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Moderators: admin, gsicard, maximus, Estrela, Tonedog, babigirl
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| Author | Post | ||
| Castanha |
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 | Hello all, I have known this board for a while, but never became a member. I waited until I would get my puppy to do so. If everything works according to plans, I should have a female puppy in three months from now. Never had a female before, and I was wondering what the best age would be to spay her. I want to make sure I won't hurt with her drive, temp, body structure, etc... Thank you | ||
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| TexunNYC |
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TexunNYC | what breed? I wouldn't spay any large breed dog before 18 months, earliest | ||
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| gsicard |
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MD Administrator | Yes - it would be nice to know what breed and what purpose you want the dog for (protection, pet, property guardian etc..). | ||
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| Castanha |
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| | The breed is a Swinford Mastiff. She will be a family guardian, companion, hiking partner, ect. I may test her with some basic PP work later on, but will not pursue consistent training. Can you please explain why 18 months? Any personal experience that has shown it was better, or is that something recommended in general? Thanks. | ||
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| TexunNYC |
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| TexunNYC | -link- | ||
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| Castanha |
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| | Thanks for the link, very informative! | ||
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| gsicard |
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| MD Administrator | Not discounting the "health benefits" which I am not so sure is real or HSUS and Peta sponsored, the behavioral changes will be limited after about 2 years (18 months.. or so). If you want the bitch to be a protection dog you may want to keep the hormones and drives intact until they are fully developed. Most dogs come into their true temperament at about 12 months on average and reach "maturity" at 2 years (in general).. others will disagree. So the reason most people say do not neuter or spay until that age if you want to retain the working ability of the dog is somewhat clearer. If the dog is to be a couch warming noise maker - then fix it as soon practicable. However if any of the drive is desired then wait until maturity. Others may disagree - but .. [ Edited Sun Nov 14 2010, 08:29PM ] | ||
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| Castanha |
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| | Thanks Gary. I will most likely weight until she reaches 19 months or so, as I really need her to develop fully and show the drive I want. I just hope she will not gain too much weight. | ||
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| gsicard |
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| MD Administrator | Weight is a product of food and exercise. Just keep up the exercise and not overfeed. | ||
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| Castanha |
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| | This new dog will be my hiking partner, just like my previous dog was. I am pretty extreme with my hikes, and sometimes can stay on mountain trails for 20 miles in one day. So, I think she will be fine when it comes to exercising, and staying in shape. | ||
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