I had never even heard of this practice of spey/ neutering prior to homing, would not do it myself, and am very reluctant to take anybody's word that this is a harmless easy procedure to use on a tiny puppy, what experiences have any puppy buyers had who have bought very young pups operated upon for neutering purposes before they were homed? My interest in this is particular with reference to larger breeds, such as the labrador, or even large cross breeds, but I would value your experiences in any breed.

Personally I wouldn't buy a tiny pup that had been neutered or spayed and none of the breeders I know would contemplate putting pups through this before rehoming them.

Thannkfully I haven't heard of anyone that woudl do this or Vets suggesting it.  Most do push for new owners to neuter and often before 6 months of age, and despite my advice to the contrary, at least 3 of my pups were done at 5 months of age, two males and a bitch.

both the males grew into tall gawky adults with very narrow undeveloped heads ans lacked bone and had big shapeless bodies.  the little bitch at 3 yrars old is very leggy and immature in body, but have nagged them to kep ehr weight down.

Oh Gosh, that is tragic. :-(

I've recently read that somewhere, can't remember where, but I don't think it will ever become common practise in the UK, it's almost barbaric to do that to a pup I feel.

I don't know.  Are we just being squeamish?  I think I will keep an open mind as to whether it is any different to spaying before the dog is mature anyway.  I will certainly be interested to hear any responses that Carole gets although I'm not sure they will be any on a largely UK based site.

breeders of aus labradoodles have agreed to do this with all puppies born. i think that if you use a aus labradoodle at stud you have to agree to it aswell maybe even sign something.

So much for developing it as a breed :rolleyes: :D
If it is a straightforward procedure with a good post operative recovery rate I can see that it would have benefits for rescue puppies where concerns about physical appearance are very much sencondary to welfare issues.

It's getting to be quite common amongst cat breeders here in the UK to spay and neuter before pet kittens are sold, and indeed several large organisations are now in favour. However perosnally I am against it for two main reasons. 1. The extra stress it causes  as in cats it can mean serious problems and 2. How do you know for certain what is just going to stay a pet and what will develop into a stunning animal that would be a credit and asset to the gene poool? How many people buy a pet then get the show bug?  And as for pups, dogs are a totally different kettle of fish to cats when it comes to neutering and I couldn't imagine it done to a pup OR youngster -see no big difference between 8 weeks and 6 months really.

I mentioned a couple of days ago about reading on a breed specific web site that a breeder in the States has all her pups neutered before rehoming them, when I think how tiny a dachsie pup is at 8 weeks I find it quite horrifying. They are all obssessed over there about neutering even before the dogs are anywhere mature, it really angers me, I have given up explaining why it shouldn't be done so early and showing them articles to support what I am saying.

Rhona