Do i neuter or not?

Here is my 8 month old Alfie, i was told by the vet that he is fully grown now. I was wondering what age do male staffys fill out ? Will getting him neutered affect his growth and muscle? Will it make him mellow out abit more ?

It's really down the personal choice, I would probably wait a while though until he's more matured? Gorgeous boy by the way   

Wow he is gorgeous!
We were told by the vet to take Bane in at 6 months and we were going to as we thought that was the thing to do. But after reading about it on here we have no plans to do it anytime soon. It is completely down to you.
I think they start to fill out around 2/3 years and neutering can affect their growth and behaviour, but not always in the same ways.

I waited a year for marleys growth to stabalise and his hormones to kick in. The hormone/testosterone kick to the system is what is said to trigger other phases of growth like the plates closing and the start of bulking. But never beleive that every thing you read on the internet is gospel... I personaly know 3 very healthy 30plus kg dogs that lost there nads at 8 months. There is alot of "research" that focuses on a very small minority of dogs which selectively mentions symptoms but doesnt mention which breed it was carried out on and thus ignoring breed traits from the facts. Its only when you read scientific papers that disect the research that you realise what a crock of guff scaremongering has been going on. My only counter is do not neuter a nervouse dog as you will cause more problems. Done right and and the right time for the right symptoms neutering can help. It did with my boy who was tearing holes is fences, escaping and taking himself off the the park to chase the squirrels. ..he hasnt done it since his nads came off, hes now 25kg of pure lean muscle, pulls like a steam train and is in great shape/proportion.

Thank you very much for your replies. I think for now i will leave him un-neutered. If he starts acting up i shall rethink it.

Mine was neutered when I got him - I think the rescue centre did it when he came in: so he was a year and a half old.

I am relieved that he is neutered as there are so many dogs in the park and so "accident" likely to happen

My dog is v muscly and lean - he looks like a gym buff on steroids. I have been asked why he is not fat, as some staffies get a bit plump but I think it must be down to genes, raw diet an hour off lead every day.

Hope that helps

My garden gate leads onto a big park, and i do let him off the lead alot. He is my first male dog, so i have no idea what to expect.

If you decide to not neuter then please remember to keep him on lead - if a bitch is in season they are tarts lol, and a male will beeline for them! Always had my girls done and always will for this reason as a male off lead nearly got to her when she was on lead. Don't fancy adding to the staff population Xx

Looks like il have to keep him in an enclosed area when hes off the lead away from other dogs. There is no way i can keep up with him if he runs for a female, plus with furr like velvet he just slips through my hands haha.

Or just neuter so accidents don't happen. I only rescue so very much pro neutering, if you don't and a lot don't, be extra vigilant.

Never had Vin done but if I had decided to then wouldn't have done it til around 18/24 months of age. Nothing to say he will play up Vin licks rather a lot and has his "humping" moments with his bed! As Janey says you just have to be aware and careful, Vin is very secure in the garden and when out off lead but always my eyes are aware to any dog approaching then he is always put on lead xx

I had a terrible experience when Moo was in season and I was walking her on lead and a male dog latched on to her trying to mount her, owner not in sight and she wanted it as well, fortunately a park warden clocked what was happening, put me and Moo in the van and eventually found the owner of he male dog who hadn't a clue where his boy had gone. If Moo was off lead then wow,,,lets add to the population of dogs.

If your not gonna neuter, keep them on lead.

Awful for you and Moo Janey but Vin is on lead majority of the time x

Vin and Moo got on rather well

Just for people that don't want to do the op, just be aware of how easily it can happen, Moo would have been done before I got her but came into season the day of the op so had to wait a few months. If I didn't realise what was going on then I may may have had one pregnant bitch! Un planned with no homes!

Usually rescues don't rehome without commitment from owner for neutering or spaying. I have to agree with Janey - my dog is v v v happy and wonderful but any Rupert sprogs... Well there are so many dogs being put to sleep because no one wants them... I do not want to add to that. But I didn't have to make the decision and I can imagine it is hard and can make you feel v guilty if you go for it

janey wrote:Vin and Moo got on rather well

Just for people that don't want to do the op, just be aware of how easily it can happen, Moo would have been done before I got her but came into season the day of the op so had to wait a few months. If I didn't realise what was going on then I may may have had one pregnant bitch! Un planned with no homes!

Absolutely right Janey we all must be aware and responsible so no more poor babies in rescue centres   

I am planning on getting Alfie neutered when he is around 18 months. I put him on the lead straight away anyway as soon as i see a dog because most dogs dont appreciate how lively he can be. Does anybody know if its true about dogs calming down when neutered?

It can make a difference but training is your key to this Xx

He doesnt seem to listen to me when he plays over the top, but will listen to males in the house ( my stepdad and brothers ) He is my dog an spends most his time with me ( even sleeps in my bed ) im just hoping he gets less hypo. I took him to a dog trainer as a puppy, but stopped because it was too expensive and all he was learning was tricks.

Outside the house he listens to everything i say and is very well behaved. All he cares about is his frizbe

That is kinda the key, what mental stimulation do you do with him at the moment? Xx

I take him everywhere with me , when i can. He plays frizbe in the park twice a day and plays with our other dog in and out the house. He has access to our back garden all day too. Its just now and again he will try and play fight with me an still uses his mouth (gently) And no matter what i do he carries on untill i lock him in the kitchen for awhile.