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Neuter or Not to Neuter, this is my question

Pastor Dave

Well-Known Member
I have read the commentary here and I still have mixed feelings. I see not need to have Chev neutered except for health reasons. Perhaps this is a big shelter lie being propagated??
Please let m
Chev%20Sandy%20Beach_zpsprxne58j.jpg
e know how you feel? I really don't want to do this!!
 

DennasMom

Well-Known Member
Trust your gut.

If you can be responsible for Chev, and not let him get a girl "in trouble"... no need to neuter.

We ran into issues with boarding for us... our favorite place to leave the dogs required those over 6 months to be fixed. We waited longer than that for Denna to get spayed, but it wasn't an option to not do it at all for us. Females are different, though, too... heat cycles and all that fun stuff.

There are more vets doing vasectomy's for dogs now... in case you want to sterilize without losing the 'bling'. :)

As for the shelter lie... I think something like 50% of dogs are in shelters due to landlord rules and people losing their homes and moving to a place their dog is not allowed. :(
So... sure, there may be too many unwanted "oops" litters happening, but that's not the whole story, by a long shot.
 

glen

Super Moderator
Staff member
I agree, trust your gut, If theres no health reasons keep his crown jewels, I've got 3 male Ccs there keeping theres.we don't intend to breed.by the way Chev is very handsome.
 

glen

Super Moderator
Staff member
I also don't believe it helps with behaviour ect.but we all have different opinions.
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
If you can be 100% positive that Chevy won't sire a litter, then I don't see any reason to have him neutered.

I think neutering helps with some behaviors that are hormone related. I remember one member had an issue with her intact boy going off his food and being crazy obsessed with even the older altered female when a dog in the area was in heat. Neutering seemed to take care of that.

I'm not totally disagreeing with what Denna's Mom said about shelters. I would say that from my experience most dogs in rescue and shelters aren't due to landlords not allowing dogs. Some, sure, but that's also an easy thing to say when you relinquish your dog. I don't have proof that dogs aren't being turned over because of living situations, but having actually worked with dogs both in a shelter and a rescue environment I would say that most of the dogs were given up due to behavior issues. I think that does directly relate to irresponsible breeding. Just from my own observation, those that get their dogs from responsible breeders tend to go the extra mile when behavior problems arise and also do just about anything to find a place that will allow them to keep their dogs if their living arrangements change. Again, just my observation. So while I do think shelters and rescues are a bit too militant with their spay/neuter agenda, I also understand why. It's easy to become jaded when you work in a shelter environment. I will also say that I think the general population of dog owners should continue to alter their dogs simply because they aren't responsible enough to prevent unwanted breedings. Even responsible owners have things happen.

If you do choose to keep your dog intact, please be aware of the symptoms of testicular cancer. I adopted a boy with testicular cancer and he had ongoing issues for the rest of his life. His was a sertoli tumor. Here's a link on the various types of testicular cancer.

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2087&aid=481
 

Pastor Dave

Well-Known Member
Thanks, Glen. I so advised Chev that he is a handsome dog in some circles, and he beat his tail against the rug when I stood beside him. Perhaps he understood, not sure. But thanks so much.
 

irina

Well-Known Member
I think it is the culture in some counties that makes neutering the norm, and intact an exception. In many countries the opposite is true. We have an intact 3 year old cane corso, that we do not intend to neuter unless a medical condition warrants it. I don't feel conflicted about it at all. When people ask why he is not neutered if we do not intend to breed, I say it is better for his health.
 

NYDDB

Well-Known Member
I think it is the culture in some counties that makes neutering the norm, and intact an exception. In many countries the opposite is true. We have an intact 3 year old cane corso, that we do not intend to neuter unless a medical condition warrants it. I don't feel conflicted about it at all. When people ask why he is not neutered if we do not intend to breed, I say it is better for his health.

Yes. I agree-- it really is as simple as that. My DDB is 5 years old and intact. Not issues (other than some aggression thrown his way from (usually) neutered males; the intact ones just stare, bluff a bit and then move on...) Nothing I cannot handle. And he has never seemed sexually frustrated, had inappropriate marking--- no humping, etc.) I see no reason to put him through an unnecessary surgery. And I do believe it is better for their overall health.
 

Pastor Dave

Well-Known Member
Thank you all for your kind and helpful comments. I have decided to keep Mr. Chev intact. I spoke to our friend Kris Rugers on Facebook about the subject and she agrees with all you have written. I am appreciative.
0811_zpsxntz5vf2.jpg
 

Pastor Dave

Well-Known Member
I get a lot of smiles driving through town with the rear car windows down so Chev and Coal can enjoy the views, speaking of the above picture. Most days we take a 3 mile drive to the nearby township park called Sandy Beach. The dogs have a romp and then a more restful day at home. Have a great day, all. I really enjoy the idea that you all take some time for me, a beginner in the mastiff world.
 

glen

Super Moderator
Staff member
That's a great pic of beautiful pups, say hi to ruger Kris,i don't do Facebook.