[MyPemCharlie]

When I had Charlie at the vet on Monday, we talked about neutering. The vet said I could have Charlie neutered Nov 1st when I take him in for his last round of puppy shots. I mentioned Charlie's small size compared to the breed average, and that I might want to wait on neutering.

Male puppies will develop more masculine features if allowed to keep their testosterone through much of adolesence. They can be smaller and have more delicate, feminine features if neutered at the earliest possible age.

Since Charlie appears to be small, only 10 lbs at 15 1/2 weeks, I'm considering waiting on neutering so he might "bulk up" a bit and look more masculine when he's an adult.

What are people's opinions on pro's and con's of neutering early vs waiting. Also if you were to wait so that the dog's features develop, at what age do you think is appropriate? i.e. What age do they fully develop adult features when unneutered?

He is supervised 100% of the time when we are outside, so there is no possibility I'd let him produce an unexpected litter. Also, if he becomes very aggressive in adolesence (which I don't expect), then all bets are off and he'll be neutered sooner than later.

Thanks much for opinions!

Chris & Charlie