What r the advantages and disadvantages esp for bullies? I have the appt scheduled for 5/27 but many people r telling me not too as it is going to drastically change Guinness behavior. What do u guys think??
to neuter or not to neuter
- Thread starter wfd38383
- Start date
No...I don't think it will. There are certain benefits to neutering and neutering early.
Behavioral advantages of neutering
Decreased Aggression: One of the most important behavioral advantages of castration is that as adults, these dogs will tend to be less aggressive both toward other male dogs and also people. The androgen (male) hormones, of which testosterone is the most important, are responsible for the development of many behavioral patterns. When young puppies are sexually mounting their 7 and 8-week old litter mates this is because of androgen surges in their bodies. The same is true with aggressive behavior. Some medications that have androgenic hormonal activity often cause increased aggression (an example would be the birth control medication, Cheque Drops, which contains one of these androgen-type chemicals). The degree castration has on suppressing aggression varies between animals and the age at which it is done. Its effect is greatest if it is done before one year of age.
Decreased Roaming: A second behavioral advantage of neutering is that these dogs will not 'roam' when they sense a female in heat. Male dogs can sense females in heat through pheromones. These are airborne chemical attractants that are liberated from the female when she is cycling. They travel through the air for great distances. We grew up on a farm where the next closest house was over a mile away, but when one of our female dogs was in heat, the males would come for miles from upwind, downwind, and crosswind. Pheromones are, to say the least, very effective stimuli. In the seventies, it was briefly popular to do vasectomies on dogs thinking that we would not be taking the 'joy of sex' away from our canine counterparts. The problem with this reasoning was that many of us keep our dogs restricted in our homes, a kennel, or on a chain. Now think of the psychological stress the vasectomized male is under when he is locked up, but yet smells that female in heat four blocks away. There is no joy of sex, as he is trapped on your property unable to go and mate with her. He is, in effect, teased continuously for three to fourteen days while the female is in estrus and he is unable to mate with her. If dogs are neutered at an early age, they will not sense or respond to pheromones, and would certainly be less stressed and tend to stay home.
Increased Concentration: A third behavioral advantage occurs when you are training or working your dog, or using him for field work. If neutered, he will be a much better student with a much longer attention span when there are females nearby that are in heat. This is because he will not be constantly distracted by pheromonal stimuli.
Medical advantages
There are numerous behavioral and medical benefits to neutering your dog.
The medical advantages are numerous and even more significant. Again, all are caused by the effects of testosterone on the body or are physical problems that arise within the testicles themselves.
No Testicular Tumors: There are several different tumor types, both benign and malignant, that arise within the testicles. As with most cancers, these usually are not noted until the animal reaches 5 or more years of age. Therefore, these would not be a problem in those individuals castrated at the recommended age.
Improved Genetics: We all agree that a male carrying a harmful genetic trait like hip dysplasia or epilepsy should be neutered. We must do all that is possible to prevent the spread or continuation of these conditions and others like them.
Fewer Hernias: A hernia is a protrusion of an organ or parts of an organ or other structure through the wall of a cavity that normally contains it. Perianal hernias occur when the colon, urinary bladder, prostate, or fat protrude from the abdominal cavity, through the muscular wall by the anus and then lie just under the skin. This type of hernia is far more common in older, unneutered male dogs. The levels of testosterone and other hormones appear to relax or weaken the group of muscles near the anus. When the animal then strains to defecate or urinate, the weakened muscles break down and the abdominal organs and fat bulge out under the skin. In shorthaired breeds, this large bulge is noted by the owner almost immediately, but in the longhaired dogs, the problem may go on for months before anyone realizes there is an abnormality. Left untreated, these organs may become damaged, unable to function or even die from loss of blood supply. Additionally, because of the displacement of organs into this area, the animal may not be able to defecate or urinate correctly or completely and may become constipated or have urinary incontinence (dribble urine). The surgery to repair this condition is not simple and today can easily cost $700 to $1500 or more, depending on the severity.
