Is it DANGEROUS? Owning "intact" males

[Mordy]

Here's my perspective on the topic, which may be quite different from other people's, since I lived in a country where spaying and neutering dogs isn't done routinely (Germany):

I don't think it depends on the dog as much as on the owner. For 28 years of my life, during 20 of which I've owned nothing but intact dogs, and interacted with other people and their intact dogs (dog club, breeders, events etc.) it has never been an issue.

Yeah, like in any other country, dog attacks occur in Germany too, which lead to controversial BSL and non-breed specific legislation as well, but at least they aren't trying to solve the problem by basically forcing people to spay or neuter their dogs, but work on educating humans, for example by requiring an aptitude test for the owners of breeds that are considered "dangerous" if local authorities find it necessary for the person in question.

Here's some info from the "flip side" of the coin:
http://www.caninesports.com/SpayNeuter.html

 

[Renee750il]

I have had both neutered and intact male dogs. With the exception of O'Riley, who was three months old when I got him from the pound, the neutered males were adults before they went under the knife, because they were from the pound.

Bimmer is intact. He's never given me any reason to feel the need to have him neutered, and frankly, dealing with the Riot Grrrrls, his testosterone has stood him in good stead I'm not sure if they would have been as willing to be subject to an intact male, and given his psyche, I don't know if he would have handled it well emotionally if they had felt they could take over.

But . . . he's not out there impregnating everyone's dogs either

 

[joce]

My females have alwayws been loads mroe aggressive(towards other dogs anyway) than my males. My dobe is intact and he has shown some aggression maybe three times and all were called for. My cousins altered male is aggressive towards most males all the time and kinda rumbly with some people so I really think it just depends.

 

[gibbrishclown]

I had a bunch of intact dogs when I was dating a BYB, now I have a bunch of dogs taken from a BYB... I used to have a lot of fights going on. Even the calmest dog I have was aggressive at times *usually surrounding hers or another females heat cycle... now that I only have spayed females, I dont have any aggression. The pit bull that I had before the boyfriend was spayed, and she's never been aggressive... which is how I got her... a lot can be said for personality, but I thin that being intact is a factor in a lot of aggression...

 

[DanL]

I think how aggressive your dog is directly results from the training you give it. Gunnar is intact and is about 19 months old, and he's never tried to fight another dog or been aggressive towards any people. I keep a close watch on him and do not allow him to overextend his boundries. He barks at other dogs but many GSD's do that, even my old trainer's CGC/TDI GSD barked at Gunnar when she 1st saw him.

I think Ashlea's comment is true to a degree, that many men keep intact dogs because it is "macho" to them, but the dogs behavior has less to do with being intact and more to do with improper training.

 

[Wigglebutts]

I think aggression has nothing to do with if the dog is intact and everything to do with the owner and how s/he trains the dog.

It has everything to do with it!!!!

 

[Renee750il]

"Aggression" (which is all too often really defensive behaviour rather than true aggressive behaviour) usually is the result of more than one factor. Hormones may be part of it, but training and socialization is certainly a factor.

 

[SummerRiot]

There is definately a difference in a nuetered and unnuetered males actions.. but honestly his actions should ONLY be different around females in season.

Crosbie had no aggresion issues when he was a full male - the only thing that changed him when he got fixed was he wasn't as excitable and he didn't show any interest in "his ladies" afterwards.

I honestly think that if I fixed Riot - the only changed I'd see in him is less "girl fondness" - the rest of his personality would be the same.

Its the people how decide wether or not to TRAIN their dogs is what causes a problem.

 

[SizzleDog]

Ronin is intact, and he is dog-aggressive. However, he respects his place in the househgold (he is the *omega*, under Ilsa and of course myself) so he keeps his aggressive tendencies in check most of the time. I can walk him beside other intact males, and he will only get snappy with them if they jump on him or start growling first. He is 100% reliable at dog shows - no aggression whatsoever, even when he's surrounded by bitches in heat and hundreds of intact males. He also has never minded my (female) foster dogs, and he rather enjoys the company of many bitches that belong to my friends.

Basically, he's intact but he's under control and he respects my authority. He's a good boy and a wonderful dog, despite his, erm, "extra weight".

 

[Feebee]

Hey red,

Here is my opinion for what its worth. You know your dog better than anyone so only you can decide. My opinion is if your dog is calm and doesnt run then you shouldnt run the risk of the operation. If on the other hand your dog is hard to control and escapes from you then you should. I havent had my Archie done cos he has never showed any aggression or any signs of running, so why on earth would I put him thru an operation that risks his life, cos believe you me 90% of the time this operation is safe but what about the other 10% that dont come round from this. My brother had his dalmatian done cos he was so highly strung and it was the best thing to do, it was 100% successful so its not like I cant see the benefits. Its like any human operation there is always a risk. So please consider carefully whether you dog really needs this done or not. Vets do advise it but they would! Wouldnt they!!! I have spoke to a few folk that have lost their pets this way, so please believe that is not a decision to be taken over night. I sorry if this worries you but that is not my intention. I just think if the dog has no need for this op then dont consider it and dont let anyone put pressure on you either way in the end its up to you.

Fiona and Archie

 

[bubbatd]

I personally think it depends on the breed and the owners. I never had problems with my intact Goldens .

