Genuine question about castration

[YoureAllABunchOfBastards]

I am not trying to be a goady fucker - this is a genuine question

In the last few weeks I have seen several intact dogs who, quite frankly, seem to have balls that are too big for their body. Different breeds - bulldog, saluki, terrier - all of whom seemed to be waddling along with gigantic knackers. Isn't it uncomfortable? Are they intact for breeding, or just because owners don't castrate?

[BiteyShark]

I wonder if it's just that you are not used to seeing intact dogs given that it used to be common to castrate around 6 months of age. Before BiteyDog was castrated they were very pronounced

Are they intact for breeding, or just because owners don't castrate? The new research suggests that castrating may impact growth and behaviour which of course puts some people of doing so even if they have no intention of breeding.

[Walney]

I wonder the same thing about it being uncomfortable as some of them are huge!

[Walney]

Having spoken to owners, most aren't going to breed but have concerns about castrating over worries about growth and effect on the dog.

Personally I don't buy this as a reason not to, having always neutered boys at 6 months as standard and had no issues, and discussions with vets. It upsets me that dogs are left intact for no reason, but as long as owners do their research rather than reading scare stories then that's fine.

[YoureAllABunchOfBastards]

Maybe it is that I'm not used to it.

BastardPup had his nads off earlier this year. He had started humping the children's' legs, and one of the conditions for daycare is that he is neutered.

The poor bloody saluki though - I swear he was carrying half his body weight

[BiteyShark]

I know what you mean about them looking to big for their body. Honestly before BiteyDog was done he would lie on his back with his legs in the air and all you could see was his massive balls.

[WatcherOfTheNight]

I've 3 males,all intact.
When we got our lab the most up to date research said it wasn't recommended to castrate certain breeds at an early age as it affects development & would also cause issues with joints when older .
More recent research says the same & also there is evidence of it being beneficial not to castrate at all.

[GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman]

Yep, mature dogs with their nads attached look extremely, well, ballsy.

Has anyone looked at a bull lately?

[adaline]

The latest research suggests that castrating too early is bad for the joints. It also suggests that waiting until they're fully grown is better for them emotionally too.

Ours is 18 months and getting his removed in a couple of weeks - they do look big and he does swagger a bit but I think that's normal - we're just not really used to it.

[Walney]

Ultimately it is up to you as an owner as to what is best for you. I have simply never had any of these supposed issues with affecting growth in any of the dogs we've had and it's always been beneficial in terms of improving the dogs quality of life.

[AwkwardPaws27]

I've seen a few older dogs recently with big, hanging bollocks - they, ahem, sag and are more noticeable (and also at risk of prostate cancer, poor things).
Some people choose to have fake testicular implants when their dog is neutered in the mistaken belief that this will boost their dog's ego.

[WatcherOfTheNight]

If you are interested @YoureAllABunchOfBastards ,this a good piece ,with references,it also has quite a bit about behavioural issues that are now thought to be related to neutering far to early .

https://www.doglistener.co.uk/medical/neuter.shtml]