Castration age for lab

[Choccydoodle]

Confused ! The advice out there seems so conflicting
Breeder says 8-10 months vets vague on anytime after 6 months and others say leave as long as you can
Does it change then much or have any negative impact on their personality / size etc

[OverFedStanley]

Leave until fully grown so absolutely minimum age is 18 months I would wait until at. least 2 for a lab.

Loads and loads of health benefits in leaving castration until full grown from preventing cruciate ligament injuries to bone growth .

The only behavioural difference in castrating a dog is scent marking - this has now been proven on many recent scientific studies.

Personally I wish vets would do vasectomies rather than castration - some are beginning to do this in preference but not many.

[adaline]

18 months minimum - early castration can lead to future joint problems.

[Pipandmum]

My breeder castrated my dog (Australian labradoodle - about Labrador size) before I collected him (at about 9 weeks so she had done it at 7). I was totally shocked and the vet was surprised. My dog is fine though (now 10 years) no issues whatsoever.

[Hoppinggreen]

Our Goldie was done at 14 months

[MsAdorabelleDearheartVonLipwig]

Bit surprised at the breeder advocating 8-10 months.

[MyGuideJools]

We have a Lab pup and our vet told us 8 years too. I don't know what to think to be honest. He's our first pup so I've no idea

[Choccydoodle]

I took a second opinion and bring a london dog who mixes with many we’re going for it. Any time after 6 months was advised by vet. Ours is now mounting bitches and I’m afraid he’ll smell a bitch on heat and leg it which could mean across busy roads. If I was in the countryside I might reconsider

[MyGuideJools]

*8 months not years!

[OverFedStanley]

Interestingly the humping behaviour is adolescent behaviour and may not stop after castration - just something to think about.

[MattMagnolia]

Why do you want him castrated? Unless he has serious medical or behaviour problems there’s no need to neuter a male dog.

[adaline]

Why do you want him castrated? Unless he has serious medical or behaviour problems there’s no need to neuter a male dog.

Lots of daycares, walkers and kennels won't take entire male dogs.

[MsAdorabelleDearheartVonLipwig]

I’ve never had a problem getting my entire dog into kennels. Not a valid reason to put a dog through an unnecessary surgical procedure. Find another kennels.

[Slicedpineapple]

Is he specifically humping bitches or also male dogs? Humping can often be attributed to over stimulation e.g. being over excited.

With a lab personally I'd say 18 months.

[Foxmuffin]

My dog was 7 months.
We relied on dog walkers and daycare whilst we were at work so needed doing sooner rather than later.
Given vets spend years and years studying animal medicine, unlike your average mumsnetter, I’d be inclined to take their advice

[MsAdorabelleDearheartVonLipwig]

I’d be inclined to get a second opinion. I’ve never heard a vet or breeder suggest getting a lab neutered so early.

[Sinuhe]

Best time to castrate.... NEVER! (Unless for medical reasons / treatment.)
I think it's shocking that so many people willingly mutilate their pets. What is the actual benefit?