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Should I wait to neuter my 1-year-old large dog for bone health?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Goldendoodle | Male | unneutered | 11 months and 27 days old | 65 lbs

Hello! My teddy bear goldendoodle is scheduled for his neutering this week and he turns 1 this week as well. I read about large breeds and cons of early neutering on bones/hips plus other negatives. Should I wait a few more months for neutering ? How can I know if I am making the right choice on timing? I am scared to affect his health/life for upcoming years. He is a standard size and 65lbs, stopped gaining weight/growing the last few months. Appreciate your expert advice, thank you!!!

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1 Answer

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Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on October 2nd, 2017

The biggest concerns with large breed dogs are neutering them before their growth plates have closed (as I'm sure you have read). At one year of age and 65 pounds, it sounds like Limon has stopped growing, so we do not think you will get any further benefits to his joints waiting any longer than you have. Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of great research about this subject yet, but I also neutered my dog at 1 year of age because I didn't think there were any benefits of waiting any longer than that in a large breed dog. I hope that was helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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