What New Research Says About Spaying and Neutering Your Dog: Key Insights for New Pet Owners

As a new pet owner, you’ve likely heard about the importance of spaying or neutering your dog. But did you know that recent research has changed the timeline for when this should be done for different breeds? A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science and supported by the American Kennel Club, has updated guidelines for spaying and neutering to help prevent joint problems and cancers in certain breeds. Here's what you need to know, especially if you have one of the popular breeds included in the study.

The Basics: Why Spaying or Neutering Matters

Spaying and neutering are common practices in pet ownership to prevent unwanted litters and reduce certain health risks. However, research shows that the timing of this procedure plays a big role in a dog’s long-term health. Hormones play a major part in your dog’s growth, and when they are spayed or neutered too early, it can affect their bones, joints, and even their risk for certain types of cancer.

In the early 2010s, Drs. Benjamin and Lynette Hart from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine led a study that focused on Golden Retrievers. Their research found that neutering or spaying Golden Retrievers before 12 months old increased their chances of developing hip dysplasia, a painful joint disorder. This discovery sparked a wave of research into the effects of early spaying and neutering across different dog breeds.

What’s New in the Research?

The 2025 study expands on the original findings by adding six more popular dog breeds to the list. Here’s a quick breakdown of the new guidelines:

• German Shorthaired and German Wirehaired Pointers: Both males and females should not be neutered or spayed before 12 months.
• Siberian Huskies: Male Huskies should not be neutered before 6 months; females should wait until they’re 12 months.
• Rhodesian Ridgebacks: Neither males nor females should be spayed or neutered before 6 months.
• Mastiffs: Male Mastiffs should not be neutered until 24 months, while females should wait until 12 months.
• Newfoundlands: Both males and females should wait until 12 months.

This updated information is vital for ensuring the healthiest start for your dog, especially if you have one of these breeds. If you want to find your breed try viewing the Frontier complete breakdown, here.

Why Does Timing Matter?

Dogs are constantly growing during their first year of life, and their bones and joints are still developing. Spaying or neutering too early can prevent the proper development of these joints, leading to conditions like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, or even torn ligaments. Hormones, which are produced by the reproductive organs, are crucial for the development of bone growth plates. When a dog is altered too early, these growth plates may close improperly, leading to long-term issues with their bones and joints.

Additionally, early neutering or spaying has been linked to a higher risk of certain cancers, including those affecting bones, blood vessels, and lymph nodes. In Golden Retrievers, for example, spaying females at any age increases their risk of cancer, making them an outlier in the research.

Other Surprising Findings

Some of the results were unexpected. For example, the study found that Golden Retrievers were particularly vulnerable to early neutering, even though they share similar traits with Labrador Retrievers. This shows that breed-specific factors can play a significant role in the health risks associated with altering dogs too early.

Interestingly, the research also highlighted that spaying or neutering female Shetland Sheepdogs before 24 months could lead to urinary incontinence, though this was not related to joint problems. On the other hand, early spaying or neutering had no effect on joint issues or cancer in female Pugs.

What Should You Do With This Information?

As a pet owner, it’s essential to follow these updated guidelines to ensure your dog’s health. Here’s how you can manage it:

1. Check Your Dog’s Breed: If you own one of the breeds mentioned in the study, consider the updated recommendations for when to spay or neuter. If you’re unsure, ask your veterinarian for advice tailored to your dog.

2. Understand the Risks: While spaying and neutering are important for preventing unwanted litters, delaying the procedure in certain breeds can help prevent long-term health issues. This is especially true for joint problems and cancers.

3. Responsible Dog Ownership: If you choose to keep your dog intact (not spayed or neutered), make sure you manage your dog responsibly to prevent accidental matings. Always leash your dog in public, secure your yard, and supervise your dog closely. You might also consider using products like belly bands or bloomers to manage behaviors like marking or being in heat.

4. Consult Your Vet: Always work closely with your vet to make the best decision for your dog. They can provide you with specific advice based on your dog’s breed, size, and health needs.

Moving Forward

The research on spaying and neutering dogs is still evolving, and it’s clear that timing matters more than we once thought. By staying informed and working with your vet, you can help your dog grow up healthy and happy, minimizing the risks of joint disorders and cancer. With these updated guidelines, you can make an informed decision that’s best for your pet’s health and well-being.

As you continue your journey as a pet owner, remember that the more you learn about your dog’s breed and health needs, the better you can care for them throughout their life.