Puppy Gal's Opinions On
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I agree 100% that any male dog not being used in a responsible breeding program should be
neutered, however ... I disagree with the current trend, which is early neutering. I am of the opinion that this practice in regard to English Bulldogs or large breed dogs prevents the development of the large heads, chest and bones which are needed to support the body weigh later in life. However, I also believe there are some male English Bulldogs who become too protective especially if the owner is a female, if not neutered, therefore I recommend all males not in a breeding program be neutered at 1-1/2 years of age. My opinion is based upon many telephone calls and emails from owners of young adult male Bullies, who state it doesn't have the physical characteristics they felt it should have, big head and chest, although as a puppy these traits were evident. The first thing I ask is "has your male been neutered" and the next thing I ask is "how old was your Bully male when it was neutered". Most of the time the pup was under 5 months of age and the timing of the operations was at the suggestion of their vet with emphasis on doing this prior to the male dog starting to become sexually aware and therefore marking it's territory. You have control over your male dog becoming sexually aroused and hunching on humans, other animals or the other objects. Most people laugh at this behavior and do not take corrective action, which causes the problem to escalate to the point of being not only disgusting but also ingrained. This behavior should NOT be tolerated the first time, the pop of a newspaper against a solid surface, toot from a whistle, or an angry demon voice saying "no", should be effective. Note: Newly born male cattle that are to be used for meat, Steers, are neutered the next day to prevent the growth of a big head and chest. Before you make a decision to neuter early, take a look at the difference between a Bull and a Steer. Supporting Viewpint see: http://www.showdogsupersite.com/kenlclub/breedvet/castrationindogs.html "In terms of your dog's health, two overriding concerns are present. Castration at an early age will cause the dog to become overly tall, as the growth plates in the long bones will not close at the appropriate time; additionally, the dog will lack breadth of chest. The combination of these two factors sets the stage for your dog to have painful orthopedic problems. The OFA has published articles on this subject. An early age means below 1 year in small and medium sized dogs, and below 2 to 2.5 years in large and giant breeds." Additional Information on the subject from the same source http://showdogsupersite.com/kenlclub/breedvet/neutr.html Additional Info Neutering to Alter Behavior "Early neutering would not be expected to prevent the behavioral problems in most animals, just as neutering of the animals as adults does not resolve the behavior problem in even 50 percent of animals. We would expect that as the neutered male dog matures, the likelihood of displaying objectionable urine marking, mounting behavior or aggressive behavior toward other dogs or people in the family would be somewhat less than that of dogs who have not been neutered." http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/CCAH/Update08-2/upd8-2_behav-neutering.html Opposing Viewpoint see: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1625&articleid=903 Information presented here is strictly my opinion based upon research and/or 50 years experience at rescuing animals of all sorts. Consult your vet and perhaps even get a second opinion from another vet about all you read on my website. ,/b> |
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