[BamSaitinypap]

Having a dog neutered doesn't necessarily change his personality. The reason why people think that it does is because they will turn less aggressive and have less determination to leave the house during "heat" season.

For one, neutering has a some benefits of its own. This would include the following:

1. You'll reduce his risk of testicular cancer or prostate infection.
2. It is said that most neutered dogs are calmer, less agitated and less aggressive.
3. You won't have to worry of him wandering off to look for a female to mate.
4. Since Jet will be with other dogs often, there's always the chance that he'll fight with other un-neutered dogs for a female in heat.

I hope this helps.

[ycMC0PLg]

Personally I would never have a dog neutered unless I had good reason to (medical reasons/behavioural problems etc). If it aint broke, why fix it? as long as you have adequate control over your dog to prevent accidents from happening.
It is fine to compete with an intact dog - I used to, and had no problems. Many people do. And if you end up with a fantastic agility dog his genes may be in demand (as long as he has good health test results of course!).

[Kotyara]

It'ss ccompletely up to you, however if you don't plan on breeding from him then is there really much point in keeping him entire?
It will probably take the edge off him slightly but it doesn't change their personality from what I've seen. Also as others have said there is always the chance of him wandering off to look for a bitch in heat, is it really worth that possibility because he may have some sort of potential in the future?
Also you have to think of his breeding lines, if he is just "normal" in that sense, people are less likely to want to breed from him especially with the current climate and how many unwanted puppies there are at the moment.

[97dYA9L3]

I don't know about agility etiquette really. My westie was from a rescue so was already snipped when I got him. Maybe talk to more people in your dog club and see what they say.

[maonnjtip]

I have a border collie cross and he had to be done because he was trying it on with everything he saw mind you he still does it now but more for dominance.

He looks a beautiful dog and I dont think I would have him catrated unless you thought it was causing a problem. Like you said, I wouldn't think anyone with a bitch that was on heat would take them to shows because there are bound to be other uncastrated dogs there.

Even though you don't have any plans on breeding him if he does do well you may want to carry on his line in a few years.

[plaiskegizils]

So I have a dilemma

Jet is a two year old blue merle border collie.

He is very exciteable and boisterous and very energetic but also quite well trained and he is good with other dogs.

I take him to agility and recently one of the other members took me aside and said I should get him castrated in case he gets too excited when we start competing.

But i'm worried it may change his personality.

Are there health reasons to get him castrated? I know with female dogs that it can help against some types of cancers but my vet has never recommended that I have Jet snipped. It is worth mentioning I do not intend to breed him specifically but he is registered and from good working bloodlines and he is young and I do have friends who have working dogs who may have wanted to stud him, also he is doing very well at agility and he could pass that on.

So i dont know what to do, i dont want to risk him competing and there being a female dog on heat and him going after her - but then surely no one at any shows would take a female dog if she was on heat anyway?

So it is a bit of a dilemma, it feels cruel to be cutting off his potential so young and i also am worried it will change his personality.

[wrenjmerg]

Hi Enya


Many dogs at the age of two aren't quite mature yet and will still get a little excited in some situations. If you look at him in "human years" he is a young man in his early twenties who is still quite immature but hopefully will calm down soon. I doubt if being castrated will effect his personality but why put him through an operation when it's not needed? He seems like a fantastic dog with lots of personality and I'd just let nature take it's course until he gets a little older. Are the agility competitions more important than his welfare? Of course not!

There are many people who will tell you to have a dog castrated just because "it stops them having unwanted puppies" or "it stops them being aggressive" but unless you are planning to let him roam free and impregnate bitches or if he is actually showing any aggression then it isn't needed at all. The government and animal welfare people have spread propaganda in the last few decades to make everyone think that all dogs should be sterilized. I find it really patronising that they don't give dog owners enough credit to look after their dogs properly in the first place!


Louise