[Britster]

I only paid $65 for Jackson's neuter but I went to a reputable low cost clinic in the area. I am a strong supporter of spay/neuter... I don't really see a good reason NOT to. I know I will never own an unaltered male simply by the ones I've seen... the only dogs that ever seem to cause trouble at the dog park are unneutered, they are too worried about humping, peeing and being way over protective to even play. And they can smell a female in heat from miles away.... I think it is 85% of dogs hit by cars are unaltered males. I understand most will say "oh there is no chance he will get a female pregnant" and then... woops! It happens. It's not worth the risk to me.

I do agree that some are spaying/neutering really at an early age and I think it's wise to wait for growth plates to close and retained baby teeth to have a chance to fall out. 10 months is actually a great age. Jackson was neutered at 7 months old and there was no personality change. He is still super active and has lots of energy. But he never ever marks indoors and he usually still squats to pee. He only leg lifts at public parks where other dogs have been. He's not aggressive in any way, etc. It's obviously a personal choice... I do think there are more actual health benefits to spaying a female than there are neutering a male. But I think it's a wise thing to do either way.