HEALTH
Males:
o Reduced risk of testicular tumors, prostate problems, perianal tumors and hernias
o An un-neutered male is less likely to run off seeking a female, sometimes resulting in car accidents, fights, and getting lost/stolen
Females:
o Reduced risk of mammary tumors, ovarian cancer, & uterine infection (which can be fatal and costly to treat)
TEMPERAMENT
Males:
o When neutered in early life, males tend to be less aggressive and distracted
o Less likely to scent mark
Females:
o Prevents hormonal based mood swings and helps females focus
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH BREEDING
o If complications develop, immediate/emergency veterinary care can be extremely costly
o A female with a litter can become aggressive even towards family members
o Many breeds have a high rate of cesarean sections which are expensive and risky
o If a mother abandons their young, you are left to provide the offspring with formula every 2 hours round the clock (even newborns with an attentive mother can require special formulas, daily weight checks, proper room temperatures and humidity, etc.)
o Deformities can be common in certain breeds
o Puppies are susceptible to Parvovirus