Opinions on Desexing?

Heya everyone!

A month or so back when Rock was attending puppy training the discussion of desexing the male dogs came up in the group discussion.

The trainer suggested it be done around 12 months. Trainer had mentioned it reduces health problems, and not stressed that it does not change the personality of the dog. My OH is completely against it, he has the desire to breed Rocky, for what reason I am unsure of. Where as I am all for it, and not wanting to breed Rocky as I don't see the point in it, he is just our family pet, who is a big part of the family.

What is your opinion on this?

I will not and do not routinely neuter my dogs, they only will if a medical condition needs it

There are many many more health benefits to keeping dogs entire, and there is no unnecessary risk of the GA

If it's ain't broke don't fix it!

heres a good link for you:

https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/t12762-long-term-health-risks-and-benefits-associated-with-spay-neuter-in-dogs

Thank you so much Ella Will definitely check this out! Always great to hear other peoples opinions on this matter, as I was set in stone once the vet and trainer told us it was best!

vets, trainers anyone like that will ALWAYS tell you to neuter, no 2 ways about it!

They also forget to tell you the risks of neutering and the pros of keeping them entire!

Wow! That never crossed my mind about the pro's of the matter, and also the risk of going ahead with it Read through that post and it is extremely interesting to see the pro's and cons definitely having a big second though about the process Once again, thank you so much!!

Whatever you decide it's always best to do some research and do so with an informed mind

I have had lexi spayed cause i was afraid of theives using her as a breeding machine (she has been stolen in the past, hence my worry about theives) (it might sound awful but if she was going to be stolen and used for horrible things i would rather it be over fast not years of prolonged suffering)

If i had not got through that, no i wouldn't have spayed her.

It is totally a personal choice. Both my girls have been done, and any future dog/bitch would be also.

Totally your choice Xx

As Janey has said above, it really is totally up to you.

Read both the information for and against and make yourself aware of the unwritten information (in Australia for example, the higher price of registration, the availability of care for an entire dog (if you need it and you choose not to use kennels) and the higher rates of theft of entire bull breed dogs) and consider your options from there ..... your dog and your lifestyle may mean that your choices will be different to others, and that is fine

In regards to the breeding, there is a huge amount to consider before breeding any dog. My personal opinion is that unless the dog and bitch are registered and breeding will produce a high standard of SBT puppy, breeding should not be done ..... there are far too many dogs out there who end up in pounds etc for us to add to the population for any other reason. Again though, this is my personal opinion and others will have theirs

I forgot to add that breeding has no interest with me.

I ONLY keep my dogs entire due to the health benefits not because i might want to breed sometime

Really is up to you, that article that you have read is excellent. As long as you are aware of the pro's and cons going into it, it's your choice.

Unfortunately one of Otis' testicles haven't dropped so it's on the cards for him but we are going to leave it so he can mature and develop properly before we have him done. We are thinking between 12-18 months.

It really is a personal decision, I have neutered Daisy and probably would again.

ella wrote:I will not and do not routinely neuter my dogs, they only will if a medical condition needs it

There are many many more health benefits to keeping dogs entire, and there is no unnecessary risk of the GA

If it's ain't broke don't fix it!

Same here. I don't neuter for me, there are far more cons than pros.

However, if you're going to do it, wait until your dog is fully mature, mentally & physically; about 18 months-2 years old minimum.

Please try to persuade your oh not to breed. For a start there are a few genetic problems that Staffords can suffer from & you would need to have DNA tests done to ensure that both your dog & any bitch he is mated to don't have them! Plus, you should only breed for the 'betterment of the breed': ie both dog & bitch should be excepional examples of the breed. Also, you would need to ensure that a) you have thoroughly researched any homes the pups go to to make sure that they are good, forever homes and b) you woul be willing and able to take back any pup (whatever the age) that needs to be rehomed if the new owners cannot look after them any more.

It's an absolute minefield & should be left to the professionals.

If we decide to not neuter, we definitely will not be breeding and that is the biggest no no for me. Im not being selfish but I don't want the responsibility of pups or any worry of 'backyard breeding' Its just not for me.

I will definitely do lots of research and keep an open mind. Thank you for your advice everyone, much appreciated!