Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We have an 8 month old GSD at the vet today for neutering. I am feeling such guilt over this as he is gorgeous and would have made such beautiful puppies!!! We were told that GSD's are predisposed to hip dysplasia and they really can't tell until the dog is 18 months old or so. Well I don't think I would have a house left if we had to wait that long to mate him. He is very anxious and hyper wanting to get out and run, etc. He just seems so frustrated.
So I guess I am just looking for some support today, as I am having quite a tough time thinking of him at the vet's today.
Thanks!
Lisa

Neutering is a pretty routine thing now a days, I'm sure he'll be fine.

At 8 months, wanting to get out and run is normal for an energetic puppy.

Breeding a dog is so much more involved than "let's make beautiful puppies". Since you have a male, it would require you to look for a female, then the female owner would have to "approve" your dog..You'd also have to show OFA's of hips/elbows and any other health clearances, (if the female owner doesn't, why would anyone take the chance and breed to her? irresponsible in my book)

While I think health clearances are most important, temperament is a huge issue with me, beauty isn't everything, I want a sound solid dog who is as near perfection as it can get.

I could go on and on, about why breeding a 'nice beautiful gsd' is not the greatest thing in the world, but to suffice it to say, I tell people who would like to use my male, "go get one where he came from..because you admire him, doesn't mean he'll produce himself,,his parents on the other hand have a better shot of producing 'him' than he does"..

So you did the right thing, there is enough GSD's in rescue who need a home. There is such an abundant amount of breeders out there to choose another dog from.

OH just on a side note, keep him toned down for a week or two (I'm sure your vet will tell you this)..My male was neutered when he was almost 3, he got out on me after 4 days of rest and one maniacal run around the yard did him in,,his 'sac', grew larger than pre-neutering (YIKES) and filled with fluid, had to be drained off, which I'm told is not uncommon with males who don't keep it toned down for a few days)

good luck with your boy
diane

Hi Diane,
Thanks so much for your reply. It really made me feel better about today. Gunner did just great and is home and kind of groggy and quite tonight, and I will take your advice and probably keep him on leash even when we are out in our backyard for a few days. All the vet said was keep him quite for a day or two, but that's easier said than done!
Anyway thanks again and I think we did the best thing for our boy.
Lisa

Lisa,

It's tough and I understand wanting pups out of a great dog, but there are always related dogs out there. Altering really is a kindness to a dog.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles