Can't adopt rescue as our dog isn't neutered

[Shakirasma]

We would love to get a second dog but a local rescue centre have told that th want rehome to us as our 7 year old dog is intact, this is in spite of the fact that any rescue dog would have been spayed/neutered.

Whilst I respect their policy I can't help wondering what I'm missing? Is this a common policy? And if so, why? I could easily buy a puppy no questions but I'd rather give a rescue dog a home, and I don't want to cause an unforeseen problem.

So I'd be grateful if somebody could explain why. Thank you.

Because if you are irresponsible in one area of a dog's life you are likely to be irresponsible in others.

By having a dog who isn't neutered you are part of the problem. The rescue is about the solution. That's why.

That's one heck of an assumption Bertrand, considering you know nothing about my dog, my circumstances, or who gave the advice not to neuter him despite it being my original intention.

You asked for an explanation why and people are answering your question.

I think it is more that an 'intact' dog is more likely to be aggressive to another dog as he will want to be the pack leader

As a veterinary professional who has one entire dog (and 2 spayed) due to studies showing benefits of not neutering male dogs I find the above comments disrespectful and ignorant.
However I do understand the rescues policy as are so many unwanted dogs.
So I am kind of on the fence with this one.

Is he a very nervous dog? I know that sometimes it's suggested that neutering very edgy, insecure male dogs can make them worse as they lose their testosterone. Would he cope with another dog in his space?

If your dog cannot be done for medical reasons you should explain this, they may take exception. However its quite obvious why this is policy! It's to try to reduce the number of pups you can buy, no questions asked..

A veterinary professional?? Please post those studies! I'd love to read as this is total rubbish and definitely not what any vet I know would agree with!
Neuter your dog, testicular cancer/prostrate problems/behavioural problems... really!

Cherry, he was when we first had him, hence we enlisted the support of a behaviourist who was the first professional to advise against neutering. We worked very hard on his issues and he evolved into a brilliant dog who I think would be fine with a companion.

A few years later I was pondering whether to get is done for health reason and my vet was pretty much of the opinion that there are pros and cons health wise, and that at the age of 5, with no unwanted testosterone related behaviours it wasn't something he'd push for and would leave it be in his opinion.

Does that really make me irresponsible? Despite him being a kc reg working breed with an impressive field and trial pedigree we have never considered breeding from him and as responsible owners he's never had the chance to try.

dottydee how rude you are. My dog certainly has no behaviour problems and is a PAT certified dog, kennel club gold and grade 5 agility!

Many studies show increase risks of behavoioural problems in early neutered male dogs in fact.

Furthermore prostate and testicular problems are far easier to treat than other cancers that have increased risks with early neutering.

journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0055937

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4096726/

Plus the vizla study.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/24432963/
You should research Christine Zinks studies.
So many links with early neutering and increased risk of joint disease and many types of cancer.

A lot of MRCVS are now only suggesting neutering males in certain circumstances.

But, as you were.

It is practically a social duty to be rude to people who don't neuter their dogs.

shakira don't worry about these frothy judgemental people. Science and behavioural understanding has changed in the past 5 -10 years and it takes time for people to catch up.

Speak to the rescue and if they are rational they will certainly understand. I did with dogs trust and have 3 now.

Whatslove, so in your opinion is there any reason why an unneutered male and a neutered male or spayed female can't live together happily?

bert yes of course! Judge every owner who you know nothing about their individual dogs, who listens to science and behavioural research and doesnt rush into neutering males for no reason!

"s responsible owners he's never had the chance to try."

So he's never off the lead either?

No. It is down to personality. I have 2 spayed bitches and an entire male. I have fostered neutered males. My boy is very placid and trained and has never roamed or fought in his life.
However in some personalities their may be conflict. However the worse fight I have ever stitched up was after 2 neutered males so it really is no definitive guarantees. However 2 entire males would likely be the most problematic, but not always, I have many showing clients who have a few unneutered males in the house and no problems. It's very individual.

Not in public no. We walk the streets and he's on a long lead down at the park. We are lucky to have a very long garden to play with his toys in.

Part of being a responsible dog owner is making the best decision possible for the welfare and wellbeing of each dog. It's entirely possible that not neutering any particular dog or bitch is the correct decision for that pet. Ascribing to an old fashioned and possibly damaging policy of neutering them all and neutering young could be considered as irresponsible.

Ha thanks Bert. This mrcvs will have a look later. There is a recommendation generally not to neuter large breed males at 6 months, I agree this is too early but as the current evidence suggests neutered males and females live longer and with less morbidity than entire ones my practice will continue to advise neutering as best practice EBVM.
You carry on with the pseudo science though it's winning everyone over

Look for an other rescue centre! Or, if you are looking for a specific breed, look for the breed rescue!

I love it when people dismiss scientific research as pseudoscience while offering no studies to back up that claim that neutered males have reduced mortality and morbidity than entire males.

I would be genuinely interested to see that. We are discussing males, I have no issue with spaying adult female dogs as pyometra and mammary masses are the risks we are avoiding here.

I also disagree that neutering improves behaviour in most males.
Furthermore I think that blanket 'practice policy' on such matters is outdated. Unless you work at a charity practice or linked to a rescue when the benefits as a whole may be argued to outweigh those of an individual dog. Not sure why you think 6 months is the arbitrary too young either, what about 12 and 18 months in large breeds? Surely that wouldn't be a good time to neuter most due to growth plate closure?

Sorry for the derail OP, I just couldn't sit back while people spoke to you like that!

I will bow out now and wish you best of luck getting a new member of the family.

As Ylvamoon says, try another rescue centre. I have no idea if it's a common policy, but some rescues are more flexible than others.

You sound like you're being a responsible owner.