Should we get our lab fixed?
 

Year old lab puppy , He is a meathead, but overall, pretty good dog. Does not spray, and does not hump anything. He does not have a mean bone in his body, he is pretty high strung at times, but he has really nice disposition. We were planning on having him fixed, but I am having second thoughts . What is your take on this ?

Got my first Golden spayed at about that age. No issues. Lived 17years. Was a very smart dog.

Waited to get 2nd Golden spayed. Wasn't very smart but kept herself really clean. Could not hardly tell when she went into season, and even trimmed her own nails. dHad to spay her at 12years because kept getting infections. Started growing lots of lumps after. Died at 13 due to inoperable growth in spine.

Still trying to decide on 3rd Golden having puppies. She will be 2 this holiday season.

Labs should not be spayed or neutered, all other breeds should.

What was your vet's advice, Fred?

Our last discussion with our vet about it was a while ago. At that time, we were only talking about the timeline , not so much whether we should do it or not.
In casual conversation over the last few weeks, I have spoken with 2 lab owners who did not get rover snipped, and they were happy with the outcome. I guess , this is a conversation that we should be having with our vet.
Thanks for the replies. I was hoping you'd chime in Baz !
For never being a dog person, I sure have bonded with this dog.

I'm sure your vet will recommend neutering. He's still a pup, so wait until a female goes into heat any where near him and he will think aggressively with the wrong head. If you ever want to take him in public (dog park, etc), you'll appreciate having him fixed. There are so many unwanted pups dying on the street as the result of people not fixing their pet. There is no down side.

Simple answer is do you WANT puppies?

If no, fix the dog.

Agree.

The Vet will and you should.

Fred - I've always neutered my Chows - but was undecided with our Collie. He's almost 8 months now and the breeder says if you do it - he'll turn into a wuss. His lineage is from champion ( grandparents) show dogs, But recently at our local doggie day care - he decided to mount every dog there, so he would be put in 'time out'.

Also our vet said there's good chance of testicular cancer if we don't. So in December, he will go under the knife. I thinks it's best for a long & healthy life.

My vet recommends fixin em unless you are going to let them have puppies for health reasons. And if you do let them breed, fix em when done.