Breeders neutering pups?

[AdiT]

This came up on another forum today and wondered if anyone had come across it.

A member had asked for advice on breeds to fit his requirements a few days ago. They were, medium/large, short hair, athletic, able to run 10k with him once old enough, plus a few other things. Basically his short list came down to GSP/Vizla/Weim. Wrong order IMH(weim owning)O but some people won't be told . I suggested maybe look at English Pointer and the original poster liked that and said he quite liked the idea of having/helping a less popular (even endangered) breed and I agreed.

Then some one came in with "How does getting a particular breed of dog help the breed, unless you intend to breed them... and the breeders would prevent you doing that anyway".
I (and several others) questioned this "prevention" and was told breeders neutered the pups (at 6weeks) before release or had contracts you had to sign agreeing not to breed from your pup... and they prevent you registering any future pups with the KC!

It's since become apparent he's posting from Canada but insists it's common here in UK as well.

[bexVN]

Well in 24yrs as a nurse I have never seen a pup neutered at 6 weeks and hope I never do. I know some rescue charities do it to very young and it is commonplace in Australia for example but research is starting to show this may not be good for development of the pup long term (less so in kittens which are also done by some very very young but I'd still object to it in kittens) which personally I'd have thought an obvious concern.

So to answer the question I do not believe it is commonplace for breeders to neuter their litters in this way in this country.

Contracts on restrictions are more usual though.

[Wigeon Incognito]

I do know of one vet who will neuter from 10 weeks. Six weeks is possible.

It's an area where I'd like to see some conclusive evidence as to whether it truly negatively affects development. A lot of what I have read whether for or against seems to be based on personal opinions, conjecture, and hearsay.

[Catz]

I was asked by the breeder not to neuter unless really necessary. Ignored that advice and got her spayed.(the dog not the breeder!)

There was a clause in our contract that our dog couldn't have pups that would be recognised by the KC unless we contacted the breeder and got her permission first.

Didn't want pups hence the spaying. Kind of back to front advice.

[Jasandjules]

I've not heard of anyone neutering below six months in the UK - maybe some do and keep it a secret.

However, a restriction on breeding from the dogs i.e. they would not be KC registered, is common enough for dogs that will be for pet homes only.

[AdiT]

Contractual restrictions on breeding I can understand. Especially if it's to try control the breeding OUT of some genetic problems. The argument thats being used though is financial protection of their business, which isn't the same.

My Weim was neutered at 17weeks. I'd intended to heve it done at 9-12months but he cut his leg reqiring anesthetic to stich and the vet advised doing it tha same time rather than put him under twice. He said 18 weeks was the soonest he'd normally do it and then under protest.

[leafspring]

Our Pedigree Schipperkes were bought from a breeder @ 13months old and fully equipped ... didn't have to sign any contracts/forms/paperwork and nothing was said about breeding onwards .

They had had their tails docked with out asking us first if we wanted them to

[Pesty]

Don't think any breeders over here neuter pups. Well I hope not.

Ours told us that we were not allowed to breed with our pup unless she was involved but I don't remember signing anything.

As far as I'm concerned it's your dog do whatever you want. Slightly different with us because there is only one breeder I'd go back there anyway.