I couldn't find it for now but studies have shown that some spayed females get more aggressive when they get older.
Be sure and introduce the dogs on totally neutral territory to lessen the chances of the female feeling territorial on her own property.

 Quote: Bob Scott

I couldn't find it for now but studies have shown that some spayed females get more aggressive when they get older.
Be sure and introduce the dogs on totally neutral territory to lessen the chances of the female feeling territorial on her own property.

Deborah L. Duffy, Ph.D., and James A. Serpell, Ph.D., Center for the Interaction of
Animals and Society, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

Non-reproductive Effects of Spaying and Neutering
on Behavior in Dogs

http://www.acc-d.org/2006%20Symposium%20Docs/Duffy2.pdf

 Quote: David Winners

 Quote: Bob Scott

I couldn't find it for now but studies have shown that some spayed females get more aggressive when they get older.
Be sure and introduce the dogs on totally neutral territory to lessen the chances of the female feeling territorial on her own property.

Deborah L. Duffy, Ph.D., and James A. Serpell, Ph.D., Center for the Interaction of
Animals and Society, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

Non-reproductive Effects of Spaying and Neutering
on Behavior in Dogs

http://www.acc-d.org/2006%20Symposium%20Docs/Duffy2.pdf

Thanks

Thanks David!
Not the one I'm familiar with but excellent information non the less.
It's a keeper!

I had it bookmarked

I do think an intact female has a bit more... I don't know how to say this correctly..."heat" might be a nicely descriptive term. This is mostly anecdotal, so know that first, but intact females

1) burn through calories and stay very lean. Tend to get "hotter" inside... and enjoy cooler temperatures. I see this in young intact males as well.

2)have slightly higher energy and drive than a spayed counterpart

3)seem to have a bit more testosterone flowing around than a spayed female- bulkier musculature, and a slightly more dominant or maybe 'cocky' attitude.

Combined, these do not by rote make the female more or less aggressive or more or less dog-friendly. They just make the dog a bit.... more.

Hormones are so complicated that I hesitate to recommend any sorts of half measures that may render the female infertile but still allow her to keep all or some female hormones. Until I see long-term research on other options, like partial spay or chemical spays, I think your best bet it to either keep the female entire or spay.

This may be incorrect, but my understanding is that pregnancy reduces risk of pyometra and breast cancer? (or am I confusing dogs and humans). I think for the OP keeping the female intact will make no difference for dog-dog aggression. It is not that difficult to keep an intact male and female from mating. If you go through one heat and can't deal with it, go ahead and spay her.

bump