Re: Thoughts on castration I think there is a lot of good info on the internet, as long as one is discriminating about sources. Of course, all that info can also get one into an awful tizz Totally agree that vets should be reading the original research on this stuff so they can explain it clearly to clients.
Re: Thoughts on castration Thank you all very much for your comments. I have decided that I am going to take things as they come and wait and see if anything happens to warrant the procedure, but certainly not before his first birthday. I am well aware the internet has it's downfalls, however i would never have "met" all you lovely, like minded lab lovers without it Karen xx
Re: Thoughts on castration I have a 12 year old male black lab. I got him neutered at around 6 months I think - that was nearly 12 years ago! We are in the market for a new puppy and I will again go with a male lab. I asked a potential breeder about neutering and when she recommends having it done and she said 2 years old. She claims that waiting until they are 2 years old allows their heads to fill out more and their body to do the same. I told my husband this and he was skeptical just because he thinks it will be a PITA to keep a dog from running away to get to a female dog in heat. So not sure if we will make it that long. but I think I will wait longer than 6 months. OTOH, my 12 year old lab has always been the sweetest more well tempered dog anywhere.Never even heard him growl. His body is well filled out, and is head is nice, but not as huge as I have recently seen at this breeder. My dog is a well-bred lab and came from show lines.
Re: Thoughts on castration I do tend to think that early desexing can possibly leave you with a slightly 'finer' looking male dog (less chunky in the head). But I personally am not into big, chunky heads so that does not bother me. It's not a health issue, just aesthetics. For a pet dog I don't think it matters (i.e. it's just a personal decision based on your preference).
