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Is it risky to buy a puppy with an undescended testicle?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Entlebucher Mountain Dog | Male | unneutered | 2 months old

I'm in the process of purchasing an 8 week old Entlebucher Mountain Dog. I was just notified that one of the puppy's testicles has not descended yet. I've read the higher risks of testicular cancer. Is this a purchase I should walk away from? Not looking to breed. I would have the pup neutered regardless. That's not an issue.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Rosemary Barber, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 27th, 2017

Hello! Well, there are different ways to look at this. Definitely, having an undescended testicle complicates the neuter surgery, provided it doesn't descend in the next few months. Instead of being a relatively quick procedure, this if often an abdominal exploratory. Sometimes, the missing testicle is just found in the soft tissues near the scrotum, but sometimes it is up in the belly. As long as the testicle is found and removed at neutering time, there is no further concern, as far as I know! But, it does complicate things a little! So, it is up to you! Best of luck with your decision!

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