When to spay/neuter large breed dogs?

A good friend bought a black lab from an excellent excellent breeder. Her contract stated that the dog could not be spayed until after 2 heat cycles had passed and the breeder's personal choice was at least three. I do believe that most vets all agree that a large breed male should not be neutered until all growth plates have closed, which is generally around 18 months. But bluebonnetgranny posts the correct response - dogs from back yard breeders (which is most shelter dogs) need to be spayed/neutered prior to being able to breed, as these dogs should not be passing their genes on to any pups under any circumstances, which is why most shelters have rules (and some areas have laws) that say that no dog nor cat can leave the shelter without being spayed/neutered. But there are two sets of rules here - one for responsible people who can/will keep their dogs from breeding, and those that cannot/will not.

I was advised by a veterinarian to not spay my dog before age 20 months and may not do it at all. I don't want any litters so i am careful to prevent unwanted pregnancies. The evidence about abnormal bone growth and development, cardiac tumors, bone cancer, incontinence, hyperthyroidism, increased risk of hip dysplasia, ruptured cruciate ligaments, and disease in general definitely changed my mind. I was once an advocate of early spaying and neutering. I've owned an incontinent female spayed dog. A vet advised early neutering of a puppy I had who grew long skinny legs which suited neither his build nor his breed. I want to do the best I possibly can for my current dog. Studies have also shown that spaying and neutering have not reduced the number of animals killed in shelters.I now advise others to wait. My dog is now over 2 years old, not spayed, and has never mated. I think it is time that the veterinary business (it certainly isn't care-oriented any more) should admit to its mistake and give people the new information.

Animal Humane Association says the sooner the better. Of course their objective is to prevent reproduction to take away from the over population of dogs & cats in pounds, shelters & rescues.

Lots of people are very innocent when it comes to getting a new dog, get screwed & scammed by some stupid, ignorant, lying, defective BYBers, selling very poor quality pups & then those low quality dogs are bred to other poor quality dogs & the mess just gets worse. YES, get those dogs spayed & neutered.

Even if I were to buy a good quality dog & pay thousands for it, I would still get her spayed. Goats, ferrets, cats & dogs.

I am all for the spaying & neutering of all pets.

My thoughts are that large breeds should never be neutered until fully grown so at least 18 months plus.

Apart from the cancer side of things lack of hormones affects the growth and can cause problems.

I am a vet-tech, and I would say around 5 to 10 months is usually when we do it. I want to do it as soon as possible for the dogs sake, but also don't want to rush it too much. Good luck!

male at puberty

Females immediately after the first heat cycle

I doubt that research. I spay my bit ches at 7 and the males at 8

Preferably, ONLY when/if it is a health concern...but never prior to 2 years.

lmfao you are a vet tec and are asking this ???? really .... please tell us who you work for , so we do not take our pets there