Heavier mixed-breed dogs have higher health risks if neutered or spayed early, according to a new study from researchers at the University of California, Davis. The study found mixed-breed dogs weighing more than 44 pounds as adults are at higher risk for one or more joint disorders if neutered before 1 year of age. Dogs weighing up to 43 pounds had no increased risk for joint problems. The study was published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
It’s standard practice in the U.S. and much of Europe to neuter dogs by 6 months of age. This study, which analyzed 15 years of data from thousands of dogs at UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, suggests dog owners should consider their options carefully.
“Most dogs are mixed breeds,” said lead author Benjamin Hart, distinguished professor emeritus at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. “We hope this study will influence the spay or neuter process in order to give people wishing to adopt a puppy the time to make an informed decision on when to spay or neuter.”
Researchers examined common joint disorders including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament tears, a knee injury, in five weight categories. They also looked at risks of mixed-breed dogs developing cancers based on weight but found no increased risk in any weight category compared to intact dogs.
The risk of joint disorders for heavier dogs can be up to a few times higher compared to dogs left intact. This was true for large mixed-breed dogs. For example, for female dogs over 43 pounds, the risk jumped from 4 percent for intact dogs to 10-12 percent if spayed before a year of age.
Neutering policies should be reviewed
“The study raises unique challenges,” noted co-author Lynette Hart, professor at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. “People like to adopt puppies from shelters, but with mixed breeds it may be difficult to determine just how big the dog will become if you don’t know anything about the dog’s parents.”
Neutering prior to adoption is a common requirement or policy of humane societies, animal shelters and breeders. The authors suggested the policy be reviewed and modified appropriately. Shelters, breeders and humane societies should consider adopting a standard of neutering at over a year of age for dogs that will grow into large sizes.
Lynette Hart said the study is especially relevant for people and organizations raising service dogs.
“They need to take a serious look at this,” said Hart. “Joint disorders can shorten a dog’s useful working life and impact its role as a family member.”
A previous study conducted by the UC Davis researchers found health risks based on neuter age varied greatly depending on the breed of the dog.
DoggyMom.com 
Early neutering is something that has concerned me. Many, many years ago I adopted a dog from the rspca as a pup with the obligation that she either be spayed by our vet or returned to them to be spayed when old enough. My current dog was barely three months when we adopted her and I was a little surprised that she was already spayed, which seemed rather young. I always thought that you should wait until at least 6 months but preferably a bit longer, allowing the dog to reach full maturity. I can certainly see the benefits of avoiding unwanted puppies but I do worry a little about the tendency to spay early.
While I am happy to see research on this topic, the sad reality is that many (most?) re-homing agencies cannot guarantee unwanted puppies when the animal isn’t de-sexed at adoption. Many owners, despite good efforts to manage their dog, may face an unwanted pregnancy thanks to a dog escaping or meeting another dog who is not under effective control by its owner. I have clients who have a very secure living arrangement for their dog and, because of that lifestyle, they have been able to wait to de-sex their dog.
I guess until we can guarantee responsible ownership this will always be an issue. My previous two female dogs had reached maturity before desexing, and we managed to avoid pregnancy. I am curious to see if there are differences with Ada given her early spaying. So far the one thing I have noticed is she seems to be maintaining a puppy like personality and I am wondering if this influenced by the early spaying, but so many things could be influencing that.
Yes spaying early is defineltly preferable to producing unwanted pups.