Spaying Question

[Kaianuanu]

Hi all, I'm new to this forum. I currently own an english pointer but and planning on getting a Drahthaar pup in the future. I was just wondering if spaying a pup before its first heat will affect its development as a field dog. I plan to use the dog mainly for quail, pheasant, rabbit, and ducks. It may possibly run with my uncles hog dog pack but honestly working as a hog dog is not a priority for me. Thanks!

[Stacia]

It all depends how soon before first season, I wouldn't advocate spaying at 4 months! I had my GSPs spayed at about 8 months or so and it did not affect their working.

[Kaianuanu]

Thanks for your response! And also, I think ill end up using the dog for rabbits more than anything, as I'm not a super serious upland hunter, rabbits are plentiful year round, and I'm really looking for a pet that i can have some fun with in the bush. My EP was a rescue at 1.5 years old and she's really got little talent as a field dog. Anyway, What I'm really wondering is if early spaying might cause a hormonal issue that would affect her mental development or maturation as a field dog. I've read that dogs spayed before their first cycle may retain a puppy like personality and i was wondering is this was true.

[Bogtrotter]

Personally I would never (except for genuine medical reasons) spay or neuter a dog before it had reached physical and sexual maturity and in the case of a bitch never before her first season. I see no need or justification whatsoever.

[Stacia]

Nuetering a male dog early does affect their developement, but it is not the same for the bitch. I had two bitches spayed before their first season and two after, I saw no discernable difference. To be on the safe side you could always leave her until after her first season, it is best to spay between seasons, so three months after her season.

[vicky payne]

My extensive research suggests that dogs achieve the best mental and physical maturity by going through puberty. Spaying after 1-2 seasons seems the optimal for medium-large/working breeds. With small breeds and toy breeds there is less maturity to happen (physically or mentally!) so these can be done around 6 months before their first season.

[AlandJake]

My extensive research suggests that dogs achieve the best mental and physical maturity by going through puberty. Spaying after 1-2 seasons seems the optimal for medium-large/working breeds. With small breeds and toy breeds there is less maturity to happen (physically or mentally!) so these can be done around 6 months before their first season.

Sorry to sound thick VP, but would a modern lightly built ESS fall into medium or small category? Unless ESS is captured under "working", in which case I'll just shush and get back in my box.

[vicky payne]

I put any ESS and cockers into the working box!