sterilising pair of pups

[ShootsFruitAndLeaves]

any thoughts? I'm not sure exactly how old they are; we've had them two months, and they are now 10kg each (up from around 2.5kg). one of each sex.

not in the UK, and a bit of a trek to the vet (two hours or so).

I would say 'mediun sized mongrel'

obviously concern is the dog impregnating the bitch. but I'm not sure which will mature first?

I spoke to a vet and he said eight months for the bitch and the dog any time.

there are lots of free range dogs around and our fencing isn't the best, but the bigger issue I guess would be stopping our dog from doing the deed

If you've got 2 then its imperative you get them done. And both of them. Especially with free roaming dogs around too.

If the vets says 8 months for the bitch, then I would get them both done at the same time and until then, be very very vigilant if she comes into season.

the last couple of days the boy has started humping the girl, which is a bit off putting to see tbh

I would get the female done first - male dogs generally need the puberty hormones to develop properly (lack of testosterone can mean a very fearful and reactive dog).

Plus spaying reduces the risk of pyometra.

How old are they roughly?

Personally, in your circumstance, I would get the boy done asap. Ideally 6 months but you don't want a surprise litter, he might take off through the fencing etc and hes going to pester the girl.

Then spay her as soon as she hits 8 months/the vet says she can have the op.

I only said to do it at the same time to save you multiple 2 hour journeys.

Tricky situation. Males can become fertile as early as 6 months old, but they still have a lot of growing to do depending on their breed size, and early neutering can lead to stunted growth, for either sex. Bitches can have their first seasons around 9-12 months old, but some can have their first much earlier than that. If they are spayed before their first season, they will not develop breasts (which is why early spaying prevents mammary tumours as there literally is nothing there) and their vulva will remain small and juvenile. Early spays have been linked to recessed vulvas and urinary incontinence because the sexual organs have not developed.

Both sexes need their hormones up until maturity to develop properly, but I think in this situation it would be advisable to neuter/spay early to prevent any unwanted litters. I would spay the female first because you really don't want to be dealing with 2-3 weeks of season - even neutered males can be attracted to bitches in heat, they can become very distressed and refuse to eat as they are pining after the female. And bitches in season become real hussies at the most fertile time of their season, trying to hump and entice other dogs (male or female!) to mate with them. When they're not ready to mate, they will become extremely bitchy and bad tempered towards other dogs in the house. Seasons are a nightmare when you have two or more dogs.

really don't know how old they are

got them on 14th july

attached photo of bitch on 27th and both today

doggy bits

when we bought them they were quite flea infested and they weren't with the mother - the owners had bought them but decided they wouldn't be good for hunting pigs or guarding the house or something (forget what it was) so they sold them to us for about £5 each

I think they were 2.5kg then

In the nicest possible way, you sound a bit clueless. Are these your first dogs?

You need to secure your fencing or they will start roaming. This will be a hard habit to break.

Have they been seen by a vet at all? He should be able to tell you how old they are. I assume you have wormed them but what is your plan regarding vaccinations?

Have you heard of litter mate syndrome? Have a google, litter mates can be very hard to train and need to be trained and socialized separately as much as possibly.

Lastly, get used to the humping, there is no guarantee it will stop with sterilization.

apparently there is a subsidised sterilisation on Saturday for the bitch. two hours away. every three months but apparently the vet is going to Oman so maybe not 3 months from now

not for the dog though, but I could take him to a different vet on the same day. (and vaccinations at the same time)

fencing keeps them in and if they find ways out I close them but couldn't guarantee another dog couldn't get in (it's steep and several hundred metres perimeter)

Aww very cute!

I would go with what the vet said, 8 months for the bitch.
Has both the dogs testicles dropped? He does look like he has a bit more growing to do so I would wait a little longer if possible.

They weigh 10kg in those photos?

yes, 10kg.