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Originally Posted by Yogi  I think the first question that arises from your post is are you referring to actual castration or are you talking about neutering. Castration is surgery to remove the testies. Neutering does not remove the testies, they will shrink up over time
A male that is not bred does greatly increase the chance of testicular cancer which can greatly shorten the dogs lifespan no matter how many times you take him to the vet. Neutering is a more simple procedure than castration and in the long run helps the dog with issues like marking and roaming during season. Especially if done at a young age prior to 6 months. Altered males can and do still mate with intact females but as neutered they cannot reproduce. I have had several males over the years that were altered and have lived long lives.
The choice is yours. |
Testicular cancer, can and does happen but it isn't something that is seen terribly often. Not breeding does increase the risk vs a dog that is allowed to breed, but not so much so that not neutering means the dog is absolutely going to get it. (its like a 1% risk isn't it?) There is only a small risk of testicular cancer so its really not "greatly increased" just a possibility.
Pediatric neuter increases the risk of osteosarcoma which is a cancer. So if done at 6 months or less you're actually increases a health risk, if you waited until the dog was around 1yr it wouldn't be effected by testicular cancer by that young age normally and wouldn't be at risk of osteosarcoma. Nuetering also increases the risk of other health issues too, if only by a small degree. There are more problems it increases then what neutering decreases, but any of those problems on either end are all very small risk. I think around 1%. The main problem is behavioral issues some people might have with intact dogs and the fact that so many people are irresponsible which leads to accidental litters.
The other reasons to not neuter so young are just looks and development not related to health. So unimportant to most pet owners.
The point that neutered males still breed females just goes to show that it doesn't curb all their behaviors. I've had intact dogs that were not some nightmare dog, like they are often descibed to be. Then I've seen neutered males which still know what a female in heat smells like, others that just wonder and like to roam. Which is a big problem, some people do the neuter just because they think its going to be a cure all or preventative for certain behaviors. Sometimes this behavior isn't related to being intact like humping out of dominance or roaming because they just like to escape and run free or they are bored. These owners should be more aware and responsible when getting a pet, instead of thinking that altering will mean their dog will grow up to be good and not have behavioral issues. I think the best thing is that they won't reproduce, even with an irresponsible owner. Pups from accidental breedings often end up in the shelter, dumped or go to homes where they probably won't be s/n either and just keep reproducing more and more.
As far as the OP I really don't think the dog cares if he is neutered or not. You're a human with a different thought process then a dog. They don't think like that. Dogs with docked tails don't say oh my tail is missing I really wish I had it. But if we had part of us removed we'd probably wish we had it, we recognize that we are different or missing something and not like others. Not to mention some people judge and stare. To a dog it is all the same. Just because a dog is intact also doesn't mean it is sexually frustrated. A lot I think really depends on your dog. I've heard of some crazy males, they were just crazy to breed and would do almost anything to get to a female. But then there many who are not this way at all, including males were have bred before but were not super crazy wanting to do it again.
I have a serious problem with castration 
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