Should I neuter my 6-year-old male Chihuahua? What are the benefits?

Withering of male dogs is advised between 4 and 6 months of age. Here is wonderful resource to explain the many benefits; https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-great-reasons-to-spay-or-neuter-your-pet/ The only behaviors that will be affected by castration are those that are under the influence of male hormones. So for example, a dog’s temperament, training, and personality, are related to genetics and upbringing, not hormones. Neutering does not “calm” an excitable dog, and unless a castrated male dog is overfed or underexercised, there is no reason for it gain weight or become inactive. The undesired traits which are related to male hormones such as sexual behaviours, aggression, and urine marking will change over the course of a few days to a few months. I hope that is helpful information!

Neutering will decrease testosterone levels which can in turn decrease chances of aggression, so any dog that is intact and is having aggression issues, neutering is recommended. That being said, sometimes the behavior becomes more of a habit and because of this, neutering isn't a 100% guarantee to fix the issue, but it is at least the first step.

If you do not plan to breed him then it is best to have him neutered. He is a small breed dog so his size and proportions will not be altered by getting fixed at his age. Getting him fixed early decreases the chance of prostate problems and behavioral problems such as marking and aggression. There have been new studies in golden retrievers that seem to support an increase in ACL ruptured and bone cancer but the studies are newer and we are still learning about it and there are no results published in small breed dogs. However small breeds dogs are not prone to that injury to being with so you will have less to worry about. Based on this research, I would recommend getting him neutered now as the benefits are greater for your small breed dog

Great question! There are both health and behavioral benefits to neutering Buster. If you neuter him, you will eliminate the chance of him developing testicular tumors later in life, and you decrease the risk of prostate problems later in life as well. In terms of behavioral benefits, it will stop him from wanting to roam to find females to mate with, decrease and possibly eliminate territorial urine marking, stop him from jumping on your Akita, and can lead him to be better behaved. I would highly recommend having him neutered if you aren't planning on breeding him.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your question. There are certain health benefits for neutering dogs. Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) and certain testicular tumors can be prevented by neutering dogs. However, dogs can also live happy and normal lives intact. Behavioral problems such as territorial aggression and marking may be reduced by neutering dogs as well. Once neutered, Dante will not behave more like a female, this is a misconception and does not happen. He may become more calm and not as hyper or aggressive once he is neutered and this is due to the reduction in circulating hormones following removal of the testicles. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Castration will have the following benefits: No more icky discharge from the penis or prepuce, no incentive to roam and look for females, if the dog shows some aggression, castration will usually lessen aggressive behavior. A lot of entire males are constantly upset and excited if they smell females in heat ( and the smell can travel for a mile and more), No chance of making babies. Here is more info by the ASPCA: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/spayneuter-your-pet

He should be castrated. Twelve is not old for a small breed dog and age, in itself, is not a disease. If he is otherwise healthy he should be fine for surgery. Castration, in general, is a very short procedure.