Fewer Perianal Tumors: There are tumors whose growth is stimulated by testosterone. These occur near the anus and are called perianal adenomas (benign) or perianal adenocarcinomas (malignant). As with the hernias, these usually do not occur until the dog is at least 7-years old. They require surgical treatment and should be caught early in their development to prevent recurrence. These tumors and the above hernia are very, very rare in those individuals castrated at 7 to 8-months of age.
Fewer Prostate Problems: The most common medical problems eliminated in dogs neutered at an early age are those involving the prostate. Over 80% of all unneutered male dogs develop prostate disease. Prostate conditions such as benign enlargement, cysts, and infection are all related to the presence of testosterone.
Early neutering
In the United States, most dogs are neutered between 5 and 8 months of age. Many animal shelters and veterinarians are starting to neuter male animals at a younger age, even 6-14 weeks of age. This early neutering does not affect the growth rate, and there are no appreciable differences in skeletal, physical, or behavioral development between those animals neutered early than those neutered at a more traditional age. It must be remembered that younger animals may need different anesthetics and are more prone to hypothermia (lower than normal body temperature) during surgery. As long as procedures are modified to account for these differences, early neutering is very safe. In fact, animals neutered at a younger age often have faster recoveries than those neutered when they are older.
Summary
None of the behavioral or medical problems caused by testosterone are rare. Veterinarians deal with them on a daily basis. To say it in a way that may not sound very nice but is certainly true – veterinarians would make a lot less money if everyone neutered their male dogs before they were a year of age.
Behavioral advantages of neutering
Decreased Aggression: One of the most important behavioral advantages of castration is that as adults, these dogs will tend to be less aggressive both toward other male dogs and also people. The androgen (male) hormones, of which testosterone is the most important, are responsible for the development of many behavioral patterns. When young puppies are sexually mounting their 7 and 8-week old litter mates this is because of androgen surges in their bodies. The same is true with aggressive behavior. Some medications that have androgenic hormonal activity often cause increased aggression (an example would be the birth control medication, Cheque Drops, which contains one of these androgen-type chemicals). The degree castration has on suppressing aggression varies between animals and the age at which it is done. Its effect is greatest if it is done before one year of age.
Decreased Roaming: A second behavioral advantage of neutering is that these dogs will not 'roam' when they sense a female in heat. Male dogs can sense females in heat through pheromones. These are airborne chemical attractants that are liberated from the female when she is cycling. They travel through the air for great distances. We grew up on a farm where the next closest house was over a mile away, but when one of our female dogs was in heat, the males would come for miles from upwind, downwind, and crosswind. Pheromones are, to say the least, very effective stimuli. In the seventies, it was briefly popular to do vasectomies on dogs thinking that we would not be taking the 'joy of sex' away from our canine counterparts. The problem with this reasoning was that many of us keep our dogs restricted in our homes, a kennel, or on a chain. Now think of the psychological stress the vasectomized male is under when he is locked up, but yet smells that female in heat four blocks away. There is no joy of sex, as he is trapped on your property unable to go and mate with her. He is, in effect, teased continuously for three to fourteen days while the female is in estrus and he is unable to mate with her. If dogs are neutered at an early age, they will not sense or respond to pheromones, and would certainly be less stressed and tend to stay home.
Increased Concentration: A third behavioral advantage occurs when you are training or working your dog, or using him for field work. If neutered, he will be a much better student with a much longer attention span when there are females nearby that are in heat. This is because he will not be constantly distracted by pheromonal stimuli.
Medical advantages
There are numerous behavioral and medical benefits to neutering your dog.
The medical advantages are numerous and even more significant. Again, all are caused by the effects of testosterone on the body or are physical problems that arise within the testicles themselves.
No Testicular Tumors: There are several different tumor types, both benign and malignant, that arise within the testicles. As with most cancers, these usually are not noted until the animal reaches 5 or more years of age. Therefore, these would not be a problem in those individuals castrated at the recommended age.
Improved Genetics: We all agree that a male carrying a harmful genetic trait like hip dysplasia or epilepsy should be neutered. We must do all that is possible to prevent the spread or continuation of these conditions and others like them.
