Spay or Neuter is 8 weeks to early?!

[Laura]

we are looking into breeders to buy a labradoodle. Some of the puppies come spay or neutered. The research I have done some say it's way too young...Anyone have thoughts on this? Thanks 

[Amy and Annabelle]

I'm so glad my vet at the time I got Annabelle refused to spay her before 6 months, 12 months for larger breed dogs. My breeder said to have her spayed before 6 months, in the contract. I knew nothing about the possible side effects of ESN at the time. I was only thinking I wanted to get it done before her first heat, not realizing that it could cause her harm in the future. I think the risk is too high to have it done that early. Sure some dogs breeze right through life with no problems. But then there are those who don't. 

[Sherry Zinn]

There have been a few short studies but no study that has any hard and fast proof. The studies done were more relevant for larger breed dogs. I neuter smaller breeds 6 months and spay at 10 months, except for my Great Danes they are still growing until 2. You have to do your own research and follow your heart. I have been blessed to have only lost two dogs to cancer, one at 16.5 and the other at 11. At those ages for the breed they were, they had a long healthy life.

[Leah Gannon]

My vet recommended doing it around 6 months

[LORRY SWETLAND]

I did a lot of research and talking to different VETS the information that I agreed with was ----if your dog will be 50 lbs or less at full maturity don't spay or neuter until a yr old. If your dog will be over 50 lbs at full maturity wait until they are 2 yrs old. I have a 2 yr old doodle who was neutered at 22 months old. He was and is 95 lbs now. He is very long legged and got all the hormones needed for good bone and ligament strength he needed. Also my vet calculated how much dog food and treats he could have a day to maintain his 95 lbs and not gain anymore since neutering can make them gain a little extra weight. Since he is so long legged it is best to keep him at this weight to avoid stress on his joints. By the way neutering doesn't calm them down....Only age and training keeps them calm.