I know there are alot of differences between small and Large dogs and maybe this is one of them as I haven't researched this subject as much as I should have by now. I grew up with German Shepehrds and I had/have two Rottweilers when I moved out of my Parents home. My female is from an excellent breeder that cares very much for her well being. My Male came froma backyard breeder and I have had quite a few struggles with him.
I am very against breeding unless you are adding something to the breed. I haven't had dogs yet that I felt could add positively to the breeds so I don't breed. However I also take into consideration the health of my dog when fxing them. With my Rottweilers fixng them too young can change the growth. The males head may not get as big as it is supposed and with females fixing them too young can higher her risk for bone Cancer. I decided to fix both my Rottweilers at 18 months to let them mature as much as I can, lower the rishk of Bone Cancer, testicular Cancer and Breast Cancer.
Like I said I haven't read much about the smaller dogs so this may be a difference with them but I'm not sure fixing them at 12 weeks of age is a healthy decision. I have never gone younger than 6 months with any dog.
I have heard of several people keeping puppies till six months of age to potty train them, socialize them properly and to fix the puppies and I really like those breeders because I think they are doing all they can to better the breeds and stop pet overpopulation. Just my opinion. |