What are the pros and cons of getting a male dog fixed?( 6 month old Shih Tzu)?

Answer 1

With male dogs there are only pros. His hormones have not really kicked in yet and if you neuter him soon, they won't. But if you don't, in the next couple of months he will discover girls and become very hormonal and will likely start marking (peeing) in your house.

Answer 2

All pros, no cons.

Intact (male dogs) are a pain in the @$$ to keep.
That person that posted you the pros and cons meant well, but I read their 'cons' and I don't agree with any of them...I have had intact and neutered males and never had any of those cons.

Unless this is a show specimen (and 99.9% of the time it is a toss-up as to even THEN whether it should be used or not), and you'd know if he were because you'd have a 5 generation pedigree and have paid over $1500 for him and had to sign a contract with his breeder to get him saying that you'd consult with them before breeding...then neuter him. I'm sure that's not the case or you wouldn't be asking on yahoo...so definitely neuter him. In fact, he's ready to be neutered right now at this age...best to call your vet first thing in the morning and go ahead and make the appointment. Do NOT delay! The timing now is perfect.

Answer 3

You cannot breed your dog if he gets fixed, but other than that I can't think of any other reason not to fix a dog, esp. a male.

Males settle down once they are fixed. They get strong feelings about running off to find females when they are in heat. They also go all over the place 'spraying' everything until they are fixed, leaving their sent. I have 3 female dogs and a male dog in the neighborhood that isn't fixed, loves to come over and spray as many things as he can in our yard. He also runs away for DAYS when he's in heat. Males are less aggressive once they're fixed.

So, I'm all for fixing males and females.

Answer 4

Neutering – The Positive Side


Neutering removes the risk of pregnancy.

Pet overpopulation is a serious issue and by allowing your dog to breed, you are adding to the problem. Although you may not own the female dog, and you are not burdened with finding homes for those new puppies, someone else is. Even if you accept your responsibility and choose to keep the puppies, you now have the additional cost of vaccines, parasite control, toys and food for several pets.


Neutering makes for a calmer dog.

Another positive aspect of neutering your dog is that neutering can result in a calmer, and sometimes cleaner, home. Without the drive to mate, your dog may be quieter and not prone to an incessant need to seek out a mate. The neutered dog no longer feels the need to seek out and serenade females. He no longer has the stress of needing to mark his territory and urinate throughout the house and yard. Neutered pets are also easier to get along with. They tend to more gentle and affectionate. Neutered males tend to roam less and typically are not involved in as many fights with other animals.


Neutering keeps your dog healthier.

A final positive aspect of neutering your dog is that neutered pets tend to have fewer health problems. Neutering is the removal of the testicles. Without these organs, testicular cancer is no longer a concern and the risk of prostate problems is reduced. For those people who would like to sterilize their dog but do not wish to alter his appearance, testicular implants are available.

Neutering – The Negative Side


Neutering is sterilization.

Neutering will result in the sterilization of your dog. He will no longer be able to reproduce, so if you intend to breed your animal, do not have him neutered.


Neutering changes his appearance.

Your dog will look different because his testicles will no longer be present. If the absence of these organs is a cosmetic problem for you, don’t have him neutered, or discuss testicular implants with your veterinarian.


Neutering may cause weight gain.

Some pets gain weight after neutering. Intact animals typically have a strong mating desire and can expend a lot of energy seeking a mate and reproducing. Without this energy burden, your dog may eat the same amount but not burn off as many calories. Cutting back on his food can help reduce the weight gain but it is still something to be concerned about.


Neutering will make him quiet.

Pets that have been neutered tend to be less active and calmer. If a more sedentary and peaceful dog is not for you, neutering may not be the best option.

Answer 5

The only con is not being able to breed it.
pros are: the dog will settle down, be less aggressive, less chance of testicular cancer, wont be humping everything in site, wont run away when there's a dog in heat.
My boxer was getting very aggressive I made the choice to have him fixed and he is the most lovable dog now.

Answer 6

All dogs that are not going to be bred with the purpose of improving the breed, should be spayed and or neutered. In male dogs, neutering helps to prevent testicular cancer and causes the dog to be more calm and less dominate due to the slight decrease in testosterone in his blood stream.

Answer 7

Will get him to stay home. Focus on training now for the dog races.

Answer 8

pros: reduced risk of prostate and testicular cancer, won't hump everything, won't mark (pee on everything) won't try to escape when a female is in heat, won't get aggressive or fight other dogs...

cons: you can't breed him. that's the only con.

Answer 9

He won't get testicular cancer, he won't go off looking for females, he won't get into fights over females and it might be soon enough that he won't start lifting his leg in the house to mark his territory.

Answer 10

Have you seen a male dog with testicular cancer. Their balls get the size of grapefruits. NO JOKE!!