I would like to know from the expert trainers, if there is a benefit or detriment of neutering/spaying a purebred GS that will be trained in Search and Rescue? If the gender is considered in this question, the dog is a female. Thank you!
Tresa Hendrix Webboard User Reg: 05-08-2008
Posts: 1473
Loc: Alaska
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Other than her coming in estrus, I'd vote don't. Its easier to keep an intact dog in good physical condition and you don't want to spay her before she is fully developed, physically and mentally. Also spayed females have heavy coats all year and are less heat tolerant.
The general response will likely be to wait until she is completely mature then spay her. That's probably your best best overall.
A tired dog is a good dog, a trained dog is a better dog.
QUOTE: On balance, it appears that no compelling case can be made for neutering most male dogs to prevent future health problems, especially immature male dogs. The number of health problems associated with neutering may exceed the associated health benefits in most cases.
For female dogs, the situation is more complex. The number of health benefits associated with spaying may exceed the associated health problems in many (not all) cases. On balance, whether spaying improves the odds of overall good health or degrades them probably depends on the age of the dog and the relative risk of various diseases in the different breeds.
The traditional spay/neuter age of six months as well as the modern practice of pediatric spay/neuter appear to predispose dogs to health risks that could otherwise be avoided by waiting until the dog is physically mature, or perhaps in the case of many male dogs, foregoing it altogether unless medically necessary. END PARTIAL QUOTE
(Of course, all of these points are trumped (for me) by any possible inability to protect the female from unintended pregnancy. I'm sure this point doesn't need to be made to the O.P., but it's so important that it should probably be highlighted in most discussions of risks and benefits of altering. JMO!)
Personally, for a SAR dog, I'd choose to spay when the dog was physically mature (18-24 months). Otherwise you could have a SAR dog that is non-operational for 2 months (or more) out of the year while you're dealing with her heat cycle. If you get the right dog for the job, then spaying when mature won't affect her working ability.
IME, I had a female spayed at 6 y/o. Working Border Collie. I noticed very little difference at all in her post spay. She stayed at the same weight, activity/fitness level, temperament, etc. She was still ready and willing to go all day long. The only differences I noticed were that she didn't go through false pregnancy post spay and she didn't blow her coat to the point of being semi-bald post spay.
ian bunbury Webboard User Reg: 01-19-2012
Posts: 685
Loc: whistler bc ca
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i'd do it , if only for the trouble you WON'T cause all the boys lookin' to get friendly wit' her .
with something as important as SAR , you want to know that you'll be able to work your dog when some unfortunate soul needs you to work your dog . . . if that's what you got her for .
Thank you for all the responses, and the study. I did read it in its entirety and it was very helpful in making this decision. In a nutshell, this dog should not be spayed until she is 18 to 24 months of age, anything sooner could affect her health in the future. Again, thank you for your responses!
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Benefit of altering a GS in service work.
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