A question about dogs (of the male variety)

[LesserSpottedNeckSnake]

I have two dogs. One is 2.2 yrs old, and one is 7 months old. They are both dudes. The elder dog was neutered at 6 months, the pup is yet to be done (but will be done). At the moment, the pup defers to the older dog in most matters, eg gives up toys, lets him eat first, moves if older dog wants to lay in a certain spot etc. No agro, they rub along together really well, but there is a definite structure to their relationship. Now, I am getting the pup neutered, but say I didn't: would that upset the status quo? Would an entire male automatically take over the privileges that my neutered boy seems to have? Or is it much more personality dependent? I admit that one of the reasons I will be neutering the pup soon is because I'm worried about anything kicking off when his balls eventually drop.

I have a 3yo black lab who is entire and a 18m GSD who is neutered. The GSD has been the boss from the get-go and neutering made no difference.

I would say it is all personality based. I had an 11 yr old and a young pup, both males, the older one was always dominant from day 1, there were a couple of challenges from the pup. I think it depends on the dogs.

Huh. Interesting. My pup is much more confident than my older dog. I regret having my older boy neutered so young, tbh, as he's a nervous chap and a behaviourist suggested that neutering can make that temperament worse. Another reason I'm having to pluck up the courage to send the little chap for his bollockectomy.

That's why my lab still has a full set Lesser - the vet recommended that as he can sometimes be a bit nervy he hang on to them.

GSD only had one descended, so there was no choice in the matter, although I probably would have gone ahead with it anyway.

Again though I still think that the nerves thing is personality based too, but if it is neutering maybe makes it worse?

Mine was neutered at 7 months and at 14 months is the same overconfident enthusiastic chap he always was. He is a small breed though if that matters at all. I believe they stop growing earlier?

Yes, the pup is a small cross breed (only 5kg at nearly 7 months). I think I'll bite the bullet and get him neutered in the next few weeks.