I have a 9 month old Rough Collie male. He is a pet, we do not intend to show him or breed from him. I am unsure whether or not to have him castrated. Are there any health or temperament issues which are specific to this breed? I have had very contradictory advice from owners of other breeds. He is a bit of a 'teenager' at the moment, given the chance he will try to mate with any dog we come across when out walking, and has once or twice tried to do the same to my husband! Other than that he is a lovely, well-behaved dog and has shown no trace of agression. He has recently become nervous of loud noises which did not seem to bother him when he has smaller. Is this connected to his age? Would castration help this or make it worse?
Any advice would be gratefully received.Thanks.
Joanna

Hi Joanna

I would advise you to avoid castration if at all possible - in some cases (although not all) it can make the coat very woolly and hard to manage.  Obviously if there's a medical reason or a real temperament problem as he grows on, you may need to consider this, but if not I would say no.

At 9 months he is no doubt 'feeling his feet', as most males will.  I would suggest that you just keep on top of him, make sure he knows you're in charge and let him know kindly but firmly what is and is not acceptable behaviour.

Nervous of loud noises - well, he's a Collie, and they can be great wusses :D - don't make a fuss of him to 'comfort' him through it, act as normal and if anything keep the noise level up a bit - bang around at home etc.

Why don't you join the board so you can post any other specific questions and join the chat - there are many knowledgeable people on here, in all breeds and specifically in Collies.

Marina

I too would say unless you have a reason, don't do it. There is no reason to think that castration will change his behaviour and some times it extends the teenage stage. Most dogs get away with being castrated but a few don't and can finish up on a cocktail of drugs for the rest of their lives, so if there is no real reason, don't do it.

I had both of my males castrated, for no other reason, but to avoid them getting testicular cancer.
It has made no difference to their coats, nor have they put weight on. In the future i will always castrate, but this is my personal choice.

How long ago did you do it?

Are they of a long-coated breed, Snoopy?  As above, some Collies' coats are not altered, but if this one is at 9 months, that's (hopefully) 12+ years of difficult coat care. :D

I had my two lads both castrated the beginning of last year. One's a wire hair and the other is long. They were both aged 4 when i had it done.

well going by the Rough collie bitches I know then spaying has definitely made the coats wooly and I would not choose to spay again unless for medical reasons.Gillian