Are there good reasons NOT to...

[Gardeness]

...get a Yorkshire Terrier neutered or spayed?

I know the reasons why puppies should be 'fixed' - too many unwanted already, they mark territories, they go after other dogs in heat, etc. But I think quite a few people have not had their YT's fixed. I'm still considering a TY puppy and not sure if I should get them (it) fixed or not. I read that YT's are "sensitive" to anesthesia. Are these dogs so sensitive that it's not worth putting them 'under' to get fixed?

I don't have current plans to breed a TY, but if someone had a potential mate in the future - I might consider it at that time. BTW - I do plan on getting a purebred registered male YT if I get one at all.

Thanks for your thoughts.

[nvnvgirl]

I personally, can't see NOT neutering if you aren't a breeder. My main reason for that thinking USED to be b/c of the higher risk of cancer, and the marking thing. HOWEVER....after having Madison, I can see where it's not just a matter of a male going after other dogs in heat; but when they do, they could get LOST and go thru what Madison has gone thru; almost starving to death and God only knows what else.

You might think you keep a close watch on your dog, but sometimes hormones are much more powerful than anything and you don't know how far a dog will go to reach a female that's in heat.

Max was neutered, had absolutely no problems with the anesthesia, and his sister who's much smaller than he is came thru it just fine also.

[Sunnie]

Good reasons NOT to get your Yorkie spay or nuetered.... If you are planning to show it or breed it.. BUT, that being said, before you decide to breed it, it should be genetically tested for diseases and genetic problems common to yorkies and it should be a GOOD representation of the breed.. If not, get it fixed.. enjoy it.

Anesthetics are always a concern for ALL breeds of pets.. Testing is normally done prior to surgfery to minimize the risks..

[Potter]

There are risks associated with spaying/neutering. When you decide to spay your pet, you have to know that there are risks associated to it. There are a lot of pets that has gone through spaying/neutering and came out fine but there are also some who died from it even after a pre-op blood test is being done. I am not debating the rights and wrongs of neutering or not neutering. I am simply stating the fact that there are risks associated to the surgery itself. I just hate to see pet owners who are not being informed properly and thinks that everything will be okay when it is not a 100% guarantee and have their heart broken when something happens.