My boy has been studding for 12 mths and thrown some outstanding pups, but I am considering retiring him as although he has the same loving nature I am finding it virtually impossible to keep the weight on him.

Maybe it is just because things are getting on top of me at the moment as both of my girls are in season (my more dominant one brought herself in 3 days after the other, 2 months early). I am mating one of my girls this week and my stud had a booking 2 weeks ago with a difficult, uncertain maiden and he really had to impress her and woo her and was shattered. The problem with my stud is that now, with 2 girls in season, he is dropping weight by the day and living on a few mouthfuls of food. I am having to coat what little food he is eating in dripping to concentrate his calories.

He is also incredibly attentive when his pups arrive. He is the best indicator as to when my girls will have their pups as from 3 days prior he will not leave the bitches side at all and when the pups are here he is constantly checking on them with every squeak they make. He is like a neurotic, fretting father. He is just so thin at the moment and I can see the outline of every muscle. I'm wondering whether it may be kinder to get him neutered but I don't know wwhether with him already being used If he would still react the same the in season bitches.

Has anybody had their retired stud neutered and how did it affect them. Your experiences would be very much appreciated.

Can't help much but why not just rest him for a few months , i doubt neutering him would make much difference  but i am sure someone will come along with more advice for you.

not really an issue in our household as although we have 4 males, all who have sired litters, they havent sired more than 3 litters in their entire lives and certainly some of the older boys have had 6 years or so since siring a litter without it causing them or us any problems.

> Has anybody had their retired stud neutered and how did it affect them. Your experiences would be very much appreciated.

One of my boys has only ever been used once.  He is super active, and I always mention to the vet when he has his boosters that I worry about him being skinny.  But I have never had him castrated, and he lives with males that are used quite often.  They were always fed together, and he seemed to stand back until the other 2 had finished.

I don't like dogs castrated if it isn't essential.  He is now fed seperately, and his appetite is improved.  He's a slow eater, but now he is fed alone, he can take his time.  Not being used at stud doen't seem to bother him in the least, and I don't intend to have him neutered now that I know we have a way round it.

I know it doesn't mean it's the answer for your boy, but this is just my experience.