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Originally Posted by YorkieMiki  What age would you guys recommend neutering a male? He's just 13 wks old now and doesn't really mark or lift his leg yet, but I'm thinking about the future plans. 
When would be the earliest? what are advantages or disadvantages to doing it early.
He's just 2.5 lbs but will probably weigh 5 lbs |
Canine Sports Productions: Early Spay-Neuter Considerations for the Canine Athlete
Here is one very good site that you can read up on some of the pros and cons with respect to neutering a male or spaying a female.
I know for me I will never neuter a healthy male dog prior to growth plate closure.
You can be assured of growth plate closure if you do an Xray of the lateral view of the tibia. This is the last growth plate that closes. If this is fused/closed then all other joints are. An Xray is not that expensive particularly just doing one view.
12 -14 mths of age is the range at which growth plates close.
Leg lifting is not something that neutering early automatically 100% protects against.
Good luck in your decision. You can also visit Dr Jean Dodds website, I attended a lecture of hers Sept 2011 where in she also agrees with much of the information on this website.