I am thinking about getting my GSD bitch spayed, she is almost 15 months old, I just cant decide what to do, if I do go ahead will she change at all? I wouldn't want her to be a different dog!
thanks
K

My bitch has been spayed and i found her to be no different......

Sarah

Sorry there is know way of knowing, some bitches do not change, others return to puppyhood and some become more aggressive. There is a risk of coat change (rare in GSDs) and slight incontinence when older (common in GSDs) but the bitch may well cope with it so you will be unaware unless the urine burns the dogs legs and belly. There is some thought that it may lead to early onset joint problems and other hormone related problems but as a dogs life is short in relation to us it is not normally difficult to deal with.

Both mine have been spayed and there has been no difference in their coats, temperaments, working ability, etc etc just a lot less mess :)

K,

I have never heard of a bitch's temperament changed because of spaying, none of mine every showed any change. Of course, if a bitch is moody with her season that problem goes away, but basic temperament does not change.

Well, I have to amend that statement a bit. My Cairn bitch that was spayed in December now only tries to hump her favourite sofa cushion twice a week - instead of 2-3 times a day. :-) Of course, that could be due to the fact that we are now at the height of squirrel activity in the garden as they hide nuts for winter - the cushion loses out to squirrels every time.

My experience with spayed GSDs and those of owners I knew is that a bitch's coat improves after spaying, with less nonseasonal shedding.

Stacey

One of mine didn't change at all - in temperament or physically. The other (who had previously had a litter - not sure if that made a difference) became much more mellow with other females - which is a plus - and her coat texture has changed completely - which is not!

I think it depends - but certainly the change in hormones can have some noticeable changes in the dog's mood and physical appearance - but she is unlikely to change completely! (Our girl has the same personality underneath it all).

Janet