Many rescues early spay neuter (early being prior to 4 months). There is a malumute mix we're considering adopting, male, neutered at less than 3 months of age. I've read all the articles on early spay/neuter and would never self-initiate the procedure, but in this case, the little guy's already snipped.

My dogs are very active, we run up to 30 miles during winter skis, and I do worry what effect early neuter may have on his bone growth/angles of the joints as an adult. I won't be running him this distance until he's mature.

Has anyone adopted a dog from a rescue that was neutered very young? What kind of specific experiences (good or bad) have you had? I am well aware of the risks- I've even printed out the articles, but if you research nearly ANY medical condition or procedure, you'll come up with risks. I found lots of negative research on microchipping, but numerous dogs are microchipped and come out just fine. I'm wondering if the same may be partly true for early nueter.

Particularly I'm interested in how this may affect his future athletic capabilities.

And for the record, I do no think early spay/neuter is good for the dog, but I do understand why rescues do this. There are way too many 'accidental' breedings around here, and the rescues and pound are packed with pitbull and husky mixes.

^What she said ^

He.

Sorry I got all caught up in the awesome-ness of your post, I mixed you up with the OP....

We neutered Conan at like 10 weeks. We didn't know any better. He's 3 now and fine so far, unless it contributed to his IBD in some way. But he's also not a larger breed. I guess we got pretty lucky with not having any problems with him.

I know of a BC that was spayed at 8-9 weeks and has been active in agility for several years (I think she's 8 or 9 y/o now) without any issue.

I don't like the idea of altering a dog before 18-24 months, but it certainly isn't a deal breaker for me when getting a dog from a rescue.

Dexter my 16 months dobe is very tall and slim. Many think that he is part dane. He was cut before 8 weeks He is also the laziest dog, but I think that is just the way he is.

I neutered my dog at < 4 mos and will do it again with another. No urine marking is small side benefit.