ALL DOGS: The protection against mammary tumours is highest when neutered before their first season, and evidence shows the protection reduces with each subsequent season.
SMALL AND MEDIUM BREEDS: We recommend neutering at 6months old (before their first season) or between their first and second season.
LARGE AND GIANT BREEDS: Neutering large and giant breeds of dogs before 12months old can increase the risk of orthopaedic conditions, such as joint and ligament conditions and so we recommend waiting until they are 12months old, however, this does provide slightly less protection against mammary tumours.
OTHER: The risk of Golden Retrievers developing one type of tumour (haemangiosarcoma) is higher if neutered later than 12months old, so the ideal time would be at or before 12months old
Rottweilers have a particularly high risk of developing bone tumours compared to all other breeds of dogs, and the risk is even higher in Rottweilers neutered at any age. Due to the potential association between growth plate closure and the risk of bone tumours, we recommend waiting until female rottweilers are 12months