It had been quite some time since I saw Lemon and Apple sprint across the field, but watching those pointers work their muscles was a sight to behold. The power and intensity in each stride made it feel as though I were watching bodybuilders in action. Their enthusiasm was palpable, but once they settled into their task, I knew we were in for a performance to remember.
A distant quail called out with a loud ‘Bob-WHITE!’ echoing across the field. From the direction of the call, it seemed a covey was nestled in the millet, lespedeza, and Johnson grass. I looked to whistle the dogs, but by the time I turned, they were already there, on point.
Bob, who was watching with me, shook his head and mumbled something under his breath.
“What’s that you’re saying, Bob?” I asked.
“The owner had those dogs neutered,” he said with a sigh. “Ever since, they haven’t been worth a lick. It’s a shame because they used to be great.”
This wasn’t the first time I had heard such a sentiment. Over the years, I’ve heard similar comments about the effects of spaying or neutering on hunting dogs. Like Bob, my stance had always been firmly against it, unless there was a medical reason involved. In my experience, unless a dog’s performance had declined, it wasn’t due to spaying or neutering. And despite common belief, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to show that spaying or neutering negatively impacts performance. But let’s take a closer look at what we do know, with the hope of balancing our discussions on this complex issue.
Spaying and Neutering: What Does It Change?
Dr. Johnny Myers, an expert in bird dogs and the owner of Animal Kare Clinic in Paducah, Kentucky, doesn’t believe there’s sufficient evidence showing that spaying or neutering negatively affects performance in gun dogs.
“I can see why owners might be concerned,” says Dr. Myers, who also works as a Eukanuba Pro Veterinarian. “The surgery is irreversible, and removing a male dog’s testicles or a female dog’s ovaries and uterus can seem drastic, especially when the dog’s behavior and performance might be impacted. But from my clinical experience, I haven’t seen any data that supports the idea that neutering or spaying directly impacts performance.”
For male dogs, neutering involves the removal of the testicles, which produce testosterone. Testosterone plays a significant role in the physical characteristics of male dogs, contributing to muscle mass, bone density, and their behavior. Many believe that this hormone’s influence is why male dogs perform better in physical tasks, like hunting. Similarly, for females, spaying removes the ovaries, which produce hormones like estrogen and progesterone that influence behavior, especially during heat cycles.
While much has been written about the effects of spaying and neutering, the research often focuses on behavior and health. Few studies directly measure how these procedures affect athletic performance in dogs, and those that do are typically breed-specific. More research is needed to make general claims about the impact on performance across all breeds.
The Impact on Performance
Dr. Christine Zink, D.V.M., Ph.D., has studied the effects of spaying and neutering on canine athletes for much of her career. According to Dr. Zink, while spaying or neutering changes a dog’s behavior, it doesn’t necessarily reduce their performance.
“Spaying or neutering alters a dog’s behavior, especially when done at an early age, before bad habits can develop,” Dr. Zink notes. “Neutering often reduces male-to-male aggression and decreases interest in females, while spaying eliminates the temperamental changes associated with a female’s heat cycle. While these changes can help with focus, they do not automatically translate into reduced performance.”
Indeed, one of the significant advantages of spaying or neutering, particularly for females, is the consistency it brings. A female dog in heat can become distracted by her hormones and may struggle to maintain focus during performance. Similarly, male dogs may lose interest in their work if there is a female in heat nearby. Spayed or neutered dogs, free from such distractions, are often more consistent in their performance.
However, this doesn’t automatically mean spaying or neutering will improve performance—it simply eliminates distractions. Whether these changes lead to better performance ultimately depends on the individual dog and its environment.
When to Spay or Neuter Hunting Dogs
While spaying and neutering do not inherently reduce a dog’s performance, the age at which the procedure is performed may have a more significant impact. The idea of spaying or neutering a dog before puberty (usually between six to eight months) has been challenged. Studies have shown that early spaying or neutering can alter the dog’s normal growth patterns, especially when it comes to the skeletal system.
Skeletal Issues from Early Neutering: Several studies have looked at the impact of early spaying and neutering on orthopedic issues. For example, one study by KR Salmeri and colleagues found that puppies spayed or neutered before seven weeks had abnormal growth patterns, with longer, thinner bones than intact dogs. Another study, examining 203 agility dogs, found that early neutering led to disproportionate leg bone growth. These studies suggest that early spaying or neutering could lead to an increased risk of orthopedic injuries, particularly in performance dogs that rely heavily on their physicality.
The Cancer Connection
Studies on the link between spaying, neutering, and cancer are inconclusive, with some studies suggesting that spaying and neutering increase the risk of certain cancers, while others show that these procedures help reduce the risk of reproductive cancers. Dr. Zink’s research on vizslas, for example, found an increased risk of certain cancers in dogs spayed or neutered at an early age. However, a study from Brown University indicated that spaying and neutering reduce the risk of cancers related to the reproductive organs, like ovarian, uterine, and prostate cancers.
How Does Spaying and Neutering Affect Attitude?
Behavioral changes following spaying and neutering are often noticeable. A 2021 study on canine behavior found that neutering reduced undesirable behaviors in male dogs, such as excessive barking, roaming, and aggression. These changes could be beneficial in a working or competitive environment, where focus and self-control are important. However, it’s essential to remember that not all dogs experience the same behavioral changes after spaying or neutering.
The Bottom Line: Deciding When to Spay or Neuter Your Dog
The decision to spay or neuter your dog should be based on a combination of health, behavior, and performance factors. For dogs involved in performance activities like hunting or competition, it’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian about the optimal age for spaying or neutering. Many experts recommend waiting until a dog is at least 16 to 18 months old, particularly for females, and after the dog has gone through one or two heat cycles.
Ultimately, spaying and neutering can offer many health benefits, such as a reduced risk of certain cancers and infections. However, it’s essential to weigh these benefits against the potential long-term effects on growth, behavior, and performance. For many owners, the decision will depend on their specific dog’s needs and whether they’re aiming for athletic performance or general health and wellbeing.
In conclusion, while spaying or neutering may not directly affect your dog’s performance, it’s crucial to understand the timing of the procedure and how it could impact your dog’s growth, development, and behavior. As more research becomes available, we may gain further insight into the effects of these surgeries on athletic dogs and other performance-driven breeds.
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