I have a BullMastiff puppy and have read that for giant breed dogs, it's best to wait until a dog is at least 1 year old before neutering. The theory is that neutering will remove the hormones necessary for proper growth if done before that time.

Anyone have any input on this?

I would definitely wait at least a year, but make sure you get him neutered after he is finished growing.

We will definitely get him fixed eventually, but I'm just trying to decide how old he needs to be. Wife wants him fixed sooner rather than later. He's 6 months old now.

This seems to be one of those issues that everyone has a different opinion. Some say 6 months, others say you should wait 18-24.

Figured the OB would be a good place to ask.

just something to read when you have some time

http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/LongTermHealthEffectsOfSpayNeuterInDogs.pdf

Testonserone stops long-bone growth. Large breed animals tend to reach puberty at an older age than smaller breed animals. For example- Jersey & angus cattle reach sexual maturity far earlier than chianina, maine anjou and other large breeds.

Large breeds (such as mastiff), need more time to reach sexual maturity. If they are neutered early they will often grow much larger than is desireable because the testosterone is not there to halt long-bone growth.

[This message has been edited by AggiePam (edited 4/14/2009 4:52p).]

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Large breed animals tend to reach puberty at an older age than younger animals.

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Huh?

eric- fixed. (pun intended)