Why we advocate for waiting to fix your puppy
There is an ongoing debate about whether or not to neuter dogs at an early age. In the case of golden retrievers and other larger breeds, numerous studies have shown the health advantages of waiting until the puppy has fully developed. Here are some pros of waiting to fix your golden.
Reduced Risk of Joint Problems: Golden retrievers are prone to certain joint issues such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. According to a study conducted by the Morris Animal Foundation, delaying neutering until a dog is over a year old can help reduce the risk of these issues. Another study, published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, found that dogs who were neutered before six months of age were more likely to develop certain joint disorders, such as hip dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament tears, compared to those who were neutered after six months of age. This may be due to the fact that sex hormones play a role in the proper development and maintenance of bones and joints.
Reduced Risk of Certain Types of Cancer: While neutering can help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as testicular and ovarian cancer, it can also increase the risk of other types of cancer. A study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that female dogs neutered at an early age had a higher risk of developing mast cell tumors and hemangiosarcoma. Waiting to neuter a golden retriever until they are fully matured can help reduce the risk of these types of cancer.
Reduced Risk of Hypothyroidism: Neutering or spaying goldens at a young age can increase their risk of hypothyroidism, a condition in which their thyroid gland becomes underactive, slowing down their bodily functions and causing symptoms such as lethargy, weight gain, and changes in skin and coat. Studies have shown that neutered or spayed Golden retrievers have a higher risk of developing hypothyroidism compared to intact dogs. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, male golden retrievers neutered before one year of age have an 80% increased risk of developing hypothyroidism, while females neutered before one year of age have a 60% increased risk.
Improved Behaviour: Neutering can help reduce certain types of aggressive behaviour, such as inter-male aggression and territorial behaviour. However, neutering can also lead to a decrease in energy levels and a reduction in playfulness. Waiting to neuter a golden retriever until they are fully matured can help ensure that their personality and behaviour are fully developed before any hormonal changes occur.
Increased Lifespan: A study published in the journal PLOS One found that male golden retrievers neutered at an early age had a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer and joint problems, which can shorten their lifespan. Waiting to neuter a golden retriever can help reduce the risk of these health issues and increase their lifespan.
For example, a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Medical Science found that female dogs who were spayed before puberty had a significantly increased risk of developing urinary incontinence compared to those who were spayed after puberty. This suggests that the removal of the sex glands before they have fully developed can have negative effects on the urinary tract and associated muscles.
Retriever Buddies believes in waiting to neuter golden retrievers until they are fully matured. As such, all families must agree to wait a minimum of 1 year before fixing their puppy. However, our preference would be for families to wait at least 1.5-2 years before deciding to fix.
*UPDATE as of July 2024, AKC has updated their guidelines for spay-neuter to be consistent with our contract requirements and findings (with an added recommendation to leave females intact)
PLEASE SEE HERE for AKC article and below for the guidelines chart
NEW AKC SPAY-NEUTER GUIDELINE CHART FOR DOG BREEDS BASED ON FINDINGS REGARDING CANCER AND JOINT DISORDERS
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Morris Animal Foundation. Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. https://caninelifetimehealth.org/
Hart, B. L., et al. "Neutering of German Shepherd Dogs: associated joint disorders, cancers and urinary incontinence." Veterinary Medicine and Science 1.2 (2015): 83-95.
Torres de la Riva, G., et al. "Neutering dogs: effects on joint disorders and cancers in golden retrievers." PloS one 9.7 (2014): e102241.
Ware, Wendy A., et al. "Effect of age at gonadectomy on the probability of dogs becoming overweight." Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 231.9 (2007): 1355-1363.
Cooley, Dana M., et al. "Gonadectomy effects on the risk of immune disorders in the dog: a retrospective study." BMC veterinary research 10.1 (2014): 1-9.
Howe, Lisa M., et al. "Early‐Age Neutering of Dogs and Cats in the United States (A Review)." Journal of Reproduction and Fertility 70 (2016): 211-217.
Salmeri, K. R., et al. "Frequency of urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence in dogs and cats with surgically corrected or uncorrected perineal hernia: 69 cases (1982-1992)." Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 204.3 (1994): 502-505.
Root MV, Johnston SD, Olson PN, et al. "The effect of early gonadectomy on growth plates in puppies." Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1987; 191: 1260-1263.
Torres de la Riva, G., et al. "Early spay-neuter: clinical considerations." Clinicians Brief 12.4 (2014): 51-53.
