Getting male dogs neutered too early causes delay in growth?

[Denise]

Has anyone heard this? There is a topic on the Pit Bull forum I belong regarding neutering dogs before the age of a year old and how it affects growth. According to the statements that were made, the testicles play a vital role in producing testosterone which contributes to muscle growth. Without this hormone, dogs that are neutered befor the age of 1 year old end up being taller and lankier and lack muscle. Now I am wondering if this is the reason why Logan is so lanky at a year old.

[Chrisanne]

that's a new one to me Denise.

Maverick was done at 5 months of age I believe.. maybe six. The vet told me if we cut them before they get the testosterone "rush" it is just overall better for them.

I can say for certain it has NOT hampered mavericks growth at all. I will try to get you new pictures tomorrow for you to see. He is not quite 2 years old and over 200lbs.

[Denise]

Chrisanne, I never heard that either until the topic was brought up on the PB forum. A member gave a long explanation as to why early neutering impairs muscle growth. I would love to see pictures of Maverick!

[ratty_ratkins]

i wouldnt belive it at all!
i know for a fact that it doesnt stun the growth of male rabbits when nueterd at just a couple of months compared to the normal 6 months they usually do it. so i dont see why it would stun a dog.

[The Chillas]

Testosterone does increase muscle growth. In horses I know that stallions have larger thicker more muscular necks then geldings do. I think this may apply all around the mammal world. I know that my unneutered dog does have more muscle then my neutered dog who seems to put on weight easier and they both receive the same amount of exercise. I believe that by removing the testosterone supply you do reduec the abilty to put on a lot of muscle on anything.

[Denise]

Yes, that is what we are discussing on the PB forum. Logan is very lean but I am wondering how much he will fill out now that he is neutered?

[Formula86]

We had Ki-Adi (akita/shepard) neutered before he ever lifted his leg to pee. We've heard that it can stunt growth slightly. But we are soooo happy we had him done before the testosterone kicked in cause he pees like a girl and never marks.

I would recommend it. It's better for the dog in the long run, I think. You won't have to worry about training him out of bad "male" habits.

But I guess he could be a little smaller than you want. I haven't heard anything about the ability to put on muscle. Just that their size can be affected.

And more importantly (j/j on that) -
WHERE ARE PICS OF HIM?????

[Mygala]

I don't think the science totally backs up this premise. It's more of an assumption on some people's part. It's doubtful the beef cattle industry would be making steers if it were a significant factor in keeping meat production down. Personally, I have a 220 pound goat (with very little body fat) that was neutered at the age of 3 days. It doesn't seem to have held back his development.

bob

[ratty_ratkins]

i found a really great article about it not stunning development/growth, but i cant find it now!

[Mallory]

When I get a Dane someday in the future, I do want him fixed before he's 6 months old... I don't exactly want him to be skinny and lanky, but at the same time, I don't want have to work on breaking bad "male" habits, like Jane stated... That doesn't sound fun at all... And besides, Kota isn't fixed yet, and she's lanky as ever, anyone got any spare testosterone I could giver?? xD JUST kidding!!

And Melissa's boxer Max... He pee's like a girl too, I think its about the funniest looking thing ever. xD He's my cute Bubba nephew dog though... I gotta love 'em!

[The Chillas]

Testosterone is needed for growth in muscles. This is a proven fact. That is why men have more muscle then women, and women who take testosteron get more muscle. I believe that upon removing the testicles that you stop any growth that would have contniued which includes chest formation, larger muscle, thicker muscle mass and sprung ribs. Just think of a teenager before puberty and after puberty. My male schnauzer did not actually spring his ribs and develope any sort of chest until he was around a year old, he is intact. I believe that your male pitbull may develop muscle but I dont believe that he will ever have the thick look of an unneutered pitbull of the same age. This may just be a wait and see game and your PB may surprise you.

[Chrisanne]

I'm inclined to disbelieve this entirely myself. I have seen plenty of neutered dogs that develop just fine. To me, it seems to be an excuse to keep the dog intact longer.

Setting aside the fact that it "might" actually work that way. Lets consider the consequence of NOT neutering early. Testosterone also increases aggressive tendencies.

Denise, I'll get you pics of Maverick this weekend so you can see what a MOOSE he is. Aside from the fact that he too still pee's like a girl there is NO difference in his growth IMO.

[Denise]

Chrisanne, thanks. I talked to a PB breeder and she told me with proper exercise and a good diet, Logan has the capability of filling out just fine. She also said genetics play a part too.

[Chrisanne]

Now that makes sense to me.

BTW.. I have pics.. just have to resize

[ratty_ratkins]

i am still looking for that article. it makes perfect since. i dont think early casteration effects growth what so ever