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When should I neuter my Dachshund? Will it affect growth or roaming?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund miniature | Male | unneutered | 5 months and 7 days old

Advice from vet on here, re neutering a Dacshund was: ‘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.’ When do I know when this will be? He is 5 months now. My worry continues to be the slowing down of growth if done too early. He and his sister are together so we wouldn’t want her to be on heat with him around her. Separation may be difficult. Advice please.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 8th, 2018

No, the growth will actually be accelerated, as the dog will grow longer Usually sexual maturity will stop growth, If you remove the testicles, he will never become sexually mature, therefore will grow longer. Have him neutered at 6 months, if you cannot separate him from his sister when she is in heat. Or have her spayed before her first heat, also at around 6 months of age. When he starts roaming, have him neutered. Don't wait until 3 months after starting to roam.

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 8th, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would neuter him between 6-8 months. Dachshunds are small breeds and reach skeletal maturity around then. Watch the sister carefully for signs of her first heat cycle (between 6-8 months). If he is not neutered when she starts her heat cycle and you can not separate them then there is a risk of them mating. It is wise to have him neutered before she starts her heat cycle. To be 100% proactive about this, neuter him now or at 6 months. I wish you the best!

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