I’ve always gotten my dogs fixed. There is one camp that believes it’s healthier for the dog to get fixed and one that believe sits healthier for the dog to remain intact. I believe the intact camp is growing of late, based on some new research.

My dog has been fixed for five years and I’m not in the market for a new dog, so I don’t keep up with it much. I also have no desire to ever have a litter of puppies.

Interesting, my doc never told me it is best to wait 2 years. My pup got fixed at 6 months, I remember pup needed to be a certain weight or something. But I have no interest in breeding, and I would not want to deal with a female in heat for 2 years. Not sure I would want a female if I had to deal with that, give me a male. But I don't like males because I don't like looking at their junk and dealing with them humping everything, but better than a female in heat. And I'm not gonna clip a male, that just not right.

Study released a year or so ago done with goldens found most overall healthy dogs were intact.

Im a big beliver in leave them the way God made them, i think they look better and act better. That said, it requires more work. ESPECIALLY if a female. But more intact males get hit by cars chasing girls than ill bet anything else...

If your going to fix. My vote is wait until they are FULLY mature. That way,
A.) Sex hormones have had secondary effects on conformation and temperment
B.) Gives you time to gauge if dog is worth breeding.

I dont remember if that golden study had a grouo that way fixed latter or not... id have to go reread it

Spaying/neutering should have no real impact of the ability of the dog as a retriever.

The timing of spaying/neutering is still heavily debated in vet circles. When I was in school (just 5-6 years ago) my surgery professors recommended spaying before the first heat cycles to pretty much eliminate the risk of mammary cancer in females...which it does. On the other hand, we've learned through some long term studies that it could increase the risk of other health problems. So I suppose the correct answer is some where in the middle.

I do know that animals that are spayed/neutered at before puberty will grow taller than if left intact. The hormonal changes associated with puberty trigger the growth plates to close.

On the other hand older, intact females are at risk for pyometra and mammary cancer. Males can develop BPH just like men and prostatic cancer....the cancer can happen either way.

I honestly haven't kept up fully with the debate or research since I don't do much dog work anymore. I'd say have a conversation with your vet about timing.

Personally everything I have currently is fixed..male and female. I don't have any dogs i feel like are suitable to breed. If I ever get a dang good dog, I'd consider breeding. By good I mean a good working dog, not just he/she is a sweet dog.