Did I make a huge mistake about Neutering??

Hi! I recently Neutered Staffordshire Bull Terrier at 9 months. Have I made a mistake and should have waited a year or 18 months before doing so??

Hi & welcome.

Personally, yes, I think you made a mistake. But what's done is done so don't stress yourself about it!

Can I ask why this is a mistake? I’m waiting until my dog has her first season then will be getting neautered, this is the advice of the vet.

Because people have told me I should have waited until at least 12 months to 18 months.

Dogs (both male and female) need their hormones to mature, mentally and physically. Taking away those hormones at an early age can lead to nervousness, poor coat condition and an increased risk of certain cancers (bone cancer & prostate cancer being two of them). Plus, early neutering can often lead to urinary tract infections and urinary incontinence.

The general rule for a large dog is two/three years old. Small dogs seem to mature much earlier, so 18 months would probably be fine for, say, a Yorkie.