 

[Red_ACD_for_me]

My boy is great and well trained. He could care less of strangers though and is very protective and territorial which sometimes has me thinking that if I neuter him he will calm down. He is a great guard dog and I feel very safe walking with him in the woods. It is my vet who makes me feel uncomfortable when he goes in for a check-up. I always get a comment of why he isn't neutered and I have told them time and time again that I was supposed to show him. Plus the fact that he doesn't like the vet and acts crazy there and needs to be muzzled has them thinking that by chopping off his nads will cure everything. Now Grammy, when you say it depends on the breed which breeds do you think should be neutered?

 

[Feebee]

dont ever be pressurised by your Vet! Does he know your dog like you do! NO! Only do what you feel what is right for your dog.

 

[Red_ACD_for_me]

dont ever be pressurised by your Vet! Does he know your dog like you do! NO! Only do what you feel what is right for your dog.

No, that is just it. They only see him in that surrounding and he was fine at the vet until I left him one day for 5 hours and the next time we returned after that stay he acted like a total jerk (my dog). I just hate how vets think that neutering will cure everything! I am all for S/N but I want to do it when I feel the time is right...

 

[dr2little]

While many dogs live a totally peaceful and wonderful life intact, I have to say that sometimes I do recommend a snip for certain dogs when dealing with aggression issues. It can and often does have a dramatic effect on temp., of course in combination with training ALWAYS.

 

[Feebee]

The vets do mention to me when I take Archie in about getting him done. Annoys the **** out of me. So I tell them my views, cant argue with someones opinion eh! I take full responsibility for Archie and would never ever let him out of site never mind roam, makes me sick to think of him out there without me so he not going to impregnate another dog whilst I there. If your vet makes you feel so uncomfortable then change the vet. Its all about whats right for you and your much loved dog

 

[mrose_s]

my friend has an intact male ridgeback. he is one of the sweetest dogs i've ever met. given his breed and intact-ness. he's so good. doesn;t even wander.

mum decided not to get harry desexed. i see her point. i wouldnt like to be spayed. buster was supposed to get a vesectomy. the vet said ok, he would do it. we went back to get him in the aftrenoon and they'd neauterd him. it really pissed me off. a lot. i know he is already agressive enough but the vet just didnt do as he said he would. that makes a dangerous vet if you ask me. they should pay more anttentiion

so we are going to have 2 undesexed females and an undesexed male. this is going to be interesting. haha. ahh well.

just like to state that we ARN'T leting them breed. a manchester terrier/border collie/fox terrier/cattle dog or a cattle dog/mastiff isn't nice. haha. mum just likes intact male dogs personailty's better. i prefer desexed males personalities. and i wouldn't like to desex sophie now. it changes a dogs personality. as does letting them have puppies. and i love all our dogs just how they are.

 

[planet molosser]

That depends when you keep intact females whether you are a breeder or a pet owner some of the guardian breeds become BLIND when they are breeding or being allowed to smell a bitch in heat ..

The only time my molossers growl and i do not have the same control over them is when they are breeding.

I in general do NOT show them when in heat if helped ( if they come in same day and im on the way I will go) if they are in standing heat i stay home it could cause a serious issue with the other dogs both male and female.

I have buyers who have intact males living together of the same breed and different breeds and as long as they dont have a intact bitch at home or next door they are okay.

I have 2 breeding bitches , 1 pup and 2 retired bitches & 2 pet bitches they run with 2 intact males and one neutered male just fine when they come into heat the males are separated and the neutered male is put in with young unproven bitches to STOp any unplanned breedings..

Even neutered males can still be very guardy... just less hormones

 

[cindr]

to fix or not to fix that is the question

A few yrs ago a very good freind of mine and I went out for lunch, This freind would be a Police K-9 Service Officer. This Officer had received one of my Top Police Trained K-9 Dogs Kavick. To be honest with you as we both discussed all training aspects. This subject would seem to arise.

As we both sat and took notes from each other we both would come to the same conclusion. Where as what goes on between the dogs legs has not much to do with what is going on in the dogs mind. Now we all know that this subject stems from the breeder and how they chose to breed. As well as this stems from the owner and how he/she decides to raise their dog. 95% of the time it is a general cause as to allowed behavior. As well as the fact that the dogs ancestory seems to play a large roll in the dogs behavior

So here are my personal suggestions:

1) When breeding: Consider what and who you are breeding the dog for. (Working or Pet home) If breeding for pets do not breed the aggressive dog to a agressive dog. Make sure that the dogs have the abilty to have a happy out going loving but yet show some type of natural protection.

2) When breeding working dogs again take the time to compliment the dogs areas of expertise. So if you have to take a softer dog and breed it to a dog that just wants to get busy and go. This is where you have the best of both worlds

3) Never ever ever breed two over powering aggressive dogs together. If you do then inform the doggies new owner. This is like making a time bomb and placing it in a kids hands.

In 35 yrs of dogs we have had a few arguements nothing serious at all. Although I find that females are that much more aggressive then males especially when they have their kids at hand.
But mind you we have found that all of our dogs work together rather than against each other. We have had to bring in new dogs on the ocassion and guess what never have had a problem there either. It's all about how you raise your dog and better yet who you get your dog from.

 

[Danegirl2208]

I've never had a problem with intact males. Malakai is around 16 months old and intact, never once have had a problem with him..hes one of the sweetest boys you could meet