Educational Resources

Von Shap Haus shared some great information that she borrowed from original author Rita Romano. Very well explained…

Do not spay/neuter prematurely.

Wait until your dog is done growing. I’ve seen a lot of people asking advice about when to do this so I compiled all my research and conclusions into my notes for this post. 

Why I chose to wait and why you should. 

New research over the past decade has shown that for large breeds especially GSDs, neutering/ spaying too early can increase the risk of several lifelong health problems because sex hormones are essential for normal development. People especially rush with females because they are inconvenienced by their normal bodily functions. If you are neutering early for convenience knowing the risks, you shouldn’t get dogs. 

German Shepherds often don’t reach full physical maturity until around 18-24 months. Waiting until they’re fully developed allows bones, joints, muscles, and endocrine system to mature naturally before hormones are removed. Good veterinarians, orthopedic specialists, and researchers now recommend delaying elective neutering in large breeds like German Shepherds until after skeletal maturity. If your vet is telling you to neuter before 18 months, go to a new vet. 

More in depth explanations that you can look into on your own time. 

1. Growth plates and joint health

Testosterone and estrogen (sex hormones) don’t just control reproduction. They tell a puppy’s growth plates when to close. If those hormones are removed too early, the long bones continue growing longer than they should. That can change the angles of the hips, knees, and elbows, altering how weight is distributed through the joints. In GSDs, a breed already predisposed to orthopedic disease, this can increase the risks Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Cranial cruciate ligament (ACL/CCL) tears, Earlier arthritis… all of these issues can shorten your dogs life and ruin quality of life. 

2. Increased cancer risk

Several studies have found higher rates of certain cancers in dogs neutered before maturity, including osteosarcoma (bone cancer), lymphoma, mast cell tumors, and hemangiosarcoma. Sex hormones help regulate immune function and normal cell growth, so removing them too early may eliminate some of those protective effects.

3. Urinary incontinence

Hormones also help maintain the muscles that keep urine in the bladder. Dogs, especially females, that are sterilized very young have a higher risk of developing urinary incontinence later in life. If you were annoyed by your dogs menstrual cycle, you will really be annoyed by this. 

4. Metabolism and endocrine health

Neutering reduces a dog’s metabolic rate by roughly 20-30%, meaning they burn fewer calories at rest. Without adjusting food intake and exercise, they’re much more likely to become obese. Early neutering has also been associated with increased rates of hypothyroidism and other endocrine disorders in some dogs. Some people don’t exercise and overfeed their dogs to begin with so if this happens that’s going to ruin ur dogs quality of life more. 

5. Brain development and behavior

The brain continues developing well after puppyhood. Just like how human’s frontal lobes don’t develop until their 20s. Testosterone and estrogen influence confidence, emotional regulation, learning, and neurological development. Studies have linked early neutering in some dogs with increased fearfulness, anxiety, reactivity, noise sensitivity, and in some cases earlier cognitive decline as they age.