Fewer Hernias: A hernia is a protrusion of an organ or parts of an organ or other structure through the wall of a cavity that normally contains it. Perianal hernias occur when the colon, urinary bladder, prostate, or fat protrude from the abdominal cavity, through the muscular wall by the anus and then lie just under the skin. This type of hernia is far more common in older, unneutered male dogs. The levels of testosterone and other hormones appear to relax or weaken the group of muscles near the anus. When the animal then strains to defecate or urinate, the weakened muscles break down and the abdominal organs and fat bulge out under the skin. In shorthaired breeds, this large bulge is noted by the owner almost immediately, but in the longhaired dogs, the problem may go on for months before anyone realizes there is an abnormality. Left untreated, these organs may become damaged, unable to function or even die from loss of blood supply. Additionally, because of the displacement of organs into this area, the animal may not be able to defecate or urinate correctly or completely and may become constipated or have urinary incontinence (dribble urine). The surgery to repair this condition is not simple and today can easily cost $700 to $1500 or more, depending on the severity.
Fewer Perianal Tumors: There are tumors whose growth is stimulated by testosterone. These occur near the anus and are called perianal adenomas (benign) or perianal adenocarcinomas (malignant). As with the hernias, these usually do not occur until the dog is at least 7-years old. They require surgical treatment and should be caught early in their development to prevent recurrence. These tumors and the above hernia are very, very rare in those individuals castrated at 7 to 8-months of age.
Fewer Prostate Problems: The most common medical problems eliminated in dogs neutered at an early age are those involving the prostate. Over 80% of all unneutered male dogs develop prostate disease. Prostate conditions such as benign enlargement, cysts, and infection are all related to the presence of testosterone.
Early neutering
In the United States, most dogs are neutered between 5 and 8 months of age. Many animal shelters and veterinarians are starting to neuter male animals at a younger age, even 6-14 weeks of age. This early neutering does not affect the growth rate, and there are no appreciable differences in skeletal, physical, or behavioral development between those animals neutered early than those neutered at a more traditional age. It must be remembered that younger animals may need different anesthetics and are more prone to hypothermia (lower than normal body temperature) during surgery. As long as procedures are modified to account for these differences, early neutering is very safe. In fact, animals neutered at a younger age often have faster recoveries than those neutered when they are older.
Summary
None of the behavioral or medical problems caused by testosterone are rare. Veterinarians deal with them on a daily basis. To say it in a way that may not sound very nice but is certainly true – veterinarians would make a lot less money if everyone neutered their male dogs before they were a year of age.
So glad that you asked this question! I am sorry that I have no response, but also want to hear what people think. We have been debating on whether to neuter Frank or not. We don't ever plan on breeding him, but worry about having him put under anesthesia. And a change in personality since he is wonderful right now and we don't have any problems with him marking or humping. But then I worry that not neutering him might make him more attractive to people who might want to take him... 
I adopted Vegas at 4.5 months, he was already neutered so I would not know the difference. What I know it did not slow him down a bit, he still humped, but has never been aggresive with other animals or people. Actually his humping has decressed quite a bit the last few months. I would have neutered him any way if he was not done. I wanted a pet, not to breed or have him running off at the first wiff of a female in heat.
OP
- Thread Starter
- Thread starter
- #5
I don't want breed him either, but was just wondering the side effects that go along with it
- Sep 16, 2010
- 5,939
- 336
- Country
- Canada
- Bulldog(s) Names
- The Stig Racecar Driver and (Sweet Angel) Punkin Brutus
There are arguments to both sides really. I think the average neuter age here is 6-8 months. Some vets recommend older while some younger.
I personally choose to neuter Stig when he turns 2 because of reasons on a study I read. Plus he's not displaying any behaviour that would change my mind otherwise (I've been informed that he only humps when he's in daycare. lol!).
I personally choose to neuter Stig when he turns 2 because of reasons on a study I read. Plus he's not displaying any behaviour that would change my mind otherwise (I've been informed that he only humps when he's in daycare. lol!).
