A friend has a 5 mth Dobe bitch, she has been advised to get her spayed before her first season.  I've always been led to believe after the first season is better (and after 18mths if possible).  I've advised her to discuss with the breeder but in the meantime can anyone tell me the pros and cons to both?

I spayed a 4 ½ month old bitch, before her season. She never grew up mentally, and other dogs have never been able to work out what she is -a puppy or an adult? hence she's always been bullied. Everyone dislikes her. She's 8 years old now and has not changed since she was spayed. I'll never do it again.  She's far too insecure for a start. She has a 2 years old half sister (same mum) who isn't spayed and even she is far, far more grown up. She's not like a perpetual puppy either, but a perpetual teenager, so no plus points at all.

Our vet always like to spay after a first season. Unless there is a problem beforehand, he won't do it before.

IMHO spaying, if it is decided is necessary, should never be before the animal is mature in the case of a Dobe about two and half.

I was also told by my vet to have our GR bitch spayed at 6months old she is now 8 months old and after posting a thread on here a while back ( spaying at 6 months) we will not being doing it until she is at least 2. Have a look back at the thread, I got loads of fantastic advice.

This article gives a balanced view: http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/LongTermHealthEffectsOfSpayNeuterInDogs.pdf

Thanks everyone
I've forwarded her a link to your thread Bracey, some interesting info in there