Corgi Forums

MyPemCharlie · **Development & Neutering -** 10-05-2007, 02:52 PM

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

Michael Romanos · 10-05-2007, 04:33 PM

I have never had the need or been inclined to neuter/spay any of the Corgis I have owned

Louwants · 10-06-2007, 07:44 AM

Duncan wasn't neutered until his testicles had dropped, around 5 months of age at the latest. That is when my vet told me to wait. And he is a bruiser, about 38 pounds of sheer muscle and power (and a little fat). He definitely is not a little prissy thing. So, ask your vet about that.......

fogebotom · 10-06-2007, 03:28 PM

There are many studies out there on pediatric altering in dogs. I can't put my finger on one right now-computer is running slow. But first hand obeservation of a few dogs that have been done, does show that they can be slightly leggier and lighter in bone, then their counterparts who are altered at a later date.

As far as never altering a dog, many people don't and even if you are a responsible owner, oop's can happen. I personally unless the dog is a valuable breeding AND show animal, will alter. It also means that my altered girls don't have to worry about missing performance trials or therapy dog visits when they might be in season.

Cindy and the crew at Foggy Bottom

pmavrich · 10-10-2007, 08:35 AM

Chris - we got Miller neutered as early as possible. And he never matured like Molsen did (we got Molsen neutered at 2 yrs) He still has that high pitch puppy bark, and more of a puppy face, and more slender features. I think waiting until the dog reaches maturity is a good idea. With Molsen, he hit maturity at 18 months. You can get it done earlier, but I would bot get it done supper early.

Cheetah · 10-10-2007, 08:40 PM

I waited until Shippo was 9 months old before neutering, so he was able to develop a bit more. But he DID get neutered. The US is too overpopulated for him not to be neutered lol...

Peggy · 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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!

My opinion is if he's undersize now he's just going to be a small dog.

I've had dogs neutered from age 4 mos. to 10 years. And to be honest with you I've not seen any difference in leg length, masculinity or anything along those lines. I think it's more genetics than anything. If your dog is going to be refined, then he's going to be refined and waiting to neuter isn't going to help.

Also, from what I've read about the studies on pediatric neutering the difference in leg length is so small that you would not notice without the study. So IMO, a leggy corgi is a leggy corgi and would be that way with or without neutering.

IMO, there is no reason to wait beyond the age of 6 mos. for pet dogs.

Peggy

MyPemCharlie · 10-16-2007, 05:32 PM

<The US is too overpopulated for him not to be neutered lol...>

I agree! I spent several years volunteering with SPCA, so spaying and neutering is definitely something I'm adamant (sp?) about.

The vet did say that he would get a bit more of his masculine features if I wait, and that he thought the only downside to waiting was that a lot of times older dogs have to wear a collar while recovering or they tend to chew out the stitches more.

HemiBee · 10-17-2007, 04:42 AM

hmm hemi is scheduled to get neutered on the first of Nov as well.. And I'm thinking of taking Cooper to get neutered when he's of age.. but i'm kind of thinking of waiting until he's more mature.. Hemi is over a year old now.. so I think he's good to get snipped.. but Coop has this hanging dew claw on one of his hind legs that's loose and I want that removed.. maybe I'll have it removed earlier and then neutered later?

fogebotom · 10-17-2007, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HemiBee

hmm hemi is scheduled to get neutered on the first of Nov as well.. And I'm thinking of taking Cooper to get neutered when he's of age.. but i'm kind of thinking of waiting until he's more mature.. Hemi is over a year old now.. so I think he's good to get snipped.. but Coop has this hanging dew claw on one of his hind legs that's loose and I want that removed.. maybe I'll have it removed earlier and then neutered later?

As far as the dewclaw--the best way to have it removed on an older dog/pup is to go to a vet that uses a laser. I had to have a dewclaw removed on a pup I had flown from the west coast. She was 4 mos old and it regrew. Very quick and easy, similar to cat declaw procedures. We also had two boys that came from Finland done that same way.

I also suggest neutering between 5 and 7 mos of age. They are mature enough at that time and usually have done the majority of their major growth. Believe me, as soon as they get one sniff of a girl, the hormones start raging. Nicky is 6 mos old and well, he would be a serious neuter candidate if he wasn't going to a show home soon.

Cindy and the crew

Chip's Mom · 10-17-2007, 06:48 PM

My two were both neutered at 6 months of age. Dale was on the small side and I changed his dog food from Natures Recipe to Eagle Pack Holistic and he caught up to the weight he should have been for his age.

MyPemCharlie · 10-18-2007, 12:42 PM

I'm going to wait a while for the neutering, at least until he's 6 or 8 months, maybe longer. I'll just see how his weight goes.

We get his last round of puppy shots on Nov 1. I'm so excited, because I plan to start taking him out walking around the neighborhood and in public stores that allow dogs. Also we'll be joining a local doggie meet-up group at off-leash parks around town, and looking for a good basic obedience class. I've kept him at home just not to take any chance of him getting exposed to Parvo. Definitely time for more socialization!

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