[QuickSilver]

There are so many unwanted dogs in this country already. Since dogs have more than one puppy at a time, consider how many more pets we would have if everyone mated their dogs. Unless you want to start a serious breeding program with the medical tests others have mentioned, the responsible thing to do is neuter.

There are also benefits for you and your boy. Small, intact male dogs are notorious marking maniacs. This habit intensifies after mating, and once he mates, he may not stop even if he is neutered afterwards. Intact male dogs are more aggressive, and are more likely to cause aggressive responses in other dogs. Intact males can smell a female in heat up to a mile away, and will do anything, including running out of your house and aross busy streets, to get to her.