Should I wait to neuter my male dog to protect his growth?

Question

I have two dachshunds, 20 weeks and are brother and sister. I’m unable to get a straight answer regarding the right age to have the boy neutered. Even official sites (like Kennel Club) suggest doing it too early can affect growth. Is this true? Can it affect ligaments, frame and muscle development? My concern is the health of both of them but I don’t want to have him neutered too early. Advice appreciated. Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund miniature | Male | unneutered | 5 months and 7 days old

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM · Accepted Answer

If a dog is neutered while juvenile, ie not yet sexually mature or grown up, then the neutering will impact skeletal development. It means that it will take longer for the dog to become a mature dog, and some research shows there may be also a mental development deficiency. However there is no time at which a dog "must" be neutered. I would do that before he gets the idea of roaming, as this can become a habit and then neutering will not influence this behavior. so 1) there is no need to neuter a dog at all unless you want to keep it from learning how to roam or keep it from breeding. Not neutering will not influence his health negatively. 2) if you have your dog neutered you can have that done at any time in his life.

Should I wait to neuter my male dog to protect his growth?

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