In my opinion no dog or bitch should be spayed until they are mature in body and mind. What age this occurs at depends on the breed and individual dog but generally around 18 months old. If they are not to be bred from I believe they should be neutered, some of the reasons why have been pointed out above.

But I do think each dog should be assessed as an individual before spaying/castrating, for example I would not have a nervous dog/bitch neutered because it can exagerate the problem.

My little girl won't be done until she is at least 18 months old. My little boy being done will depend on his prospects as a stud.

I will be getting Foxy spayed a good few months after her first season, to let her mature.

I wasn't sure at first and I will admit, originally I was going to get her done at 6 months/before her first season, because I was told about the mammary cancer.

My vet said wait until first season, so this confused me a bit. I made a poll on here and got some great advice and I also got in contact with a lovely Pom breeder on this forum who also advised me to wait until after her first season. So this could be anytime from 12 - 18 months old. Either way, she will be spayed, I have no intentions on breeding her... I wouldn't have a clue!

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you're rite, silly gilly.. most ppl do not know the real scenario until they fall into one..

as for castration after 18 months.. i've got no comment, just so long that the owner makes sure that the male will not "mismate" with any bitch - we've got enough of strays.. we must ensure tat our lovely macho doggy does not contribute to the stray population... well, unless you're very sure tat you're gona be responsible for all the puppies born.. then it's al rite. no prob at all.

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Depending on breed on dog I would say when it has reached maturity, or between it's first and season. I am for spaying myself as it was pitiful see my 4 year old (rip) suffering phantom pregnancies at every season (she was never well enough to be spayed). also helps (not saying it stops) with growths in the breasts later in life. you could maybe speak with your vet, he/she would give you the pro's and con's
regards
DT

And which lovely macho doggy would you be talking about then? Are you of the opinion that people with entire dogs allow them to go round mating with any bitch they meet - what about people who show and never castrate their males - I suppose they're 'at it' all the time too

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My boy won't be done until his show career us over!

I really can't see him wandering off to "mismate" with "the stray population" though.

Well, on the subject of being 'done' I was taken to the vets last night for my jab and he said he takes each dog on its own merit. He would never do a dog/bitch based purely on how old it was. I'm going back at 6 months to be checked on my 'development' and he will then offer more advice.