The castration argument

[bella29]

I recently set up a thread asking for people's experiences of uncastrated dogs' temperaments.

While I did get some interesting and appropriate feedback, I also got oodles of people telling me all the things I had explained I already knew and wasn't looking for advice on, such as the pros and cons of castration.

So here you are, folks, your very own thread in which to enter into a heated debate about orchidectomy (oh, that's castration BTW).

Enjoy!

if that's directed at my pro's and con's reply.....

There is nothing to debate really. Unless you're dog is a show dog or successful working dog etc. where your plans are to breed him eventually in a controlled manner after all necessary hip scores etc are done, then that's a good excuse for leaving him entire.

however, leaving him entire because his temperament hasn't changed so why bother fixing something that isn't broken etc, is just irresponsible as nobody can guarantee that he won't at some point contribute to the overpopulation (and destruction of thousands of unwanted dogs and puppies every year) by getting a bitch pregnant.

It's also unfair on the dog as he will have the instinct to find mate until he is neutered even if he doesn't express it in an obvious way.

Neutered dogs are generally calmer and more relaxed. it is not cruel or unnatural at all and it also gives the dog a much better chance of having a healthy life.

It wasn't just you, Countrygirl, but I did get lots of people responding as if I fell into the latter of your two categories above, whereas my dog is actually a potentially very successful show dog whom I might one day (possibly) use to breed in a totally controlled and responsible manner.

I only wanted to know people's experiences of keeping entire dogs as family pets.

All the other stuff about cruel or unnatural was never said by me.

As for the health side and the technicalities of castrating a dog, I used to be a vet nurse so I've actually been there, assisted with it and popped the unwanted testicles into the clinical waste myself!!! I've also seen the health problems that can arise in dogs (and bitches) which aren't neutered.

Anyway, I have said all this before on the previous thread but it still didn't stop people (not just you!) banging on about the health benefits, irresponsibility of breeding in an uncontrolled manner, etc., etc., so I just thought I would give you all a place to do that.

Judging by the lack of response though nobody wants to do that!

Seems a little inflamatory to start a thrad in this manner just becair (it would seem) you didn't like the responses on a previous thread?
If you are interested I agree wholeheartedly with countrygirl....

Didn't have a problem with the responses on the previous thread, at least not those that answered the question I actually asked.

FWIW, this was meant as a tongue in cheek way of inviting people who (quite rightly) hold strong opinions on this subject to discuss it.

Will remember never to bring up the subject of castration ever again...