When to neuter?

[UpWithPup]

Dpup is 18 weeks, a small breed. He is going to be neutered, that has been decided. What is less certain is when. I've read a lot on the internet and opinions seem to vary massively. Does anyone have any advice? Thoughts? Anything I should look at?

TIA

I thought it was over a year old for smaller dogs to let them grow first. That's what I was thinking of doing with my pup. Hope that's right.

itsgoingtoreindeer do you know if there's a rule of thumb for that ie heavier dogs need it sooner?

I think it's supposed to be better to leave larger breeds as long as possible to allow them to grow to full size before removing their supply of testosterone. We've got a lab and the advice is 18 months to 2 years unless sexualised behaviour (humping other dogs, running after in season bitches) becomes to much to handle!

Thanks Aleto that's what Id understood, but I'm expecting him to be fully grown before 12 months and the vet suggested 12-18 months before snip snip.

The bigger the dog I think the longer it's recommend to wait this is due to the fact that early neutering can cause the growth plates to stay open longer resulting in longer legged dogs and can cause abnormal bone growth.
My vet recommend I neuter my small Chihuahua cross Jrt at 10 months as he had finished growing and was already cooking his leg and marking. Would have waited till he was a year but had an intact female at home and didn't want a unplanned litter.

Vet recommended 6months because that's what the animal charities suggest! I'm going for 2 years because while the jury is still out on the pros and cons I'd rather do it later than sooner.

Gosh its such a minefield.