dog's skeletal growth is complete, which for most standard doodles is around one year old. Your vet should certainly be able to guide you on that. 

All reputable breeders also have a clause in their purchase contracts stating that the dog must be spayed/neutered by a certain age. If your vet disagrees with the age specified, a good breeder will usually extend the time frame. 

[Melissa]

This is such a controversial topic, so I can see why you are confused. Some say no, it's not healthy, others say yes, definitely.  I am on the YES side for castrating your pet. Although some vets will neuter dogs very young, some will tell you to wait until they are more mature in order for their joints / bone structure to grow properly.  For my 90 lbs Black Lab, I waited until he started showing signs of sexual maturity: marking the house by lifting his leg to pee!! He was about a year old.  The benefits, in  my opinion, out weigh the negatives when it comes to castrating.  The dog will not want to roam (looking for bitches in heat), they tend to 'mellow' out slightly, are more loyal, and in most cases less dominate (depends on individual dog).  I have a female Goldendoodle and had her spayed at 6 months of age - best to do the spay before their first heat cycle, as it is said to cut down the chance of cancer buy a lot!    If you are unsure of what to do, I strongly suggest that you speak to your vet and have them help you with your decision.   :-) 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

In terms of health benefits, 80% of all intact male dogs develop an enlarged prostate by the age of 5. Neutering reduces the risk of prostate disorders and problems as well as the risk of prostate cancer. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I would neuter. Discuss with your vet the age he/she feels is appropriate.   Whatever you read somewhere can't be accurate - think about it.  Why should goldens not be neutered as opposed to other dogs?  What is inherently different about them? ..... Nothing

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I think it's because the 2013 UC Davis study that was done on early neutering in dogs involved Golden Retrievers, so maybe some people got the idea it only applied to that breed. You know how misinformation travels on the internet, lol. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thanks, Karen.  Now I understand how the results could be misinterpreted. I was wracking my brain trying to figure out how goldens differed from other dogs in that regard. LOL