
Unfortunately many Shelters (UK) will do this (still?), especially spaying, saying it's nowhere near such a big op as when the bitch is older...... I guess it's because all too often, new owners say they will have the surgery done when 'normal', but don't.
From experience, I've found a castrated male is often more likely to be targetted by an entire male not less, because they can't work out what it is!! And then there's the growth plate closure issue ......... ete. etc. I met one Basset who had been castrated at way under a year - so sad for a noble hound, because he remained a 'silly puppy' for life.