Do I need to get my boy castrated? Really?

[MsGameandWatch]

Took him to the groomer today and she asked if I was getting him "done"? And told me how she gets all her dogs done as soon as they hit 8 months. I don't know. Obviously I have thought about but just been delaying really. He's 8 months old and a Scottish terrier. He's obedient and loving though a bit feisty.

I am going to google obviously but have a lot of respect for The Doghouse Collective opinion. So opinions please?

I started my own thread on this last year as we've got an 18 month old boy. Thus far he is still un neutered as I'm not yet convinced. He has a lovely nature and never humps and is well behaved in general.
The only downside is that we've been turned down for rescue dogs since the rescue won't allow their dogs to go to a home where there is an unneutered dog.

As long as the dog they provide you with is neutered, I can't see the problem myself Best.

You could tell them is't for medical reasons, I suppose, but they might demand a let from the vet.

Whilst I know that they are trying to get the best homes for their animals, I think sometimes the rules are ridiculously stringent. I know someone who was turned down because they are a smoker. Now, I don't smoke myself, and in an ideal world no-one would smoke, especially around children or animals - but it's not against the law to smoke in your own home and

SMOKERS ARE NOT AUTOMATICALLY ANIMAL ABUSERS OR MURDERERS!

I'm sure most kennel inmates would rather have their own fireside and lots of hugs in the home of a smoker than continue to freeze their lonely bollox off in a concrete pen.

(Rant over - for now)

Thanks for that Happy

Now, any idea where I can get someone really good to do a half Spay in London?

His coat has always been pretty wiry and waterproof - working bred dog - I've not noticed any coat changes other than going greyer in his old age, and he was greying before that (fox red lab for what it's worth).

Thanks Random

I have to admit that I was hoping that if we spayed as late s possible the effects would be lessened.

TBH I would leave it longer but she gets quite aggressive towards our other dog and our cats when she is in heat, and I don't want to take any risks.

Other little bitch doesn't get aggressive at all - just gets xtra girly, bless her (i.e. she's a shameless tart )

I know Happy, the rescue dog was neutered and we would have given her a lovely home, we ticked all the other boxes, but it was a No. DH had a long debate with the woman running the rescue.

I wouldn't neuter a male unless there were problem behaviours. There are no real health benefits for males, on balance (apart from road accidents maybe? but depends on the temperament of the dog and how well trained they are really)

Neutering males is also useless for population control. If someone lets their in season bitch roam about there will be no shortage of other male dogs ready to do the deed - you neutering yours won't make any difference!

Agree with all you have said carefree

And re: population control - they people who cause the problems are BYBs and puppy farms, breeding without thought for the dogs just so they can rake in the cash. Responsible owners tend to be careful of their pets whatever sex their dog is, and wouldn't randomly let a bitch out. (Though accidents can still happen, of course).

As long as idiots people are falling over themselves to get a "rare" oldenglishcockerbulldoberhound or whatever, and will pay stupid prices for it (many mongrels are now dear than pedigrees), then there will be greedy people churning out puppies without thought for health, care, or where they end up.