Erika
New member
The bulldog I had before Princess was neutered and he did great. He was a gentle giant!
speechmom53
New member
Getting them neutered is nerve racking just like anything your babies have to go through. However, we decided to have Tubs neutered so we didn't end up with the behavior problems that can arise when they go through their teenage years...I already have a 2 legger putting me through the ringer, I didn't need a bully doing it to me at the same time! 
He came through with flying colors. Not changes in his behavior, except I haven't seen him hump one time since his surgery. He didn't do it a lot before hand, but hasn't done it since either. We also did it because of the health concerns that could arise when he gets older. I am glad we did it! No cons on our end. We also used that opportunity to have him chipped! The only concern was taking him to the vet and waiting to hear that he was ok. That is hard for anyone!
He came through with flying colors. Not changes in his behavior, except I haven't seen him hump one time since his surgery. He didn't do it a lot before hand, but hasn't done it since either. We also did it because of the health concerns that could arise when he gets older. I am glad we did it! No cons on our end. We also used that opportunity to have him chipped! The only concern was taking him to the vet and waiting to hear that he was ok. That is hard for anyone!
Awesome article [MENTION=572]Libra926[/MENTION]:
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GatorRay
I am in total control....I think
- Feb 25, 2011
- 3,432
- 227
- Bulldog(s) Names
- Gator & Lucy Goosey, the Basset and Gigi (AKA Gypsy)
I, personally, choose to have all of my pets neutered/spayed for some pretty obvious reasons since we do not plan to ever breed a pet. As far as neutering Gator, we did it at 6 months and he is doing GREAT! He hasn't changed a bit but it has only been about 3 weeks or so. lol. He also has not humped anything since the neutering BUT I don't think that it makes a difference as I have recently found my 16 week old girl humping Gator. lol
The only down side is that I was a nervous wreck for a week before the surgery worrying if he would be ok during the surgery.
The only down side is that I was a nervous wreck for a week before the surgery worrying if he would be ok during the surgery.
TessaAndSamson
New member
I am a huge supporter of spaying and neutering so I say definitely neuter. I believe the benefits of neutering by FAR out weigh the risks!
- Apr 3, 2011
- 1,581
- 138
- Country
- United States
- Bulldog(s) Names
- Oliver, Sebastian, Remy, Gracie, and Tonka (10-21-07 to 05-29-14 RIP)
Sebastian is getting neutered first when they hit 6 months, but he is also getting his nares done at the same time. Oliver isn't going to get neutered until he's closer to a year or a little older. Neither of the boys show any signs of dominance or even humping (much, anyway), so that isn't an issue. But I am a huge supporter of spaying and neutering.
neuter!:D
JAKEISGREAT
.................
Ok..I have a question. Please don't laugh hysterically at this. I have been told by other bully people..if you neuter them too young..their heads will be small! Has anyone ever heard of this? I asked my vet..I could tell she was trying not to break out in hysterics..but she calmly said she would do what I was comfortable with. I planned on neutering him at 8 months. No pinheaded bully for me!! 
NJBullyMommy
New member
Getting them neutered is nerve racking just like anything your babies have to go through. However, we decided to have Tubs neutered so we didn't end up with the behavior problems that can arise when they go through their teenage years...I already have a 2 legger putting me through the ringer, I didn't need a bully doing it to me at the same time!
I can admit I was on the fence when it came to neutering Brutus. We had decided not to do it and then right around his first birthday we started having a lot of problems. He was marking in the house, he would seek out my fiance's work clothes and pee on them (I guess because of the scent), the humping had gotten majorly out of hand and he was just acting out and chewing/ shredding everything in my house. He has always humped a lil before, but not to that extent. Literally a week after his first birthday we had him neutered. He has not marked in the house once, he humped my leg once and that was the end of it, still has all of his energy....but just now puts it to things like chasing me all over the house or putting toys in every room lol. The harest part was just waiting to get the call that he was ok and you can pick him up
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