Neutering questions

[Tenebrion]

So we're going through a debate over here..

I am at a loss over if we should let Brutus stay intact...

i have gone through a lot of research and talked with the vet over it.
Note* Brute's vet is a Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeder as well.. and a Ridgeback specialist.

What he told me scared me and also put some worries to ease. What i was told is there's a possibility he could have a major attitude change and quite possibly wont be as protective over me as he is now.. or all together be less like a ridgeback...

The vet has seen it go either way. He hasn't neutered any of his *own* dogs. He has however neutered the grandchildren and other down the line from his dogs.

The breeder where i got the dog, i wouldn't call a breeder so much as someone who just thought they'd make it rich selling puppies... Never gave me any high hopes on how Brute would be. He just gave away Brutes dad because he couldn't control or do the right thing so Max would stay in the yard. Being able to *easily* get out, he hunted... small animals/dogs. My vet where he got the male, still doesn't know...

I love my dog the way he is.. and i am so scared he'll change into a calm "i don't give a darn about anything" dog...

What i want to know, from fellow chazzers.. is what all have you witnessed in neutered dogs as far as personality changes? Should i be worried about how protective he is? Ridgebacks are very well spoken for their protectiveness and loyalty... Is there a real chance he loses that quality?

If we do neuter him, it will be later, at about year and a half or 2 years. I've done enough research that i want to wait for at least 16 months.

so, any help would be appreciated. I am leaning towards neutering, but i am still uneasy over the change that might occur.

I found this site which gives reasons not to castrate... Is it trustworthy information?
http://www.showdogsupersite.com/kenlclub/breedvet/castrationindogs.html

 

[Tenebrion]

also, it should be noted, he's shy towards strangers now, but not an attack dog in the least, and well trained not to be vicious or even ill tempered.

 

[JennSLK]

The only thing altering does is make them less prone to same sex agression (not allways) and less likely to wonder off.

He is a Rhodie. No matter what you do you KNOW he will have your back. Intact or not. He may not be as agressive if he is sniped but those protective instincts will still be there if or when you need them.

 

[Sweet72947]

I have never noticed any real behavioral changes in dogs or cats after neutering. Slightly calmer sometimes yes, but no complete personality changes or anything like that, and being at rescue I've seen numerous dogs get the big snip.

 

[Tenebrion]

Thanks everyone. I've been with him since about 14 weeks, pretty much 24/7 no matter what, and we have a great bond i just didn't want him to change horribly and never be the puppy i remember.

i think, he's really the first dog that I've bonded with this strong, and i don't want to lose him. He's here when i need him, here when i don't and here when i come inside. He never gives me a "im disappointed in you" look. I thank everyone for the uplifting comments. I'm gonna wait till he's about 2 years old. Get him fixed and ill keep everyone up to date on his behavior.. albeit adorable...

 

[ACooper]

Well Orson isn't a RR, he's a dobe but I haven't noticed much change in his attitude as of yet.

He was neutered a month ago (he is two) and still goes to check out every noise in the night, yard, and front door, LOL

 

[Tenebrion]

Well Orson isn't a RR, he's a dobe but I haven't noticed much change in his attitude as of yet.

He was neutered a month ago (he is two) and still goes to check out every noise in the night, yard, and front door, LOL

Yea, my hubby is somewhat against getting him fixed after he found the site i put up there about all the issues against neutering. i want to wait till he's at least 2 to get it done, I'm sure he'll be himself.. but I've met so many people who got it done when their puppies were like 6 months old no matter the sex. I'm thinking the health and issues stemmed maybe from the early neutering. I can't be too sure.

 

[shadowfacedanes]

As a giant breed owner, I'm a huge advocate of waiting to maturity before neutering on large/giant dogs. I think it probably even has benefits for smaller dogs, though I'm not as knowledgable about small dogs.

As far as personality/protectiveness with an altered dog...I've never seen a lack in protection from my altered danes. My males have always been very protective, regardless of whether they have their testicles or not.

 

[noludoru]

What i want to know, from fellow chazzers.. is what all have you witnessed in neutered dogs as far as personality changes? Should i be worried about how protective he is? Ridgebacks are very well spoken for their protectiveness and loyalty... Is there a real chance he loses that quality?

I really, really doubt it. Middie is as loyal to me as a dog who loves everyone can be, and that hasn't changed. The only ounce of protectiveness I have EVER seen from him came after his neuter, and it's not something I expect from such a happy go lucky, woohoo everybody's here to play with me dog. (Sometimes I wish he'd do that more often.. I have a family member that would probably learn some freakin' respect for physical boundaries with a good, old fashioned, bite. )

The only significant change in Middie is his marking. It stopped inside, and I was able to housebreak him, and has since declined to the point where I can take him in stores and other peoples' homes without too much fear that he will mark - although I am ALWAYS watching him, no sense taking chances.

 

[Tess32]

Testosterone doesn't dictate those aspects of a dog's temperament, they are inherent in your breed. All it will do is potentially decrease dog to dog aggression and his interest in in-season bitches.