Spay and Neuter question...

This is for future references. Is it better to neuter a male dog when he stops growing, and spay a female before her first heat? I heard female intact dogs have many more health risks than male intact dogs.

while i prefer to not spay and neuter at all, i would wait until they are mature for males and females if i am going to do it.

There seems to be evidence to support both sides. I found this study not too long ago. It's pretty balanced.

Long Term Health Effects of Spay and Neuter in Dogs

Why is that? And what about mutts and poorly bred dogs. Do you keep them all intact?

I thought it was wait until a male was fully mature for best health, but spay a female before her first heat for best health (though you know I'm probably wrong). I'm so glad my dogs will all be rescues, pre-neutered

yes. my reasons are:

1. i don't like putting my dog through major surgery and removing internal organs.
2. the link posted by BoxMeIn21 references the same information i have seen, which i had posted here recently in another thread. it outlines the increased health risks associated with spaying/neutering, some of which may be less of a risk if at least waiting until maturity.
3. while i understand the reasons for spaying/neutering, i believe there are other ways to prevent unwanted breedings (leash, fence, supervision, training), other ways to prevent temperament problems that may or may not be affected by spaying/neutering (training, exercising), other ways to minimize the risks of developing cancer (nutrition, stress reduction).

Personally, I would wait until the dog (male or female) reaches maturity and the growth plates close. This is only if you are able to handle an intact animal without any "oops" moments.